[SIB]

When i dont have the time to enjoy a straight razor shave i will use a Merkur open comb barber pole with a derby blade,(hands down my favourite double edge razor).
I will do the same ritual of prep and lathering followed by a 3 pass shave.
I really like the weight of this razor, its weight is all you need to get a very close irritation free shave , the secret is to use no pressure whatsoever.

I would also use it sometimes after a straight razor shave if i want a really close shave, i will do my 2 pass shave with the straight (one with the grain and another slaightly across) and then i will go against the grain with the merkur.
i find this takes care of any spots in hard to reach areas that otherwise would be a problem with the straight and leaves me with bbs in any direction.
I find it a very usefull tool to have close hand.

Hopefully i am not banned of the forums and get called a cheater for admitting to this...
Be well guys!

[Potato42]

After getting my "beginners kit" from you, I've had only a marginal degree of success with a straight. Don't get my wrong, I love the whole process but I have a lot to learn before I'll get an excellent straight razor shave! I've been using a *gasp* disposable razor and it doesn't sit right with me. I've thought about buying a DE razor like the Merkur to get myself some decent shaves the traditional way.

Do you think it might be a bit easier to learn how to get a good smooth DE shave than with a straight? I'm learning more and more every shave about creating lather, which direction to shave, proper angle, pressure, and most importantly, which scents the ladies like

[Kaifa]

I use DE when I'm too late and the other option would be going out without shaving.
I use a Merkur HD, or a Gillette SS Red tip (1955), with Derby blades.

Straight shaving is a ritual, if I have to cut it down and maybe I've no time to properly strop, shave and clean/oil the razor, then I prefer to switch to a DE.

[poona]

I went from Mach3 > DE > Straights, so I will never slam the DE experience. Was enjoyable and most beneficial in teaching me to use a light touch and stretch the skin etc. Techniques still needed with straights.

It also provided me with the knowledge of creams, soaps and brushes etc.

Don't think I'll ever switch back but the DE guys have a wealth of knowledge to add.

[freebird]

Same here, although I prefer my straights, if I'm rushed I'll grab a vintage gillette and not worry too much. I've got several DE's that I use, a couple of Fat Boys, a few techs, and a hanfull of SS's. I collected DE's prior to going staight.

[matt]

Originally Posted by SIB

When i dont have the time to enjoy a straight razor shave i will use a Merkur open comb barber pole with a derby blade,(hands down my favourite double edge razor).
I will do the same ritual of prep and lathering followed by a 3 pass shave.
I really like the weight of this razor, its weight is all you need to get a very close irritation free shave , the secret is to use no pressure whatsoever.

I would also use it sometimes after a straight razor shave if i want a really close shave, i will do my 2 pass shave with the straight (one with the grain and another slaightly across) and then i will go against the grain with the merkur.
i find this takes care of any spots in hard to reach areas that otherwise would be a problem with the straight and leaves me with bbs in any direction.
I find it a very usefull tool to have close hand.

Hopefully i am not banned of the forums and get called a cheater for admitting to this...
Be well guys!

I touch up with a DE ATG quite often as well. I do the same 2 pass shave as you and the DE really cleans things up nicely. It is a touch quicker than a straight on the third pass but not quite as comfortable.

[LX_Emergency]

Looks like there's a lot more closet DE users than I thought......I'm not one of them bytheway....but congrats guys. Stick to what works.

[poona]

LOL@Vlad!!!

[Ockham]

I've been through many shaving tools: electric - Gillette 2 then 3 blades (first without then with brush and cream) - DE and straight.

I like to shave with a DE (a Merkur Vision, birthday present from my wife; its weight is just perfect for me)... it was the first way I've found to get rid of razor burns and ingrowing hair (a real discovery ). Sometimes, I'm still shaving my three passes with the DE, just for fun or when I'm in a hurry (or when it's so d*** hard to wake up )

But with the straight I can have an even more smooth shave... but a little less clean (still have to improve my technique). So actually, when I need a really close shave (what is not that often) I really like to make two WTG passes with my straight, and one pass ATG with my DE... With this ritual, I have a wonderful shave, I think even better than the three passes with the DE only (or at last it feels like it... that's what is important, no ?)

[matt]

But with the straight I can have an even more smooth shave... but a little less clean (still have to improve my technique). So actually, when I need a really close shave (what is not that often) I really like to make two WTG passes with my straight, and one pass ATG with my DE... With this ritual, I have a wonderful shave, I think even better than the three passes with the DE only (or at last it feels like it... that's what is important, no ?)

I shave that way sometimes myself and the results are definitley better then when using the DE alone. It really is true.

[sensei_kyle]

Originally Posted by Kaifa

I use DE when I'm too late and the other option would be going out without shaving.
I use a Merkur HD, or a Gillette SS Red tip (1955), with Derby blades.

Straight shaving is a ritual, if I have to cut it down and maybe I've no time to properly strop, shave and clean/oil the razor, then I prefer to switch to a DE.

I'm with you. The Merkur HD with Derby blades is a great combination. I've tried Merkur & Feather blades, but Derby performs so well in this razor.

