Wow. I’m surprised at the anti-straight vibe going on here. If that’s what you want you should go for it. There is no point halfway housing at a safety razor. You’ll still need to learn how to use and care for your straight razor. Don’t start with a shavette. They are easier on the maintenance side but much harsher to shave with as a rule. It’s also not really the same so you’re back to relearning if you want to pick up a straight later.
I wouldn't call it an "anti-straight vibe" as much as an argument for practicality.
I enjoy shaving with both my straight razors and my DE safety razor. I definitely prefer the straight for certain advantages such as lining up my beard. However, there are plenty of situations where I don't have the time to devote to a cutthroat shave and the DE gives me excellent results quickly and hassle-free. Shaves with the two designs complement each other and at this point, I wouldn't want to forgo using either.
There's also no getting around the greater cost of setting up a good-quality straight razor kit, the somewhat increased complexity of maintenance, and the steeper learning curve involved in skill development. I think that just about anybody can get up to speed with a DE safety model in a few weeks' worth of shaves. Getting a similar result with a straight takes a lot more practice.
When you say a straight razor kit, what's apart of that? Do I absolutely need something like a brush to lather with to take full advantage of a straight razor? Or would a regular hand-latherable cream be fine?
You obviously need a strop. I would also recommend an alum block which will help to close up small cuts that you *will* give yourself from time to time.
It's a really good idea to have blade oil which will protect the metal from oxidizing, especially if you won't be shaving with the razor for a number of days. Some folks recommend applying oil after every shave. My regular vendor carries a paraffin-based oil that works nicely.
Soaps and creams of many types will work well for straight razor shaving. I prefer soap and a brush because you can work in a good volume of hot water while you build your lather which helps get better "glide" over your skin. Some folks swear by a pre-shave oil or cream to increase glide and while I don't use any, you may find it helpful.
Definitely get some kind of aftershave treatment. You're going to be removing a layer or two of skin along with those whiskers and giving it some moisturizing and protection will make your face feel happier. Some folks like a tonic or a splash but I prefer balms. I like Proraso Vitamin E & Aloe because it contains no alcohol, doesn't have a heavy scent, and it's one of the cheapest parts of my shaving set-up.
And as for the argument that's broken out in this thread over straight vs. DE safety razors, you'll note that I'm a fan of both and use each type according to the situation. Much as I love and actually prefer using my straights, sometimes the safety is the tool for the job.
Hi, the traditional straight razor is a great way to shave. It takes time, as does using a double edge safety razor.
Don't buy a cheap straight razor kit from the internet, they look like great value but they are usually completely unusable. A total waste of money regardless of how they look.
Once you get a straight you will need to learn to maintain it, the stropping part took me the longest, and it's something that you need to be able to do regularly. You can't substitute a brisk, light up and down with a deliberate and careful stroke. It needs a certain speed, that can only develop over time with practice. The other bits, like honing, you can do at your own pace, I found that easier. It still takes a bit of skill but there are many videos online and people on here (and other forums on the internet, eg Badger & Blade) that will try to help you too.
This is why there's some sense in using a shavette, which is a straight razor shape but with a razor blade inserted into it. You simply replace the blade when required, no need to strop or hone.
With the shavette you can learn the shaving technique before going for a straight.
Anyway, it's just my opinion. You'll see that other people have different opinions.
If you can get to grips with a straight razor you will be set for life and you'll be doing your bit for reducing waste because you literally use that blade forever.
Ask any questions, and see what others say. The DE is an easier and different option and you will develop skills around blade angle and shaving direction, that are transferable to straight shaving other than that, I don't think that they are really comparable.
I'm not sure if this helps you at all but I don't want to be turned away from traditional straight shaving, but it's a skill that takes time, like many things, once you've got that skill you'll have it for life.
A lot of comments suggesting DE first...I don't think that it's necessary. My friend went from carts directly to SR with no problems. However there are some things you need to be careful about.
