Straight Razor Place Forums

adamround · 01-05-2009, 07:55 PM

I've been using a straight razor for a couple of months now and I have no idea what the fuss is about. I use a razor with disposable blades and use new ones each time. At first i thought it was better but the only reason seems to be the fact that you take more care over it and do it more than once (i.e. with the grain then against) I've tried the same method of doing it more than once with a normal disposable razor and if anything it was closer and definitely a lot quicker.
Prove me wrong but it just seems to be that people want it to be better. Or is it just that everyone finds it more fun using one even if it isnt as good? Not trying to be abusive, i'd be thankful for any feedback. Thanks

Adam

JimmyHAD · 01-05-2009, 07:59 PM

Welcome to SRP. Different strokes for different folks. I haven't had the same results as you have described. After 45 years of shaving with various tools I find the straight razor the best I have experienced. Use what works best for you.

KristofferBodvin · 01-05-2009, 08:01 PM

Well, perhaps you should try shaving with a straight a bit longer than a few months before having a strong oppinion on it.It takes time to learn you know.Also shave prep and having a keen edge on your razor is of critical importance.That being said, straight shaving isn't for everyone,but I'm never going back.Good luck!

smokelaw1 · 01-05-2009, 08:01 PM

Well, all I know is that with proper prep, a truly sharp razor, and proper care, I can get a better, closer, more comfortable, longer lasting shave with a straight razor than I ever did in years of disposable shaving, or with a DE razor.

Oh, and I love the connection to the more classical, time-tested, traditional art of shaving.
And that it is badass. I do love that it is badass.

fccexpert · 01-05-2009, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adamround

I've been using a straight razor for a couple of months now and I have no idea what the fuss is about. I use a razor with disposable blades and use new ones each time. At first i thought it was better but the only reason seems to be the fact that you take more care over it and do it more than once (i.e. with the grain then against) I've tried the same method of doing it more than once with a normal disposable razor and if anything it was closer and definitely a lot quicker.
Prove me wrong but it just seems to be that people want it to be better. Or is it just that everyone finds it more fun using one even if it isnt as good? Not trying to be abusive, i'd be thankful for any feedback. Thanks

Adam

Yeah, your probably right. If I use the same care and technique (mug and brush, proper stretching, etc.) with a Mach III I get the same quality of shave. Straights are way cooler though, and that's good enough for me.

sidneykidney · 01-05-2009, 08:03 PM

Thats certainly an interesting theory adam. I understand what you're trying to say about the whole psychosomatic 'it must be better cos it should be better' thing. I dont agree with you, but I respect your opinion. To be honest it just isnt for some guys. I would tentatively ask if you've done all the appropriate prep.... shave ready razor etc.... but assuming you have....

You know like I say some guys just dont want to do it. Thats fine. Thats why the safety razor was invented. Like it or not straight razor shaving is a skill and to do it well it needs to be learnt. Some guys dont want to take the time to learn. Its no skin off my nose. All the more straight razors for me

I do find it sad however that your experience with a straight wasnt as enjoyable as most peoples is. But bear this in mind- most people who try it and do it right do find it an enjoyable experience. I guess at the end of the day its not about which way is right and which way is wrong. Its about what is right *FOR YOU*.

If you do find you want to give it another try and persevere then i'll offer any help I can.

And if you just want rid of your razor I can find a place for it too

BTW- what make is it?

bpave777 · 01-05-2009, 08:17 PM

I generally have a policy about feeding the trolls, but I'll assume you're trying to be legit. That said...

...you're not doing it right.

hoglahoo · 01-05-2009, 08:26 PM

One man's rubbish, another's treasure

gssixgun · 01-05-2009, 08:30 PM

As always with everything related to shavedom YMMV. But personally speaking from disposables to electric to straights back to disposables (no Internet back then to find more straights) then back to straights, I absolutely positively disagree... In fact my face disagrees, it loves starights....
But "to each their own" as the saying goes....

BTW will you be selling yer straights??????

netsplit · 01-05-2009, 08:35 PM

Hey,

What razor + equipment do you have?

If your interested in getting rid of it, give me a PM

Joed · 01-05-2009, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

Welcome to SRP. Different strokes for different folks. I haven't had the same results as you have described. After 45 years of shaving with various tools I find the straight razor the best I have experienced. Use what works best for you.