If I have to properly enjoy myself, then straight shaving is great. If I'm in a hurry it's DE only. If I'm going for ultra BBS, then straight & DE shaving. Some of the hair on my neck grows at a bad angle, and I can't get a true ATG pass with a straight.

[hoglahoo]

I had never used anything but a twin bladed disposable until I started using a straight a couple of months ago.

I like to allow half an hour for my shave, but usually I only have about 15 minutes. This morning I only had 5 minutes, but I still lathered, stropped, & made a quick one pass shave that was enjoyable and left a clean even shave perfectly presentable for work. For me, 5 minutes is quick enough. No reason to spend more $ on something that will let me shave in 3 minutes.

It works for me!

[gary haywood]

I use derby double edges in my merkur 42 and don't think you will ever get a straight razor to shave as close as a db i've got some realy sharp straights and i love shaving with them and i get very good shaves but with an extra pass but it when i switch to my db you defanatly notice the differance.

[trewornan]

I love the shave I get from a straight but I've always got my DE for those days when I'm in a rush, or when I've had a particularly good time the night before. Sometimes it's just a better idea to go with a DE and in those cases it's not cheating it's common sense. Having said that I can't remember how long ago I last used my DE - months I guess.

Nice to hear so many people on here saying they like the HD/Derby combination as well I've tried all sorts and never found anything to beat it (other than a straight of course).

[Brad]

I still occasionally use a vintage DE with Feathers. I think the shave is closer but does not last as long as a BBS str8 shave. Not sure why this is, but it seems the case for me. I also will sometimes use a DE to clear the corners of my mouth, or right below the jawline. The other one I will do, is if I find a rought spot when applying balm or AS Conditioner, I will hit the area with a DE to clear it. I can do this with no irritation since the area has been sufficiently knocked down with the DE.

[SIB]

I agree with everything you guys have said.
I think i have found my comfort zone in doing the 2 pass with the straight and then sometimes use the de when wanting bbs....its because of it that i havent tried to perfect my technique by getting down that 3rd pass with the straight, that 3rd pass going against the grain has always been a hard one to conquer.

It is my experience that if doing a single pass shave , the shave is gonna be closer if i use the straight, also that if i do the 2 pass straight one with de, the bbs lasts a little bit more than by using 3 passes on de only...also the 3rd pass is always more comfortable(against the grain) having used the straight in the first 2...i guess is due to beard reduction.

Does anybody here do the 3rd pass against the grain with a straight?
if so...whats the learning curve? any tips.
And for the record....If i have the time i will always use a straight..i really enjoy the whole ritual,its a very dear hobby to me.
The level of satisfaction is comparable to none.
Be well guys.

[mischievous]

Originally Posted by SIB

Does anybody here do the 3rd pass against the grain with a straight?
if so...whats the learning curve? any tips.
And for the record....If i have the time i will always use a straight..i really enjoy the whole ritual,its a very dear hobby to me.
The level of satisfaction is comparable to none.
Be well guys.

I do on my neck but the growth pattern makes it a combination ATG and XTG. I have to lay the blade flat against my skin to shave otherwise it catches and I raise the hairs up with the skin and cause cuts and burning. I have a tough beard and on my neck, it's like steel. I haven't had a blade yet, a straight that is, that can go ATG at 30 degrees in that area. I have great shaves and can go ATG no problem after two days of growth but then it's a real challenge to not burn or irritate my face.
I'm going to try this 2 pass str8 and one pass DE ATG and I'll report back. I think this may help when I have to shave several days in a row.
I still consider myself a newb with a straight so take my experiences with a good dose of skepticism.

[GollyMrScience]

I have used DE all my shaving life. 36 years of shaving. Dabbled with disposable blade straights to sort of test the waters and then transitioned to traditional straight.
The DE traditional shave uses everything a straight does for soaps, brush etc so is a good training and recruiting venue for straight users.
The DE and the traditional wet shave methods were very easy to use in the transition period to straight. That part where you get only so far into the straight shave and then find you arent comfortable with what comes next. Out comes the DE to finish the shave. Each time a little more straight and a little less DE.
I especially felt good about the shaves I could complete in comfort when I had painted myself into a corner with the straight as I learned.
For me to get a BBS shave I have to go against the grain and that was a big learning curve with a straight. Could not get angles right so the DE could be brought out then to finish the job.
I still reach for DE when really in a hurry or to clean up some whiskers that slipped by earlier inspection. Sometimes I opt of a DE shave just ....because.
And that is the joy of this shaving thing. Whatever works for you and makes your shave enjoyable is the way to go. In the days of straights only you had to use a straight now I have options and I enjoy using those options as the mood strikes.
So if you like the feel of both a DE shave and a straight does that make you Bi-Sensual?

[uk_HBer]

I wish I could say I get BBS with just the straight, but considering I'm still 'learning' as such, I use the Merkur/Feather combo to get the required finish .
I do hope that my technique will improve, so that I can achieve BBS with just the straight......that's my goal , I guess..............gotta love it!

[Philadelph]

I use a DE... never.

But hey, that's cool if you like 'em... I guess. lol