I have been using a DE Baxter for a number of years and just got into shaving with a straight razor last year. It's a lot of fun. I found out that I had been shaving the wrong way for many years. I used to avoid shaving but now it is fun and I do it pretty much every day.
shaving with a straight for 10 years strong... There are a couple of shaving forums out there too I am a member some. If you like wet shaving you should take a trip to Maggard razors in Adrian, Michigan. Probably the largest wet shaving store anywhere. I have several straights, a few DEs, one single edge and have done some restoration work. I know there is at least one other straight razor user on this forum.
Few things: Getting a really good lather out of your soap makes shaving more enjoyable. Sometimes getting a good lather means that you need to experiment with a few different brushes or bowls. This can be fun and I have higher quality brushes and bowls that I like and use regularly. Getting a good edge is excellent. A brand new mach whatever is great, but they are super expensive. Because of the expense, I would use a razor for far too long. Now, I use a straight edge or a brand new blade. at 6 to 10 cents each, I use a brand new and very sharp blade each time I shave. This is within my price range and I feel like I am not contributing to the P&G bottom line. The smells are great. Rather than the Gillette gel can, I a pre-shave oil that smells like the VFW. I remember that smell from when I would visit my grandfather as a kid. I also love, love, love menthol. My shaves are so cold my eyes tear up. If I get soap or aftershave under my wedding band, my ring finger is a little hot for a while. You can strop if you want, that is fun. Overall, it is just more enjoyable if you put a little thought/effort into it.
I made an attempt to use a straight razor but couldn’t get the hang of it. Could be because I bought a cheap EBay blade. I like the idea of getting a good lather and a manly shave. On that topic. No Gillet products in my house.
I have a few cheap razors and I keep them in the basement. Maybe they would be good for scraping the caulk off a window but they won't hold a decent enough edge to shave with. I tried and it was a waste. A good middle ground would be a shavette razor. Even the better quality parkers cost 26 bucks and the blades are 6 bucks for 100. Could be less expensive if you break a double edge blade in half. Shavettes can provide a real good shave, are readily available, more convenient than straight razors and are not that expensive. They still take some time to learn with but are a lot of fun. I used my parker earlier today.
Yup, that is the common experience. You would have to get one from someone who knows how to hone them to make a real go at it.
Good advice!! I started with a shavette as well just to try it. The nice thing about using a machined edged is that you know it is going to be sharp.
I made the switch to a safety razor last year. The blades are way cheaper than cartridge or even disposable razors. I think the shave is better and the biggest thing for me , I'm not adding to the garbage pile.
