Thread: Closeness of a once-over?

I started out with a Feather for much the same reason that you stated. I was interested in a better shave, and drawn to the idea of using a straight, but not sure about honing, stropping etc.

To answer your question, I would say that your results for a one pass Feather shave will be better than with a disposable. Closer, less irritaion etc. Obviously, a multi-pass Feather shave will be quite a bit better. This assumes that your technique is up to the task, because I will tell you that a Feather is not hard to use (super light pressure is key), but it is very unforgiving of sloppy technique.

In my opinion, both the Feather and a conventional straight will yield BBS shaves, no problem. However, I find that a shave with a conventional straight lasts longer and I enjoy it quite a bit more. The whole process that I was unsure of in the beginning has become a lot of fun for me and I prefer the feel of a conventional straight by far.

In any case, dump the disposables and cartridges. Even if you went to a DE, or better yet, an injector you would be making a big step forwards. And, when you're ready, the straights and SRP will be here for you. You've got a lot of shaves ahead of you, so you ought to learn to enjoy them.

I've been shaving with a straight razor for two months and haven't yet come close to perfectly smooth skin in one pass with the razor. Well, it's smooth in the direction of the hair grain at least, which was all I ever considered when I shaved with a disposable.

One pass is enough for some, but I doubt that is a rule

I use regular straight razors, probably not as sharp as a Feather with a new blade, and once over works just fine for me. My shaves typically last about 36 hours. It's all about technique.

Originally Posted by fccexpert

My shaves typically last about 36 hours. It's all about technique.

Perfect technique won't slow down hair growth rate. That factor is different for each individual

I'm 49, and I find that, except for my Adam's apple area, a quick once-over is sufficient. Of course, I've got a full beard, and only shave my cheeks and neck. I've never gotten a close shave around my Adam's apple, as the hair grows in a bad direction (out horizontally away from the AA), but that was true with my Trac II as well.

I get it closer with my straight, and that is the only place I regularly do more than one pass.

Jim

If you can find 30-45 minutes anywhere in your day, go through the whole process. When you're first learning to use the straight, it will take you that long anyway. I've seen a few pictures of people who rushed a straight shave which resulted in a nice GASH in their face.

If you really want to do this, take your time. This is something to be ENJOYED, not rushed.

My 2¢.

I regulary shave one pass only. I think it is enough for every day "use", and when I want to get closer shave, I just moisten my face with water, and shave where needed, no lathering...

nenad

Originally Posted by cwrighta70

If you can find 30-45 minutes anywhere in your day, go through the whole process. When you're first learning to use the straight, it will take you that long anyway. I've seen a few pictures of people who rushed a straight shave which resulted in a nice GASH in their face.

If you really want to do this, take your time. This is something to be ENJOYED, not rushed.

My 2¢.

Agreed. Its quality time and well spent.

That said, I found that after a few months of learning I was able to get a good regular "workday" quality shave with one pass. Certainly as close as I used to get with my trac ii, but not as good as a proper multi-pass shave.

Jordan

Thank you to everybody who responded. I've decided that at this point in my life I don't have the time or the patience to take up straight razor shaving, although at some point I'd like to.