Mild shavers

R

R181

Grumpy old man
Nishy said:
I do somewhat agree, definitely an open blade so no classification of OC/SB and blade gap. However, I find different steels and grinds to behave differently and affect the comfort level of a straight razor. Let's face it anything that is not properly honed isn't going to be comfortable, so perhaps this is the most important factor. Japanese or Swedish steel, larger than 6/8 with a heavy grind feels more comfortable on my face than a 5/8 stainless steel blade with a hollow grind. Both honed by myself in the same manner (laps and progression), both razors being in very good condition.

I do also agree that most DE and SE feel comfortable once one becomes competent in using a straight razor.
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Yes, straight razors are a breed to themselves. Yes, different grinds and steels behave differently but as you say and I'd agree, the most important factor is giving the razor the honing it needs to give a comfortable shave. Personally, I happily shave with any grind or steel so long as I can put an edge on them that they need to give me a comfortable shave. I do not always succeed but the fault is mine for not doing what the razor needs for honing, not the razor's.

Add to that, a razor that I find comfortable to shave with others may find too harsh or too dull. That boils down to the greatest variable in shaving, everyone is an individual with different needs and likes. It all makes for an interesting time.

Bob
 
Nishy

Nishy

Forum GOD!
Staff member
R181 said:
Yes, straight razors are a breed to themselves. Yes, different grinds and steels behave differently but as you say and I'd agree, the most important factor is giving the razor the honing it needs to give a comfortable shave. Personally, I happily shave with any grind or steel so long as I can put an edge on them that they need to give me a comfortable shave. I do not always succeed but the fault is mine for not doing what the razor needs for honing, not the razor's.

Add to that, a razor that I find comfortable to shave with others may find too harsh or too dull. That boils down to the greatest variable in shaving, everyone is an individual with different needs and likes. It all makes for an interesting time.

Bob
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Couldn't agree more, point in question, proven by how a well honed Gold Dollar (approx £5.99) can feel as good as a £300+ mint NOS high end straight. Again technique is king, I suppose with the added addition of honing technique as the blade isn't 'out the box'.
 
Grishnak

Grishnak

Forum GOD!
R181 said:
I'd add that once you become a competent straight razor shaver a DE/SE that most consider aggressive will give a smooth and comfortable shave in your hands.

Bob
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Interesting.
So what I perceive as an unsuitable DE blade or blade razor combination is technique, or lack of?
 
R

R181

Grumpy old man
Nishy said:
Couldn't agree more, point in question, proven by how a well honed Gold Dollar (approx £5.99) can feel as good as a £300+ mint NOS high end straight. Again technique is king, I suppose with the added addition of honing technique as the blade isn't 'out the box'.
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Don't know about Gold Dollar razors having never had one. I have read many varying opinions on them though and will take a pass on them. I have no doubt some can honed well but I am left wondering how long they can hold that good edge compared to a vintage non NOS razor. I think the varying opinions point to QC inconsistencies I'd rather not take a chance on.

Bob
 
Nishy

Nishy

Forum GOD!
Staff member
R181 said:
Don't know about Gold Dollar razors having never had one. I have read many varying opinions on them though and will take a pass on them. I have no doubt some can honed well but I am left wondering how long they can hold that good edge compared to a vintage non NOS razor. I think the varying opinions point to QC inconsistencies I'd rather not take a chance on.

Bob
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Yep they are hit and miss, you can buy them from vendors in the US who have rectified any issues. I just bought mine from eBay, honed it myself. One of the best shavers I own. On the other hand I bought a gold monkey version. Absolutely useless, it has been recycled into a letter opener.
 
R

R181

Grumpy old man
Grishnak said:
Interesting.
So what I perceive as an unsuitable DE blade or blade razor combination is technique, or lack of?
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Good question and possibly so. OTH there are other variables going back to everyone being an individual and what their particular skin can or can't tolerate, type/quality of lather and so on.

