Over the last several weeks I have been shaving exclusively with my straight razor, getting my technique perfected. I have it down really well and really enjoy it, but the other day we were getting ready to go to the movies and my wife asked me, "Are you going to shave?" I answered, "yes" and got an exasperated response, which I in turn responded with a, "I'm going to be done before you, anyway, so it doesn't matter." It may sound like we are arguing or whatnot, but this is all friendly banter. (In case you were wondering) At this point I decided I wouldn't use my straight but go with the DE because of the time issue. I pulled out my trusty SS and loaded it with a Feather that had 3 shaves on it already. I went to work with the SS and I must say that I ended up with a 2-pass, nearly BBS shave that was probably one of the best shaves I've ever had. It was a pleasant surprise and I wasn't sure if it was a fluke or not, so for my next shave I pulled out my Futur and used the same Feather blade. (shave number 5 with it now). Again, one of the best shaves I've ever had. I was excited and really pleased with myself. Now, I usually don't have bad shaves, but theses last two really just so smooth and comfortable. It was beautiful. I started thinking about it and I have to attribute my success to my straight shaving. I think being extra careful with the st8, and really getting the technique down has helped my DE shaving immensely. I'm wondering if anyone else's DE shaves have gotten better after spending some time using a st8? Mine certainly did. p.s. for the record...........I did finish before her. HA!
I cant really say as I started wet shaving with straights (not really used one since DE shaving) I plan to revisit straights in the spring
I can only suggest that one is almost forced to go slower and use NO pressure when wielding a straight. If that carries over into using the DE, then, yes, I can see DE shaves improving after using a str8. I believe too many folks coming from cartridges are used to using pressure and shaving as quick as they can just to get the job done. Can't do that with DEs, SEs or str8s. Gotta take your time with a light touch if you're going to get good results.
I can't say either since I haven't touched my DE since early September, and have no plans to touch it anytime soon.
I agree with Steve on this. I know after having used my str8 and gone back to the DE, I have noticed taking a little bit more time for technique making for at least a DFS if not better. I do know that using a DE is less stressful for me, because I have grown accustomed and comfortable with my technique. The str8 makes me use a heightened awareness, for obvious reasons, than when using my DE's.
I'm happy to hear of this "side-effect" of your straight shaving Tom. I can't offer any helpful information as I've not looked into straights yet (not sure I want to put the time and effort into them at this point), but logically it makes sense. You need more dexterity to wield a straight and that improved dexterity will carry over to using your DE. Congrats!
Its not , straight shaving is easy especially for people like you who have a big interest in shaving. My first straight shave with a professionally honed razor was a complete success no DE needed. I just watched a bunch of videos on shaving with a straight and read about it and on a quiet day went about it. The skill part is the edge maintenance , yep, for the guys who pick that up easy I bow down. What helped me gain confidence with a straight was that I used SE's for a time , since I was mastering all shaving weapons why not the straight? I made a mistake and bought a lot of straight gear and razors but I would tell anyone today just get a nice 6/8 straight one that is attractive and desireable to the user and a strop , study a few videos and start . The idea of shaving with the opposite hand throws some but my experience was I learned that part surprisingly fast and it became easy.
You are a very kind and generous man, Hanzo, and you make very good points and I appreciate your confidence. However, I'm not in your league. Maybe someday I'll try, but for now, I'm happy watching from a distance. That way, I can't put my eye out. Wait, you just tried to enable me didn't you?!
Well my league is the minors because my straight use is occasional and honing embarasses me, it has dealt a serious blow to my whole self image . I don't need to enable you you'll get a straight razor, I think its inevitable.
I can only comment from my buddy experience of a few years with the straight in his younger days.. lol. I consider him to be a highly accomplished craftsman. He fashions the blades for his cooking knives and wood working tools out of old bed springs and saw blades.. says the big blades used in the saw mills are just dandy. My buddy seems to agree with Hanzo that the major skill of the straight shave is really the skills involved with actual blade maintenance. My buddy did say that once you acquire the basic shaving skill for a straight, which he says is not that hard to do, a good shave from it really does depend on how well you strop and hone. He did say that even his own results with blade maintenance were not always as good as he would have wanted and even for him it was tricky at the best of times...
