It's not unusual for new users to think their straight razor is dull, doesn't cut right, etc. It is also not unusual for new users to think they get better shaves with other shaving options like DEs. It's impossible to target the specific causes remotely though. Everyone wanting to use a straight has to weather through their own storms.
Truth is, using a straight isn't for everyone. I do believe that some people will consistently get better shaves using DEs, Mach 3s, shavettes, etc.
One big issue - teal straights must be stropped, and improper stropping will yield a very subpar edge. Stropping is a skill and it takes effort to develop it.
Every Gold Dollar I have touched had abysmal geometry. A very stout bevel has a thick edge width and that reduces cutting efficacy. I can hone a stock GD but I don't want to shave with one. I would choose a DE over a stock GD honed by anyone in a heartbeat.
Basically, the laws of geometry and physics apply. If someone is ok with a fat bevel angle or tapered bevel faces or whatever, that's good for them. But many users, including me, need and want a better cutting edge. Regardless of who honed what, if the geometry wasn't worked on then that might play into someone's dis-satisfaction.
Shaving technique is a huge part of using a straight. Pulling skin, angles, etc - without that the shave will suffer.
Lather matters a lot with a straight. Dry thick lather will make the blade drag horribly. Lather that passes for DE use or lather pron pix might kill a straight shave experience.
Shavettes are, essentially, DE blades in a holder. DE blades exploit ideal geometry to achieve excellent cutting efficiency.
So, to compare a straight razor shave to a DE blade shave one should be working with a straight that has a comparable edge and geometry; I would suggest that a lot of garden-variety "shave ready" edges are just not in that league. Stir in bad shave technique, poor stropping skills, sketchy lather, etc - makes it hard to get a reasonable comparison.
Compare a Ferrari to a VW Bug.
Both will get you to the store and back.
A skilled driver in the Ferrari will run circles around anyone driving the Bug.
An unskilled driver in the Ferrari might struggle to get out of the driveway though.
What I usually tell new users, is to stop comparing. If you want to learn to use a straight then go for it and learn to use it. Focus on getting better with the straight razor, and stop focusing on how something else is easier to use or whatever. There is a shallow learning curve with straights, there must be a commitment because it takes time, effort, practice, good gear, and great edges.
Truth is, using a straight isn't for everyone. I do believe that some people will consistently get better shaves using DEs, Mach 3s, shavettes, etc.
One big issue - teal straights must be stropped, and improper stropping will yield a very subpar edge. Stropping is a skill and it takes effort to develop it.
Every Gold Dollar I have touched had abysmal geometry. A very stout bevel has a thick edge width and that reduces cutting efficacy. I can hone a stock GD but I don't want to shave with one. I would choose a DE over a stock GD honed by anyone in a heartbeat.
Basically, the laws of geometry and physics apply. If someone is ok with a fat bevel angle or tapered bevel faces or whatever, that's good for them. But many users, including me, need and want a better cutting edge. Regardless of who honed what, if the geometry wasn't worked on then that might play into someone's dis-satisfaction.
Shaving technique is a huge part of using a straight. Pulling skin, angles, etc - without that the shave will suffer.
Lather matters a lot with a straight. Dry thick lather will make the blade drag horribly. Lather that passes for DE use or lather pron pix might kill a straight shave experience.
Shavettes are, essentially, DE blades in a holder. DE blades exploit ideal geometry to achieve excellent cutting efficiency.
So, to compare a straight razor shave to a DE blade shave one should be working with a straight that has a comparable edge and geometry; I would suggest that a lot of garden-variety "shave ready" edges are just not in that league. Stir in bad shave technique, poor stropping skills, sketchy lather, etc - makes it hard to get a reasonable comparison.
Compare a Ferrari to a VW Bug.
Both will get you to the store and back.
A skilled driver in the Ferrari will run circles around anyone driving the Bug.
An unskilled driver in the Ferrari might struggle to get out of the driveway though.
What I usually tell new users, is to stop comparing. If you want to learn to use a straight then go for it and learn to use it. Focus on getting better with the straight razor, and stop focusing on how something else is easier to use or whatever. There is a shallow learning curve with straights, there must be a commitment because it takes time, effort, practice, good gear, and great edges.