Personally, after I became more or less competent with a straight razor using a Gillette Fat Boy set @ 9 became easily possible. Before that it was a setting of 5/6 was the max I'd go. That is after shaving on and off with DEs for about 50 years. Wish I had taken the time to learn proper technique just a bit sooner in my shaving career. :) A straight razor is a good and unforgiving teacher that you have to persevere with.

Bob
 
Nishy

Nishy

Forum GOD!
Staff member
I think it has something to do with my skin 'hardening' or becoming less sensitive to a blade having used a solid thick steel blade for 90+ shaves. Making DE blades feel 'lighter' on the face. Just my opinion and a total gut feeling. They do say the skin has to get used to a straight razor...
 
R

R181

Grumpy old man
Nishy said:
I think it has something to do with my skin 'hardening' or becoming less sensitive to a blade having used a solid thick steel blade for 90+ shaves. Making DE blades feel 'lighter' on the face. Just my opinion and a total gut feeling. They do say the skin has to get used to a straight razor...
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Could well be so.

Bob
 
Dr Watson

Dr Watson

James
R181 said:
Good question and possibly so. OTH there are other variables going back to everyone being an individual and what their particular skin can or can't tolerate, type/quality of lather and so on.

Personally, after I became more or less competent with a straight razor using a Gillette Fat Boy set @ 9 became easily possible. Before that it was a setting of 5/6 was the max I'd go. That is after shaving on and off with DEs for about 50 years. Wish I had taken the time to learn proper technique just a bit sooner in my shaving career. :) A straight razor is a good and unforgiving teacher that you have to persevere with.

Bob
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Possibly some psychology at work also... I found that I was much braver with DE's after learning to shave with a straight. That added confidence really helps get the best out of razors, of course there is a risk of it turning into complacency, then you get bitten.

I speak from experience... Been there, done it and all I got was this lousy facial scar :roflmao:
 
Hectorsgaf

Hectorsgaf

Well used member
Dr Watson said:
Possibly some psychology at work also... I found that I was much braver with DE's after learning to shave with a straight. That added confidence really helps get the best out of razors, of course there is a risk of it turning into complacency, then you get bitten.

I speak from experience... Been there, done it and all I got was this lousy facial scar :roflmao:
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+1 on that. Since playing with straights , DE, SE bear no fear. Swipe boldly and confidently now and for some reason ( with the odd rare weeper now and again ) I am getting less damage than ever before . ........ and yes........ I have the 'scar ', right on one side of the septum trying to go against with a straight under the nose. NEVER again. Bled for hours and took days to mend. :surrender:
 
Dr Watson

Dr Watson

James
Hectorsgaf said:
........ and yes........ I have the 'scar ', right on one side of the septum trying to go against with a straight under the nose. NEVER again. Bled for hours and took days to mend. :surrender:
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They don't call it the "fools pass" for nothing :laugh:

Kudos for attempting it, I've never been that brave :okay:
 
Hectorsgaf

Hectorsgaf

Well used member
Dr Watson said:
They don't call it the "fools pass" for nothing :laugh:

Kudos for attempting it, I've never been that brave :okay:
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Tosser of the year award more like!!! I love using the straight BUT unless I go against then I do not get the bbs that others claim to achieve. This in itself puts straight s to the back of my go to list. With a DE I go on a buff run after a part third neck pass any way. OCD, if I am going to shave then do it properly. I cannot achieve bbs on top lip without going against and that takes a good buff too.
 
R

R181

Grumpy old man
Dr Watson said:
Possibly some psychology at work also... I found that I was much braver with DE's after learning to shave with a straight. That added confidence really helps get the best out of razors, of course there is a risk of it turning into complacency, then you get bitten.

I speak from experience... Been there, done it and all I got was this lousy facial scar :roflmao:
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I guess that is possible too. For myself it was that straight razors taught me about what using no weight on the razor was and how important finding and keeping the correct angle on the blade was. They also taught me not to get complacent while shaving which carried over to DEs/SEs.

Yup. if you get overconfident or complacent while shaving you will get cut no matter the razor of choice.

Bob
 
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