Learning to use a straight...

**jeff_C** · 08-20-2012, 09:03 AM

Hi All...

I am still learning my straight razor. Its not something I do every day... More like once every week or two. The rest of the time is spent with traditional wet shaving using a DE razor.

In my learning, one thing I have found that's VERY useful... I shave with my DE razor (usually a double pass) and then break out my straight. I have found it useful in learning angles and how to hold the razor. Most of my whiskers have already been removed so i can focus on HOW to shave rather than shaving perfection.

Anyone else learn this way or try this?

It may be helpful to other newbies... or not... YMMV!

**Gissy** · 08-20-2012, 09:50 AM

Many people recommend doing the first pass with a DE. I personally had good progress just jumping in with both feet and using my straights only and for almost every shave. I think maybe you're doing yourself a didfavour using it that seldom. I think it will take more time for the muscle memory to kick in, but as I always say it's not the way you do it that's most important, it's having fun while doing it :)

**tomjr** · 08-20-2012, 10:45 AM

i agree with gissy just jump in. that is how i went and it worked 4 me. practice makes perfect. tom

**Raithskar** · 08-20-2012, 10:56 AM

Same with me. I have not used a DE since I started with the straight.

**Kavik79** · 08-20-2012, 02:19 PM

since I started straight shaving I've had maybe half a dozen shaves (at most) with anything else.....mainly when I was still early in learning to hone (not that I'm a pro now...but at least I've learned to keep more than one shave ready handy)

what worked for me was when I stopped worrying about having a perfect shave and concentrated on having a comfortable shave. By focusing more on that I learned to improve my technique and the rest started falling into place.

Then again, I have the advantage that I work from home, so if I'm not perfectly smooth after a shave it doesn't matter all that much. may not work for everyone, but just another approach to consider

**SinnerinRehab** · 08-20-2012, 08:09 PM

+1. Just jump in. I've only used a traditional razor 2x since I started with a straight razor. The SRAD has calmed down a lot but I love my straights. Most are vintage, and each means something different. Just go with it.

**Bendragon** · 08-21-2012, 03:10 AM

+1
I haven't touched my DE's since my straight arrived.

**Slash McCoy** · 08-21-2012, 03:12 AM

Ditch the training wheels. Rely 100% on your straight shaving skills or you will never achieve your full potential.

**Legion** · 08-21-2012, 03:21 AM

I just went straight to the straights. But I think a lot of people learn by doing the first pass with the straight, and then tidying up with a DE. That's cool.

**chuckr9** · 08-21-2012, 03:59 AM

We all have different preferences for learning - best to go with what you feel best suits you. I started with partial straight razor shaves, finishing with DE on weekdays (where time was more of an issue). But on weekends I went straights only. Decide what works best for you.

**RondeB** · 08-21-2012, 04:07 AM

I have a straight and have had trouble doing it in the morning because of time constraints and just use a DE. How long does it take you from strop to cleaned up when you use a straight?

**Luc** · 08-21-2012, 05:08 AM

That's how I started with a straight razor until I felt confident enough to use the straight razor every day. It works but it takes longer to get used to it as you don't practice as often.

**Slash McCoy** · 08-21-2012, 06:47 AM

Originally Posted by RondeB

I have a straight and have had trouble doing it in the morning because of time constraints and just use a DE. How long does it take you from strop to cleaned up when you use a straight?

It usually takes me about 10 minutes, though I CAN do it in 5. My speed shave is a single pass without stropping, using KMF slapped on by hand and whipped up on the face with my favorite silvertip. Razor is usually one of my modded Gold Dollars. They seem to work really well for speed shaving. My usual shave is also a single WTG pass, but with stropping and prepping normally.