+1 on Jimmy's comments.

Good luck with what ever you end up shaving with...or maybe you'll just go with a beard.

Most of us here know better, probably because we we took the time and interest to 'learn the skill' and it has become a way of life for us.

Have a good life.

ChrisL · 01-05-2009, 08:58 PM

I agree, different strokes for different folks. If other shaving methods give you the results you're looking for, then you should go with that method with no worries. It took longer than a few months for me to get the knack of achieving a close, comfortable enjoyable shave which itself requires mastery of prep, stropping, maintaining the blade edge, etc. Can't put the cart before the horse.

Rest assured though, thousands of us guys around the world who shave this way daily aren't sticking with it because we like to imagine that we're getting great shaves but really aren't.

Chris L

fpessanha · 01-05-2009, 08:59 PM

One thing I've learned in almost a year of straight razor shaving is pacience. This isn't - today... - for everyone. If you are a "rush it" kind of guy you are better off with a Mach3 and foam from a can. Then again, as Bjorn said... your're not doing it right. There's a lot to know... simple things but many things. This is a skil that has to be learned. If you think a straight is just like any disposable razor you are wrong. There is beard prep, there is stropping and there is honing... and it has to be wet!
I've tried several methods of shaving before I decided to give the straight a try. I did and I'll never go back. Because it's the best way to shave. And this is not a biased oppinion. The straight is the ultimate adjustable blade and to use it you have to wet shave... Again, you must be doing something wrong, buddy!
If you are willing to give it another chance please feel free to lurk around and, of course, ask questions. You'll find a willing and helpful bunch in here.
Good luck!

jnich67 · 01-05-2009, 09:00 PM

If I read your post correctly, you are using a "straight" that takes disposable blades - eg. a shavette. I've never tried one, but I've read that the experience and feel is very different from a traditional straight - lighter, etc.

That being said, it's always been my opinion that if all you care about is a good solid shave, then use a DE - Its quicker, easier and you get a great shave without paying a fortune to Gillette. I enjoy the trappings of a straight razor and I get the best shaves from them, but they are not for everyone.

Jordan

nun2sharp · 01-05-2009, 09:10 PM

Adam, get rid of the disposable and get a real straight, then come back and talk rubbish.

ChrisL · 01-05-2009, 09:16 PM

I didn't pick up on what Jordan appears to have picked up on. Adam, you're using a straight razor style shaver which uses disposable blades only rather than an actual straight razor?? Please clarify.

Chris L

Philadelph · 01-05-2009, 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bpave777

I generally have a policy about feeding the trolls, but I'll assume you're trying to be legit. That said...

...you're not doing it right.

Bjørn I wanted to up your rep but I couldn't since I already had! Amazing though- I highly agree!

Bruno · 01-05-2009, 09:28 PM

Well, I agree that with correct technique, lather, etc... a mach 3 will shave really well.
And straights have a learning curve, and sharpness and stropping are significant challenges.
But for me, I find that I get much smoother shaves with a straight. I have a sensitive skin, and in order to get decent mach 3 shaves, I needed to replace the blade quite often.
I maintain my straights myself, so the cost is much smaller (primarily because I am not a collector).

But even if it was not the price or my skin, I simply enjoy shaving with a straight. It is my relaxing half hour, 3 times per week in the evening. It is my time then. And I enjoy every part of it. With a mach3 otoh, I regarded shaving as a chore.

nun2sharp · 01-05-2009, 09:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Philadelph

Bjørn I wanted to up your rep but I couldn't since I already had! Amazing though- I highly agree!

I went back and did it for you!

mlangstr · 01-05-2009, 09:47 PM

I found that with straight razor shaving you get back what you put into it.
If you take the time you get a great shave.. If you hurry you cut yourself... if you hone your own razor you will have to learn to shave with a smile on your face .. the process is more important to me than the result.. (which is gettting better every shave by the way)

If you get a great shave from M3's and think thats the best a men can get... wel what the heck.. go for it..

I'll just go hone my ancient razor and enjoy the sound of the stubles screaming while they jump into the lather.

Maarten