ok to learn SE and DE at the same time?

[chfair]

ok well this question has been on my mind since before i even got my straight edge in a few weeks ago. is it a really bad idea to learn DE and straight at roughly the same time? like take a week or two on one then a week or two on the other.

i really want to pick up how to shave with both really well, i do not currently own a DE razor and have never used one. much like 3 weeks ago i did not have a SE and had never used one. i think the real argument in my mind would be going back and forth while getting my technique for SE down really throw me off? i am sure i will take much longer (one would assume at least twice as long) to reach a point of getting BBS with either one. but i am really curious how i would like DE shaving as well and was never the most patient person in the world when it comes to pursuing a new idea.

thoughts? warnings? stories of doom and failure from past experimentation along such lines?

all of this being asked but i think in the end if i was pretty much great at both i would opt to SE shave most of the time but DE shave while traveling or when i needed to save a few minutes shaving or whenever it struck my fancy.

[leicaron]

I would say that DE has taught me how my hair grows on my face and how my face is contoured.

Making a face contour mistake with a straight may be more bloody than a DE.

When I was getting familiar with my DE, Mantic's videos suggested spending a month simply going with the grain, before attempting across or even against.

I'm really glad I headed that advice.

What's the hurry anyways ? Enjoy learning to use a DE and learn how to make lather, use a brush and prep your face. When you have that down pat then you can start on the steep straight-razor learning curve !

[mmack66]

Like shaving with a DE in one hand and an SE in the other, at the same time?

[chfair]

Like shaving with a DE in one hand and an SE in the other, at the same time? :eek:

not so much on that idea..... but maybe one day >.> after i have had far to much to drink or something.


What's the hurry anyways ? Enjoy learning to use a DE and learn how to make lather, use a brush and prep your face. When you have that down pat then you can start on the steep straight-razor learning curve !

well i am currently using a straight razor and getting pretty decent results. only real problem area i have is my neck, as the hair on my neck changes direction all over the place. not actually had any problems with cutting myself except for a mole i have on my jaw line but that wasn't even really all that bad. as for why in such a hurry two reasons come to mind the most important being i am just terribly curious if i would like DE shaving as much as i like SE shaving, the second being i am currently in classes so i have about a month or 2 to experiment before being back in the work routine where i have to be presentable every day (no major nicks or stubble).

[leicaron]

I suppose another factor to consider is the experience.

If it's all about the result - a DE has given me the best shaves of my life - no question.

If it's about the process (and impressing the girls) there ain't no better way than using a straight !

[mkevenson]

Hmmm, my experience having started with a DE and then adding the str8. I had not become an expert with the DE when I got my 1st str8. After about 1 month I was using the str8 4-5 days a week now after 3 months I use the str8 6 or 7 days a week. I have found that using the str8 has improved my DE shaves which are still a bit better than my str8 shaves. So I guess I would have to say that you can learn both at the same time but most folks will tell you that learning the str8 will take longer than the DE. Oh what the hey... GO FOR IT.

[leighton]

I went straight to straight from cartridge. Wasn't hard for me. I don't miss DEs. :P

[Bacchus]

I went straight to straight from cartridge. Wasn't hard for me. I don't miss DEs. :P

Same here, but Im not sure if Im going to try a DE eventually. Maybe if the right one finds me :biggrin:

[leighton]

I might give it a try if I win this lot of razors with a couple des in it. Don't outbid me...I'm bidding way more than that lot is worth... OTOH, maybe you should so I don't spend such outrageous sums of money......... Already have 2 dozen razors sitting on my desk taking up space.

[Bacchus]

Already have 2 dozen razors sitting on my desk taking up space.

You could always give me some :biggrin:

[leighton]

You could always give me some :biggrin:

If you want to buy some unsharpened ones, I probably need to clear a few off my desk. pm me if interested.

Back to topic though. DE's cost money. Straights can be sharpened. DE's throw steel away, or at the least, require you to head down to the scrap yard. I doubt I'll ever use one; although I've been trying to get my brother to switch to DE or SR.

[chfair]

well the replies have actually pointed me in the direction i was wondering about. i really do not intend to ever make DE my permanent shaving razor, but i can not pass up trying them out seeing how i like them and what techniques to use with them. i really do like picking up odd (as other college students think it is odd) yet useful skills. so i think i am going to see about getting a decent cheap DE off the B/S/T section and an assortment of blades from an online site.

thanks for the input