I dont know if straight razors are for me??

Hi,

I posted this on another forum, but two people got into an argument over something silly, so i thought I would get some of you guys perspective. Anyways I've gotten about 100 shaves with a straight under my belt, and I really can get a DFS now, but it takes me way to darn long. From the time I strop both pre shave and post shave, prep beard, clean/dry and oil the razor. Its takes me around 40 minutes.

Dont get me wrong I really enjoy the experience, but I hope I get faster as time goes on, because it can cause a fellow to grow weary, and sometimes bored just to get a good shave on. I Dont get bored of the experience, but I get bored and sometimes dread that long 40 minutes for a shave. Lol and I used to get impatient with my lady friend for taking to long to get ready.
Im glad I didn't invest in stones yet, because I dont know if Im in this for the long hall.I did purchase a Kanayama, but I've never used it yet because I wanted to develop my stropping skills first on a vintage strop before I hack up a nice strop like a Kanayama. I also purchased two new razors.


So how many shaves does it take to get a good shave on in 15 minutes. I see guys on videos wielding their blade like a boss. Doing 3 pass shaves in under 15 minutes. My schedule is going to be hectic from here on out and I dont know if I will have time to maintain my razors. I would guess it doesn't take long to maintain them if your very experienced. If you dont have a clue like me its probably another long learning curve just like learning to shave with one. I know its my choice but I may go back to De razors.So what's your opinions.

Thanks,
Mike

I had the exact same experience with straight razors that you did. Way too long of shaves, for way too lame of a result. I came from DE razors and the straight razor shaves intrigued me a great deal. For probably close to three months I was working on the straight razor shaves, and who knows, probably not long enough but I just did not pick up straight razor shaving as fast as I did DE shaving.

Unfortunately, not only was it taking me a very long time to finish straight razor shaves, but the shave quality was just not there. So basically, it was taking me 30 or 40 minutes to straight razor shave, and I did not have as close of a shave as I'd have in 10 minutes with a DE. Part of my problem was also that I have really strange grain on my right cheek/jaw/part of my neck that grows west to east and some southwest to northeast. I could not shave this against the grain with a straight no matter how hard I tried, so I was always left with a stubble feeling. I was able to do some against the grain on my cheek west to east, but I could not get the straight right on my jaw and neck, I just did not trust doing it.

The bottom line was the entire experience just was not enjoyable. On top of this, was a lack of desire to deal with oiling blades after shaves, stropping blades, honing blades, etc and I did not enjoy that maintenance process either. All I wanted to really do was making a really nice shave lather, pop in my blade, and have a nice shave and all of the extra stuff one has to do to maintain a straight razor just did not interest me at all.

Anyhow, I went back to DE shaving and still enjoy my shaves very much, just didn't dig straights at all. Wasn't for me, proud of all the guys that do it and wish them the best.

About 10 minutes and 1 and 1/2 passes is normal for me. I do not use any prep other than a hot shower. I do pre strop work before shower for a minute or two. When done I do not strop, just wipe SR dry and put away carefully wiping any finger prints away. It will get quicker as muscle memory kickes in. Don’t give up. When pressed for time, pick up a DE or SE.

+1 to what SCShaver said. My varying hair growth, coupled with my facial features just didn't suit straights.
I get fantastic shaves with my DEs, so I don't regret not being able to use my straights, daily.

You could always use DEs during the week and straights on the weekends.

+1 to what SCShaver said. My varying hair growth, coupled with my facial features just didn't suit straights.
I get fantastic shaves with my DEs, so I don't regret not being able to use my straights, daily.

You could always use DEs during the week and straights on the weekends.

I like the idea of using straights on the weekends, or perhaps at night? That is when I used to do my straight razor shave practice because I just did not have near enough time to do them in the morning before I went to work. I totally root for those that want to stick with straight razor shaving, I think it is one of the coolest things out there, super-macho. It just was not for me and decided to give my story to you. OP If you feel like you've explored it as much as you possibly can and gave it your best shot, don't force it and make yourself unhappy. There is too much joy to be had in shaving and if you get that joy from DE shaving as opposed to straights, then so be it.

It takes time to master and shave faster. But the results are just superb.
I think it's like swimming: it has a steep learning curve, and technique takes from 100-15% of your workout, it needs attention even if you are a pro.
I am not a pro, but once you have a good shave with a str8 you want that again and again.

Michael, I’m one who gave straight razors a try and decided the experience just wasn’t for me.  Besides the learning curve, like SCShaver I really wasn’t interested in the maintenance aspect of straights and maintenance is way more important than it is with DEs and SEs.  One thing that initially attracted me to straights was the beauty of the razors themselves and that still holds true but if my heart wasn’t in the whole package, shave and maintenance, then what was the point?  Now, I enjoy reading about the experiences of others and seeing the photos that are posted of some of those beautiful instruments.

Ultimately, I think it comes down to knowing yourself.  Will you make the time for both the shave and the upkeep? Only you can determine that but just remember that whatever decision you make, it’s not wrong.  Rather, it is what works for you.  Besides, that decision is not written in stone.  You can always change your mind or do both.  All the best in whatever you decide.

Nobody says you need to stick to one shaving tool. I shave with everything (DE, SE, SR) whatever the mood strikes and whenever convenient. Same as with soaps or brushes. Change is the spice of life if not it gets boring. Just use your DE when you're in a rush and your SR when you want to pamper yourself with extra time. I have been shaving with an SR for 37 years so it takes me real fast to get my shave done but I extend it because I enjoy the ritual and the addicting soaps/creams and splashes.

well said

Glad I didn't go off on the deep end regarding straights, just too much ritualistic maintenance with stones, pastes, strops etc...