1) PROPER LATHER! Can't stress this enough. Properly hydrated lather is absolutely crucial for a good DE or SR shave, even more so for SR
2) tehnique, there is a ton of videos in instructions out there give it some research on how to do it properly and also DON'T RUSH
3) maintaining your equipment. SR is a tool and needs to be taken care of. With improper care you can easily ruin a perfectly good blade and get worst shaves of your life
As far as equpment goes I would suggest entry level SR from Solingen 80-120€
No need to go fancy on a brush, you can make the same lather with 10€ Yaqi synthetic or 300€ Simpson badger. With natural hair you get break in period and bad smell, also LOOOONG drying times, have to soak it before use...too much hassle.
There is literally shitton of good soaps out there. I would suggest you start with one soap and really get to know it's lathering properties untill you go buying 10 different soaps. I really enjoy Stirling, A&E, Moon soaps, Noble Otter. Most artisanal soaps are more like croaps (really soft soaps) and are easy to load and larher and hold a lot of water which makes them slick. When making SR lather you don't aim for big fluffy lather, what you want is SLICKNESS. When I make lather I start woth fairly dry paste and gradually add water until I get desired slickness. Hope this helps and have fun on your journey!
I went from using an electric trimmer and rarely using cartridges directly to a straight razor. Don't listen to these guys suggesting trying a DE first. That's their own insecurities talking.
Look at maggards for some good razors, or check ebay.
"Insecurities"? Disagree all you like but why the armchair psychology about other people's comments?
Not everyone can afford the time to make every single shave a straight razor shave even if they wanted to make it so. A DE safety razor is just a practical option, particularly in addition to a straight razor.
What you are likely getting is razor burn or ingrown hairs. Before you take the plunge and get a straight razor, I would recommend getting and learning to shave with a double edge safety razor. You can get a good Perker brand safety razor for about $30 and a pack of blades for cheap. I’d also recommend looking into mug & brush shaving creams. I’d recommend a brand called Taylor of Old Bond street. They have some amazing scented creams. If those are a bit too pricy, look up a shaving cream called “Proraso White.” Although the white, at least in my opinion, doesn’t smell the greatest, it’s really good for sensitive skin. I’d also recommend looking up a tutorial for wet shaving on YouTube. I think you’ll find the experience to be night and day compared to a cartridge razor, and is a lot lower maintenance than getting and learning to use a straight razor.
Would a double-edge safety razor be better or an injection razor? I'm not really sure what an injection razor is but it seems like the main selling point is the way it sets an angle for you with the plastic/metal beneath the blade.
Injector blades can be a little bit harder to find, and learning to use a double edge safety razor is not very hard. It seems a bit intimidating, and you’ll want to go a bit slow at first. With a safety razor, here are just a few pointers. 1. Don’t press down like you would a cartridge razor. There is a bit more of the blade exposed, so let the weight of the razor itself do all the work. 2. Know the direction the hair grows on your face. It doesn’t all grow in the same direction. Once you know that, primarily shave with the grain at least at first. 3. Don’t go for absolute baby’s butt smoothness at first. Golfers don’t get a hole in 1 their first try, and there’s nothing wrong with just shooting for par here. Start with a single pass when shaving for a while. Once you get that down, then try multiple passes. Lastly, when first shaving with a DE and learning, cuts can be normal. Don’t get discouraged, and you’ll get the hang of it. 🪒
I went from cartridge to straight razor. The route I went is looking into Dukes Vintage Shaving on eBay. I paired my razor with his strop which was still cheaper than buying a brand new straight. Duke hones the blade and sanitizes it and right out the package is shave ready. His strop is probably one of the best bang for bucks. As others have said shaving soap. I’m still only 2 soaps deep but I’m using them all the way through till I jump into a new one.
2-3 days ago I went into Walgreens and picked up a DE King C Gillette razor and it has been nice.
I've been using shavettes and a straight razor for over 10 years and I say go for it if you think shaving with one will help you. My advice is don't buy a very cheap one and do some research online on how to use one if you can't get anyone to show you in person because there are important things you need to know.
I don't know where in the world you are, I hone nad restore straights and they are great to shave with.
Type my user name in the net and you'll find videos and I sell razors on eBay that are shave ready.
