Musings; DE to Straight Shave

Sean Quagmire

Even Before I began using a safety razor about 6 months back I've always had my eye on a straight Razor. There’s something really vintage about them, and as a man it's really satisfying when you manage to get a decent shave from one.

I have been getting superb results from my Safety razors.
I have 2, a Parker 65r and a Muhle R106. So why bothering to learn how to use one of these weapons? To prove I can do what men did 100's of years ago.








The first time I used the straight It came 'shave ready' from the invisibleedge.co.uk. I didn’t shave for about 4 days and had a nice scruffy look going on - perfect.





Biggest issues for me were: How do I hold right it for each part of my face, what hand do I use, how do I maintain the correct angle? Well In truth it was in practice seeing what works for me. The youtube videos helped but when using one of these it's all personal preference.

I found this way worked for me:





I lathered up the same way I would with a DE. My first shave wasn’t great, very patchy. But my 2nd and 3rd I managed a WTG and ATG on the cheeks. the results were very good, not BBS but very close and no cuts?! I finish up with a rub with an Alum bloc - lovely!





To keep a keen edge on the razor I will strop in about 10-15 times before I shave and a few times right after when I clean it.



They say you cut yourself with a straight when you get complacent and cocky. Maybe in a few months

Overall I’m chuffed with the straight. The results are really good and the shave is very enjoyable. Way more fun to use than a DE.
However I get BBS with a safety razor every time and I think it’ll be a while before I do the same with a straight.
Its certainly worth giving it a go if your looking for a new learning project.

Amalgam

Sadly, I don't think I have the patience to strop, let alone hone a blade.

CrowdedHouse

Fair play to you OP

I must admit I'd like to give a straight a shot but I'm not sure I'd have the patience to acquire the skill - shaving,stropping let alone honing.

I HAVE to shave in the morning I'd feel like a tramp if I didn't.The DE takes up enough time as it is,wouldn't like to rush a straight shave.

I do intend buying one just to have.

Cabaal

CrowdedHouse wrote: »

I HAVE to shave in the morning I'd feel like a tramp if I didn't.The DE takes up enough time as it is,wouldn't like to rush a straight shave.
.

Tell me about it, didn't shave today and feel like a tramp
Straight razor would take a crazy amount of time as is I'm stuck for time in the morning so I think I'll be sticking to a DE for the time being.

Though I did buy a parker shavette thing a few weeks back I've not at the time or patience to try it yet properly

Shaving.ie

CrowdedHouse wrote: »

Fair play to you OP

+1
Keep us updated on your progress.

Michael G

I bought a Dovo straight a few months back with a paddle strop. I found the strop difficult to use and I was afraid I might have spoiled the edge so I sent it to be rehoned and sharpened by this excellent outfit in the UK: http://www.theinvisibleedge.co.uk/. It has arrived back in beautiful condition and I am now waiting for a hanging strop which I bought on eBay.

I have had some wonderful results from the straight but it is difficult to get the angle right and the risk of over-shaving is greater, in my experience, than with a DE. Obviously a matter of practice; I had the same problem when I started using a DE earlier this year. I have seen somewhere that the angle with a straight is right when you are almost using it just to wipe off the lather.

I too have been having perfect shaves with a DE, especially since I got rid of my big useless lump of a Vision and replaced it with a long-handled Progress. But I use the straight when I have lots of time and a steady hand (the first normally happens at weekends but doesn't necessarily coincide with the second), and I want to keep at it until I get it right. For me, using the OP's term, it is a "learning project".

Graymavyn

Since a few people have said they'd be interested in using a straight blade razor but lack the knowledge or skills I thought this might be handy.
It's a guide to the proper way to strop, hone and hold the razor.

http://www.executive-shaving.co.uk/shavepedia/Cut_Throat_Razor_Guide#section5

Also if you head up to Waldorf's Barbershop in Dublin Liam will usually be happy to show you how to use one properly. You might want to call first and ask if he's free at a certain time. The Waldorf also put up shaving videos on youtube, just search for Waldorf.

Sean Quagmire

I have the stropping and Shaving down the next thing is finding the right Hone for me and how to use it in practise.

I might pop into that waldorf barber when its not too busy and ask the guys there.