Thread: Should I shave with a straight every day whilst learning?

I'm having pretty good results for a newbie (after the first bloodbath!), and am getting away with minimum razor burn, and only a few small nicks.

Obviously I want to learn as quickly as possible, but I wonder if shaving every day with a straight with my less than perfect technique is a problem?

What is the general consensus- shave with a straight and then give your face a few days of DE to recover before the next one, or just man up and push on?

Here is Lynn Abrams on beginning to shave with a straight razor. I followed that routine more of less for my first couple of weeks of shaving daily with a straight and finishing with a DE. I gradually got all of my shave area with the straight and put the DE away and haven't touched it since. The only way to develop technique is to practice.

If you want to avoid nicks and cuts read my sig below and follow the advice.... works for me when I follow it.

I just started using a straight about 2 weeks ago and I had similar issues. Since i didn't ever destroy my face too badly, I basically gave it a go with the straight razor every other day, with no shave on the off day. It helped me learn pretty quickly without tearing apart my face.

Everyday for me since day 1, never had a serious mis-hap, altho I do wear a moustache, soul patch and Goatie combo so its easier (far easier) than a full face shave, TBH the facial hair I wear is constantly under threat, Man I just dont have enough face to shave!!...lol

Good luck, stick with it, and welcome to the only real way to Shave

i wouldn't 'push' anything. if you are getting good results keep at it and you'll be getting better. if you are not getting very good results try to change one thing at a time. if your face doesn't like it, stop and try again after it recovers.

I started VERY slowly and I am glad I did. No rush...

Begin shaving with the straight where you are confortable. Then finish with the DE.

I constantly evaluated what I was doing and made mental notes of what I wanted to do differently next time. A kind of trial and error along with a lot of good advice from the Forum members.

Now I am only shaving with my straight and I love every shave!

Enjoy!

I dove right in, and stuck with it. Touched up with a DE, but shaved with straights exclusively. Not for the weak of heart, but if you're getting good results already, why not?

I started about six month ago and have built on what I was comfortable with. I am just now getting the ATG pass on the nick down. This site is a great place to learn the guys here are great with the help. Just go slow and stay with it you will be fine. And don't be afraid to ask questions on need for help and this site. Good luck

When i started, i decided the best way to pick it up would be to rely on it. I shaved only with a straight. If i'd messed up & my skin needed a break, i was in a position to just not shave. If your skin's finding it hard to adapt, there's no problem with easing into it a little more though. Maybe use a DE when you're pushed for time or sore. Just keep it enjoyable!

My advice: do whatever you are comfortable with.