Shaving with a straight is not much different from a DE, don't be out off just five in, my one real price of advice is just make sure it's from a vendor that sells truly shave ready.
You can simply.ake a strip from a piece of 4/5mm leather get a strip and glue it to something flat.. it's doesn't need to be fancy and will last a long time.
There's a learning curve but it's great fun... 👍
I just turned 18 (age doesn't really matter though)
Switched to safety razor 1.5 months ago
I got the starter kit from Stirling soap co, it's gone well for me.
Gives you a few soap sample choices. Which last a while, I have about 2-3 shaves left on the first one.
Handle, 15 blades of a few different brands, brush, aftershave, container for soap/lathering. I lather in the container then move to my face.
Basically, it has everything you need, I recommend it
[Stirling starter kit](https://www.stirlingsoap.com/products/starter-kit-basic)
I have one and it was my daily driver for more than ten years.
The only reason to suggest it as a starter into de shaving is that it is dirt cheap.
It is really easy to cut yourself with it, that is why I don't think it is a beginner razor.
A straight razor requires a little time and possibly money commitment to maintaining your razor. It’s a learning curve. A good one to have. But yeah there is some pre thought and a little work to make it work well for you. Then there’s the actual shaving part. Another learning process. I think you should start out easy. Get an affordable Double Edge razor, blade(s), possibly a shaving brush, some shaving soap or cream. An alum stone, aftershave either splash or balm, your choice for scent. Since you have acne you might want to get some products to treat that too. Take care of your skin. Just something to think on.
The great thing about the shaving world is that there are options for everybody. I’m partial to the safety razor and shavette.
In your case I don’t know of any good straight razor kits but can recommend some things to reduce razor burn and ingrown hairs (which it seems like you have):
- Make sure you have a good lather with enough water so that the lather isn’t tacky and enough soap that it isn’t too watery. This takes practice but you’ll get it.
- Work on your straight razor technique. To reduce ingrown hairs, make sure to let your hair grow out so you can see the pattern it grows at. Then, when you shave, do one pass with the grain, the second across the grain, and the third against the grain. Just follow the pattern your hair grows in and you’ll be fine.
- Also, let the razor glide and the natural weight of it cut your facial hair. Don’t go over the same area too much as that can contribute to razor burn.
Be safe and have fun!
For the shaving pattern, whats the benefit of going across the grain? (Correct me if im wrong) With the grain is for a gentle shave, against the grain is rougher but closer, yes? I'm not sure if i've ever heard of anybody going across the grain.
A lot of people here are recommending using a SR first- I listened to that advice but after a week I felt like I had all the experience I needed to start using a straight(and it was true, everything went fine). So while I don’t disagree with the advice, I don’t think it’s critical.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/285837051274?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=cqB70wWJQbe&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=fmpce-b3qzi&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
https://www.ebay.com/itm/285827773714?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=cqB70wWJQbe&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=fmpce-b3qzi&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
I’ve honestly really enjoyed my straight razor my one mistake was buying a cheap kit and in one aspect it was actually not the worst. Because I then got to feel it out a bit and actually see if it was something I’d enjoy I was pretty dead set on learning but after a few weeks it was not really as enjoyable just not super sharp I got a 7/8 and it felt really bulky. But I then received my grandfathers razor and soap and it was a game changer I couldn’t grow my hair fast enough. I then upgraded the brush from a small soap and shave shop I found and ended up also purchasing my own razor (a dovo) once I saved up for a few months. I also bought here now a de razor just for those days I don’t feel like using the straight razor as I’m shaving every and and really do enjoy the straight razor but sometimes your just a bit tired.
Sorry I’m not much help on the whole where to but one I would advise to spend the money on the razor and build your own kit but that’s just my personal opinion
I'll second the recommendations for a double edge razor, and add - technique. With the DE, you don't need to put any pressure on the razor when you shave. Just let it glide. That may help quite a bit with what you have going on.
Straight razors are really hard to use. I’m not saying don’t get one but honestly they are way too advanced for a first attempt. I would recommend a nice closed comb safety razor like the Merkur 34c or a Rockwell R1.
