Thread: should i get rid of the straight for a de?

Perhaps, change your paradigm and ask yourself, should I be looking for a better job that will not only allow, but require me to straight shave frequently?

Seriously, though. Yeah. the clogging.

I still hang onto my cartridge to finish up some really awkward growth at the neckline that I just haven't figured out the right angles(pun,,,nyuk, nyuk).

Cheers,

ok i think im gonna do like suggested and try out a de before ditching the straight.

i think i like the 3 piece over the butterfly for its less moving parts and being less likely to loosen up.

should i get an aggressive or mild cutter for thick hairs on a thick beard? i also have sensitive face skin if that matters (which is the whole reason for getting away from cartridges).

can i get a variety pack of blades? i see a blade can make or break the razor as well so i need to find one that suits my face better.

Look for sampler packs of blades on Amazon. They're relatively cheap. I would go for aggressive if you're hacking off a lot of beard growth as I think it has more room between the shaving edge and the razor frame. I would think it would clog up a little less.

I think a Slant razor (Merkur) maybe a good choice, love mine, an aggressively Smooth shavers.
I'd definitely get a variety pack, every ones skin is different and a blade that suits you will be easier to pin down.
I use Feather (Yellow pack), and Astra platinum (green pack), Also tried Personna and they seem to be nice

Originally Posted by V3nom

ok i think im gonna do like suggested and try out a de before ditching the straight.

i think i like the 3 piece over the butterfly for its less moving parts and being less likely to loosen up.

should i get an aggressive or mild cutter for thick hairs on a thick beard? i also have sensitive face skin if that matters (which is the whole reason for getting away from cartridges).

can i get a variety pack of blades? i see a blade can make or break the razor as well so i need to find one that suits my face better.

Not that I have used one, but perhaps an adjustable D/E might be the go.

so blade gap determines the aggressiveness, such as the distance between the blade and comb?

Some of your questions don't make any sense. It's as if you've never shaved before yet you clearly have. Nothing shaves or shapes 2, 3 or 4 week old beards you mention like a straight. I shave with both straights and DE's and enjoy them both. Keep your straight, get a DE, double your pleasure in finding the paths you like the most.

Shaving can either be a dreaded chore or a hobby to be enjoyed. The choice is yours. Shucks, if you wanna sharpen up an old rusty hunting knife or frog sticker, then shave with that if it makes you happy. Or don't shave at all. If your wife likes her man bearded then make that woman happy and be a happy man.

+1. A straight will most definitely be better at cutting off a beard. I just recently used my straight to completely remove my 4 month beard. Easy as pie.

I'm about 50 shaves into using a straight and over the past week I feel like I have moved from beginner to intermediate. I'm faster and the shaves are smoother and closer. I also used a DE for about 3 years before trying straights.

I gave up on the straight about a year go and have just come back to it. I'm glad I did. I have a beautiful NOS Gotta 120 that shaves superbly.

My advice is keep the straight gear but try out a DE (which will also have a learning curve if you've never used one before).

Then decide what you like better.

Good luck

V3nom: Shaving should be considered a "beard reduction program". If you have a full beard, take some clippers to it first no matter if you are using a DE or straight. Removing a beard, for me, requires me to do a bit of prep first. First I clip it down with the clippers. I personally will condition the heck out of it in the shower after I have double shampoo'd my head and face. I will let the conditioner work while I wash the rest of myself. Then I will rinse, towel dry the body & head, but not the face...it stays wet. I immediately whip up a good lather in my bowl that has been sitting in a trickle of hot water. Then a shave is done the same, no matter if a DE or straight (98% of the time): One pass north to south (wtg), from the ear to the chin (xtg), and then south to north (atg). This is always done with a new blade or sharp razor.

You might just need your razor honed/touched up as it's real easy to mess up a blade. If you would like I would evaluate your edge to let you know if the edge is good or not & if not, I will properly hone it if you cover the return shipping. Remember, it takes about 30 shaves to "get it right" and for all the skills to come together. As mentioned before, a straight isn't for everyone for a number of reasons.

Originally Posted by shooter74743

V3nom: Shaving should be considered a "beard reduction program". If you have a full beard, take some clippers to it first no matter if you are using a DE or straight. Removing a beard, for me, requires me to do a bit of prep first. First I clip it down with the clippers. I personally will condition the heck out of it in the shower after I have double shampoo'd my head and face. I will let the conditioner work while I wash the rest of myself. Then I will rinse, towel dry the body & head, but not the face...it stays wet. I immediately whip up a good lather in my bowl that has been sitting in a trickle of hot water. Then a shave is done the same, no matter if a DE or straight (98% of the time): One pass north to south (wtg), from the ear to the chin (xtg), and then south to north (atg). This is always done with a new blade or sharp razor.

You might just need your razor honed/touched up as it's real easy to mess up a blade. If you would like I would evaluate your edge to let you know if the edge is good or not & if not, I will properly hone it if you cover the return shipping. Remember, it takes about 30 shaves to "get it right" and for all the skills to come together. As mentioned before, a straight isn't for everyone for a number of reasons.

I'd take this offer...Scott can put a beautiful edge on a razor!

His advice is sound as well.