Thread: DE vs Straight question....

Hi all,
I recently bought a 1940's Gillette DE and have been shaving with my new Dovo for about a month now. The little DE shaves smooth as silk, requires zero pressure and just glides over my face perfectly, very sharp and goes through my beard like butter....works awesome! My question is this: Is my Dovo supposed to feel like that because it's not even close. If it is, then I have to figure out what's going on...

-= Beer

Your straight should feel better than the DE. However there is a much larger learning curve to the straight than a DE. After 100 or so shaves with the straight it should be about the same depending on how fast you learn and build muscle memory.

A DE razor does the work for you. There's a bar there to keep your you skin flat and the razor at optimal angle. With a straight, it's all on you.

I can't get as good a straight shave as a DE shave, either. I think it's because I simply can't get a straight quite as sharp as a DE.

I'm kinda thinking that it's a sharpness issue too... I wish I had someone nearby to bounce things off of. Anyone near Tacoma?

A DE requires more skill than is required by a cartridge razor. A straight razor requires much more skill than a DE. That skill does come, but it does take time. The learning curve with a straight razor takes at least 30 shaves and maybe many more. There is much to learn and to know. That proficiency does come with time, but it doesn't come quickly. Straight shaving is a skill that has to be learned, but when the time is put in and it is learned, it is very rewarding.

Some would say, "If you're happy with the DE, shave with the DE." Others would say, "Keep working with the straight. You will get better."

I am with the second chorus. A proper straight shave is closer and will last longer than a DE shave. Plus, there is more satisfaction and pleasure.

I shave with all kinds of set ups. Rolls, straights, DEs, SEs, Valets, a bunch of "zebras." I enjoy all of them. The real difference, for me, lies in (1) effort, and (2) novelty. BUT, if I had to use only one system for the rest of my life, I'd choose straights. DFS in 5 minutes, BBS shave in 20, anything in between. History, the pleasures of honing, etc,. are all gravy.

I do love all that comes with the straight razor and can definitely see little glimpses of what it may be like for me when it all comes together. I'm looking forward to that. I'll keep on it. It's super cool, and I enjoy that it's not easy. There's so much to know and I'm enjoying the journey. This forum is great, you're all so patient with us newbs. I'm planning to go get a pro straight razor shave when I get the time. Then I'll have a good idea how it's supposed to feel. There's one or two barber shops around here that still do it.

Some factors to consider.
Was the razor honed before use ? If not a smooth shave may be more good luck than good management.
Are you confident of your lathermaking.
Is there a chance your stropping is degrading the edge ?
Are you using a low enough shaving angle for comfort ?

LOL Oni, I'm a mess in all those areas I think... I bought a razor, couldn't hone it for crap, sent a pic to Lynn, he said it probably wouldn't hone well. Bought a shave ready DOVO, dropped it shortly thereafter and put two tiny, tiny chips in it, had to use my hours of honing experience to try to fix it. The chips are gone and it pops hair off my arm, so I guess it's ok. Lathermaking, no idea, seems whipped creamish like you guys mention. As far as the angle thing, I'm trying everything... maybe I should send the DOVO back for a hone, I get one freebee with the purchase? As far as stropping, I think I'm just coming around to getting that right. I've got that first razor shaving, not great, but it's shaving. Some 8k and a pile of stropping seems to have helped it alot.

I tried again today. Cheeks went well, lip and chin pulling, neck...grabbing, pulling...deadly. LOL I'll try again when I grow something. My cheeks feel awesome.