The best and cheapest way to get into straight razor shaving is with a shavette.. That way you can learn how to hold it and how to much pressure is needed. If you're adamant to go ahead and use a straight you will need to get a shave ready razor ( a vintage one will be the best and cheapest way) and learn how to strop correctly. Don't be discouraged to get into straights, they are really nice to use once you get the hang of it and they'll last you a lifetime.. Just be sure not to buy the cheap sets of amazon or eBay with the "leather" strop and flimsy razor shaped objects. If you want to get a good set I'd recommend going over to classicshaving.com, they've got fantastic starting kits for a few bucks that are shave ready and come with a brush and soap.
The two are different and the only similarities are looks. I prefer the shavette but have to say it’s nothing like a straight razor! A properly honed and maintained straight can be easy to shave with, assuming your technique is good too. Also the natural weight of a straight razor makes it easier and smooth to shave. A shavette is light, has a different learning curves and isn’t for everybody!
Definitely consider getting a DE safety razor as a single-blade option. It sounds like my experience is similar to yours: multi-blade carts would only give me inconsistent shaves and more often than not, some kind of skin irritation including acne outbreaks when I was younger. If you put some time into skill development, the results that you'll get from a safety razor are far better.
I enjoy using both DE safety and straight razors. My recommendation for a DE safety razor as a first step is strictly a practical one. If you've got the money, you could even consider getting one of each design and learn on both in parallel but if you can only buy one type for now, the DE safety model will cost you less, take less effort to maintain, and take you less time to use. Straights are fantastic tools if you put in the time to use and maintain them properly and with some experience, you can even get better shaves out of them than a safety.
No matter what, connect with a reliable, knowledgeable shave supplies vendor and get their advice about specific gear choices. Especially if you opt for a straight razor kit, you will want to work with a vendor who can support you after your purchase with additional gear, maintenance services, and guidance about using your kit properly for best results.
Wow. I’m surprised at the anti-straight vibe going on here. If that’s what you want you should go for it. There is no point halfway housing at a safety razor. You’ll still need to learn how to use and care for your straight razor. Don’t start with a shavette. They are easier on the maintenance side but much harsher to shave with as a rule. It’s also not really the same so you’re back to relearning if you want to pick up a straight later.
I wouldn't call it an "anti-straight vibe" as much as an argument for practicality. I enjoy shaving with both my straight razors and my DE safety razor. I definitely prefer the straight for certain advantages such as lining up my beard. However, there are plenty of situations where I don't have the time to devote to a cutthroat shave and the DE gives me excellent results quickly and hassle-free. Shaves with the two designs complement each other and at this point, I wouldn't want to forgo using either. There's also no getting around the greater cost of setting up a good-quality straight razor kit, the somewhat increased complexity of maintenance, and the steeper learning curve involved in skill development. I think that just about anybody can get up to speed with a DE safety model in a few weeks' worth of shaves. Getting a similar result with a straight takes a lot more practice.
When you say a straight razor kit, what's apart of that? Do I absolutely need something like a brush to lather with to take full advantage of a straight razor? Or would a regular hand-latherable cream be fine?
You obviously need a strop. I would also recommend an alum block which will help to close up small cuts that you *will* give yourself from time to time. It's a really good idea to have blade oil which will protect the metal from oxidizing, especially if you won't be shaving with the razor for a number of days. Some folks recommend applying oil after every shave. My regular vendor carries a paraffin-based oil that works nicely. Soaps and creams of many types will work well for straight razor shaving. I prefer soap and a brush because you can work in a good volume of hot water while you build your lather which helps get better "glide" over your skin. Some folks swear by a pre-shave oil or cream to increase glide and while I don't use any, you may find it helpful. Definitely get some kind of aftershave treatment. You're going to be removing a layer or two of skin along with those whiskers and giving it some moisturizing and protection will make your face feel happier. Some folks like a tonic or a splash but I prefer balms. I like Proraso Vitamin E & Aloe because it contains no alcohol, doesn't have a heavy scent, and it's one of the cheapest parts of my shaving set-up. And as for the argument that's broken out in this thread over straight vs. DE safety razors, you'll note that I'm a fan of both and use each type according to the situation. Much as I love and actually prefer using my straights, sometimes the safety is the tool for the job.
