What are the benefits of a straight razor over a DE? i just jumped in wanting a straight, and was wondering about the main differences and benefits of each.
I find that a straight shave lasts longer, and I like the feel of a straight razor better than the feel of a DE. For me those are the main differences. That said, you're still going to have to pry my Fatboy out of my cold dead fingers! One of the best things about wetshaving is that there are so many fun ways to succeed at it. Best Regards goshawk
Straights take more maintainence than DE's by far. Maintaining the edge will call for stropping, paste and honing as well as oil like Sterol to keep corrosion and rust away.Also staights are more fragile than DE's , chip the blade and thats a problem. It takes the novice more time to get a comparable shave with a straight versus a DE. Straights can cut and leave a scar, DE's don't. On the plus side the straight has a history in shaving that demands respect and partcipation. The straight shave feels like one is more connected to the shave , once you can use the razor well it feels like you actually can accomplish more with it than a DE. I would highly recommend you get a straight or two and enjoy it. I know you are looking. I'd try the DOVO 6/8 from Royal Shave. Use the coupon code LUCKY17 , 17% off, the razor goes from 75 to about 60 , its a very good first razor and gets you started. Royal Shave are good to buy from.
ANY blades can cut/scar if you aernt paying attention SE: more forgiving nicks n cuts than my DE handle
I agree: I've got a scar from using a DE (razor slipped and 'dabbed' my face), and even from a cartridge razor (when I was just starting out shaving). Carelessness with any sharp instrument could lead to scars. That being said, Hanzo is right to mention that the possibility of a cut, if you're slightly careless, is higher with a straight than with safety razors. Open blade + carelessness = potential for problems. I use straights, and I'd say that you can get great, long-lasting shaves with a straight - given the proper edge on your razor and (most importantly) the proper experience and technique. It can take a while to get the technique right, though (months). You can get as good a shave with DE's and SE's as you can with a straight. I find that the right DE razor will give you as long-lasting a shave as a straight will (I prefer the New Deluxe + Iridium Super blades, but your preferences may be different). Most SE razors are pretty aggressive, and will shave you every bit as close as a straight. The choice is yours. I use all three types of razors (and variations), just for the variety. If I don't get a good shave with a razor, it's most likely because of my technique than anything else, and I can generally figure it out with the right amount of work.
Imo folks who use str8's enjoy a bit more dangerous excitement in the art of wet shaving. It's a steep learning curve and yes you will bleed the first few days. After you've gotten the hang of it, it'll get more relaxing, and a bit more therapeutic. Some argue one offers a closer shave than the other and vise verse. It really just depends on your skill level. I've gotten bbs using both. One just takes a little longer than the other. During the work week i shave with my de. But on the wkends when i have a bit more time i use my str8.