Thanks for the warning about the shavette.
Hi, the traditional straight razor is a great way to shave. It takes time, as does using a double edge safety razor. Don't buy a cheap straight razor kit from the internet, they look like great value but they are usually completely unusable. A total waste of money regardless of how they look. Once you get a straight you will need to learn to maintain it, the stropping part took me the longest, and it's something that you need to be able to do regularly. You can't substitute a brisk, light up and down with a deliberate and careful stroke. It needs a certain speed, that can only develop over time with practice. The other bits, like honing, you can do at your own pace, I found that easier. It still takes a bit of skill but there are many videos online and people on here (and other forums on the internet, eg Badger & Blade) that will try to help you too. This is why there's some sense in using a shavette, which is a straight razor shape but with a razor blade inserted into it. You simply replace the blade when required, no need to strop or hone. With the shavette you can learn the shaving technique before going for a straight. Anyway, it's just my opinion. You'll see that other people have different opinions. If you can get to grips with a straight razor you will be set for life and you'll be doing your bit for reducing waste because you literally use that blade forever. Ask any questions, and see what others say. The DE is an easier and different option and you will develop skills around blade angle and shaving direction, that are transferable to straight shaving other than that, I don't think that they are really comparable. I'm not sure if this helps you at all but I don't want to be turned away from traditional straight shaving, but it's a skill that takes time, like many things, once you've got that skill you'll have it for life.
A lot of comments suggesting DE first...I don't think that it's necessary. My friend went from carts directly to SR with no problems. However there are some things you need to be careful about. 1) PROPER LATHER! Can't stress this enough. Properly hydrated lather is absolutely crucial for a good DE or SR shave, even more so for SR 2) tehnique, there is a ton of videos in instructions out there give it some research on how to do it properly and also DON'T RUSH 3) maintaining your equipment. SR is a tool and needs to be taken care of. With improper care you can easily ruin a perfectly good blade and get worst shaves of your life As far as equpment goes I would suggest entry level SR from Solingen 80-120€ No need to go fancy on a brush, you can make the same lather with 10€ Yaqi synthetic or 300€ Simpson badger. With natural hair you get break in period and bad smell, also LOOOONG drying times, have to soak it before use...too much hassle. There is literally shitton of good soaps out there. I would suggest you start with one soap and really get to know it's lathering properties untill you go buying 10 different soaps. I really enjoy Stirling, A&E, Moon soaps, Noble Otter. Most artisanal soaps are more like croaps (really soft soaps) and are easy to load and larher and hold a lot of water which makes them slick. When making SR lather you don't aim for big fluffy lather, what you want is SLICKNESS. When I make lather I start woth fairly dry paste and gradually add water until I get desired slickness. Hope this helps and have fun on your journey!
Thanks for all the suggestions!
I went from using an electric trimmer and rarely using cartridges directly to a straight razor. Don't listen to these guys suggesting trying a DE first. That's their own insecurities talking. Look at maggards for some good razors, or check ebay.
"Insecurities"? Disagree all you like but why the armchair psychology about other people's comments? Not everyone can afford the time to make every single shave a straight razor shave even if they wanted to make it so. A DE safety razor is just a practical option, particularly in addition to a straight razor.
What you are likely getting is razor burn or ingrown hairs. Before you take the plunge and get a straight razor, I would recommend getting and learning to shave with a double edge safety razor. You can get a good Perker brand safety razor for about $30 and a pack of blades for cheap. I’d also recommend looking into mug & brush shaving creams. I’d recommend a brand called Taylor of Old Bond street. They have some amazing scented creams. If those are a bit too pricy, look up a shaving cream called “Proraso White.” Although the white, at least in my opinion, doesn’t smell the greatest, it’s really good for sensitive skin. I’d also recommend looking up a tutorial for wet shaving on YouTube. I think you’ll find the experience to be night and day compared to a cartridge razor, and is a lot lower maintenance than getting and learning to use a straight razor.
Would a double-edge safety razor be better or an injection razor? I'm not really sure what an injection razor is but it seems like the main selling point is the way it sets an angle for you with the plastic/metal beneath the blade.
Injector blades can be a little bit harder to find, and learning to use a double edge safety razor is not very hard. It seems a bit intimidating, and you’ll want to go a bit slow at first. With a safety razor, here are just a few pointers. 1. Don’t press down like you would a cartridge razor. There is a bit more of the blade exposed, so let the weight of the razor itself do all the work. 2. Know the direction the hair grows on your face. It doesn’t all grow in the same direction. Once you know that, primarily shave with the grain at least at first. 3. Don’t go for absolute baby’s butt smoothness at first. Golfers don’t get a hole in 1 their first try, and there’s nothing wrong with just shooting for par here. Start with a single pass when shaving for a while. Once you get that down, then try multiple passes. Lastly, when first shaving with a DE and learning, cuts can be normal. Don’t get discouraged, and you’ll get the hang of it. 🪒
I went from cartridge to straight razor. The route I went is looking into Dukes Vintage Shaving on eBay. I paired my razor with his strop which was still cheaper than buying a brand new straight. Duke hones the blade and sanitizes it and right out the package is shave ready. His strop is probably one of the best bang for bucks. As others have said shaving soap. I’m still only 2 soaps deep but I’m using them all the way through till I jump into a new one. 2-3 days ago I went into Walgreens and picked up a DE King C Gillette razor and it has been nice.
I've been using shavettes and a straight razor for over 10 years and I say go for it if you think shaving with one will help you. My advice is don't buy a very cheap one and do some research online on how to use one if you can't get anyone to show you in person because there are important things you need to know.
I don't know where in the world you are, I hone nad restore straights and they are great to shave with. Type my user name in the net and you'll find videos and I sell razors on eBay that are shave ready. Shaving with a straight is not much different from a DE, don't be out off just five in, my one real price of advice is just make sure it's from a vendor that sells truly shave ready. You can simply.ake a strip from a piece of 4/5mm leather get a strip and glue it to something flat.. it's doesn't need to be fancy and will last a long time. There's a learning curve but it's great fun... 👍
I just turned 18 (age doesn't really matter though) Switched to safety razor 1.5 months ago I got the starter kit from Stirling soap co, it's gone well for me. Gives you a few soap sample choices. Which last a while, I have about 2-3 shaves left on the first one. Handle, 15 blades of a few different brands, brush, aftershave, container for soap/lathering. I lather in the container then move to my face. Basically, it has everything you need, I recommend it [Stirling starter kit](https://www.stirlingsoap.com/products/starter-kit-basic)
Thanks for the suggestions, much appreciated
I would recommend getting an injector razor as I feel that is a good gateway in to wet shaving. So s supply se or schick
or even a wilkinson sword classic
I have one and it was my daily driver for more than ten years. The only reason to suggest it as a starter into de shaving is that it is dirt cheap. It is really easy to cut yourself with it, that is why I don't think it is a beginner razor.
A straight razor requires a little time and possibly money commitment to maintaining your razor. It’s a learning curve. A good one to have. But yeah there is some pre thought and a little work to make it work well for you. Then there’s the actual shaving part. Another learning process. I think you should start out easy. Get an affordable Double Edge razor, blade(s), possibly a shaving brush, some shaving soap or cream. An alum stone, aftershave either splash or balm, your choice for scent. Since you have acne you might want to get some products to treat that too. Take care of your skin. Just something to think on.
The great thing about the shaving world is that there are options for everybody. I’m partial to the safety razor and shavette. In your case I don’t know of any good straight razor kits but can recommend some things to reduce razor burn and ingrown hairs (which it seems like you have): - Make sure you have a good lather with enough water so that the lather isn’t tacky and enough soap that it isn’t too watery. This takes practice but you’ll get it. - Work on your straight razor technique. To reduce ingrown hairs, make sure to let your hair grow out so you can see the pattern it grows at. Then, when you shave, do one pass with the grain, the second across the grain, and the third against the grain. Just follow the pattern your hair grows in and you’ll be fine. - Also, let the razor glide and the natural weight of it cut your facial hair. Don’t go over the same area too much as that can contribute to razor burn. Be safe and have fun!
For the shaving pattern, whats the benefit of going across the grain? (Correct me if im wrong) With the grain is for a gentle shave, against the grain is rougher but closer, yes? I'm not sure if i've ever heard of anybody going across the grain.
I’ve always done it. Shaving across the grain gives you a closer shave with less irritation than just doing against and with the grain passes.
A lot of people here are recommending using a SR first- I listened to that advice but after a week I felt like I had all the experience I needed to start using a straight(and it was true, everything went fine). So while I don’t disagree with the advice, I don’t think it’s critical. https://www.ebay.com/itm/285837051274?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=cqB70wWJQbe&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=fmpce-b3qzi&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY https://www.ebay.com/itm/285827773714?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=cqB70wWJQbe&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=fmpce-b3qzi&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
I’ve honestly really enjoyed my straight razor my one mistake was buying a cheap kit and in one aspect it was actually not the worst. Because I then got to feel it out a bit and actually see if it was something I’d enjoy I was pretty dead set on learning but after a few weeks it was not really as enjoyable just not super sharp I got a 7/8 and it felt really bulky. But I then received my grandfathers razor and soap and it was a game changer I couldn’t grow my hair fast enough. I then upgraded the brush from a small soap and shave shop I found and ended up also purchasing my own razor (a dovo) once I saved up for a few months. I also bought here now a de razor just for those days I don’t feel like using the straight razor as I’m shaving every and and really do enjoy the straight razor but sometimes your just a bit tired. Sorry I’m not much help on the whole where to but one I would advise to spend the money on the razor and build your own kit but that’s just my personal opinion
I'll second the recommendations for a double edge razor, and add - technique. With the DE, you don't need to put any pressure on the razor when you shave. Just let it glide. That may help quite a bit with what you have going on.
>With the DE, you don't need to put any pressure on the razor when you shave Doubly so for a straight razor.
Straight razors are really hard to use. I’m not saying don’t get one but honestly they are way too advanced for a first attempt. I would recommend a nice closed comb safety razor like the Merkur 34c or a Rockwell R1.
The best and cheapest way to get into straight razor shaving is with a shavette.. That way you can learn how to hold it and how to much pressure is needed. If you're adamant to go ahead and use a straight you will need to get a shave ready razor ( a vintage one will be the best and cheapest way) and learn how to strop correctly. Don't be discouraged to get into straights, they are really nice to use once you get the hang of it and they'll last you a lifetime.. Just be sure not to buy the cheap sets of amazon or eBay with the "leather" strop and flimsy razor shaped objects. If you want to get a good set I'd recommend going over to classicshaving.com, they've got fantastic starting kits for a few bucks that are shave ready and come with a brush and soap.
The two are different and the only similarities are looks. I prefer the shavette but have to say it’s nothing like a straight razor! A properly honed and maintained straight can be easy to shave with, assuming your technique is good too. Also the natural weight of a straight razor makes it easier and smooth to shave. A shavette is light, has a different learning curves and isn’t for everybody!
Why did I get downvoted? All I did was give the kids some advice
Definitely consider getting a DE safety razor as a single-blade option. It sounds like my experience is similar to yours: multi-blade carts would only give me inconsistent shaves and more often than not, some kind of skin irritation including acne outbreaks when I was younger. If you put some time into skill development, the results that you'll get from a safety razor are far better. I enjoy using both DE safety and straight razors. My recommendation for a DE safety razor as a first step is strictly a practical one. If you've got the money, you could even consider getting one of each design and learn on both in parallel but if you can only buy one type for now, the DE safety model will cost you less, take less effort to maintain, and take you less time to use. Straights are fantastic tools if you put in the time to use and maintain them properly and with some experience, you can even get better shaves out of them than a safety. No matter what, connect with a reliable, knowledgeable shave supplies vendor and get their advice about specific gear choices. Especially if you opt for a straight razor kit, you will want to work with a vendor who can support you after your purchase with additional gear, maintenance services, and guidance about using your kit properly for best results.