Can you tell the difference between staright razor shave vs stick razor shave?

I've never used a straight razor, but I have used a Mach 3, Sensor, and a DE safety razor. The DE safety razor is the best. No irritation, razor burn, razor bumps, etc. Ironically though, the razor is probably one of the least important parts of a shave.

I don't know what a stick razor is, but I believe those are disposable or cartridge razors. A straight razor is the ultimate in shaving and the lack of a guard on the blade contributes to that--a DE has that limitation. Here is a posting I did on straight razors: http://supertalk.superfuture.com/showthread.php?t=23302

My hairdresser is from Germany. She learned how to use a straight razor during her barber training. For special occasions, I always have Rosemarie do a straight razor shave. The difference is palpable. Much, much smoother. Longer lasting. Altogether different experience. Takes quite a while, though. Between the hot towels, and the with the grain, then against the grain . . . you're talking an hour, at least. But it's worth it. btw: Rosemarie's strop, goes back to her days in Germany.

German barbers are now forbidden from using straight razors, or any razors for that matter, even for cleaning up the edges. Strictly electrical only

I've found DE to be a nice alternative to a straight razor. On days when I'm short on time, I can still get a viable shave in five minutes or less, without too much blood loss.

Tom

I always use a straight razor for special occasions or when I know I'll have time to keep from slicing my throat. Any other time it's a 1940's SuperSpeed and Feather blades. Outstanding shaves, those.

I really enjoy a straight razor shave. I find that the difference is certainly there (when compared to a regular disposable), and the ritual aspect is absolutely wonderful. That being said, in the interest of time in the mornings I've been using a Fusion Power lately, and I'm mostly satisfied with it.

When my barber uses a straight razor to line up my sideburns, you can definitely tell that it is a lot closer and smoother shave than a stick razor.

I've always heard that a straight razor can't be beat for a really first-rate shave. However, it does take a good deal of skill and technique to master, and there is an element of danger. A slip of the hand can do terrible damage.

What I cannot understand is the nostalgia for the DE safety razor in these fora. I shaved with the damned things for almost 28 years, and there is no way I would go back to using one after shaving first with the Gillette "Good News" disposable and now with the Mach 3.

I think its a combination of better control, along with...well...nostalgia . Once you have your technique down, I think a safety razor will beat a modern cartridge razor every time. But if you don't want to mess with shaving angle and pressure, a modern pivot razor can give a very, very good shave. Frankly, I think the shaving cream is more important: using a decent lather cream or soap with a shaving brush will beat the living snot out of the pressurized goo that comes out of a can these days.

You've heard correctly about the benefits..

I've been shaving with a straight razor for 3 years now, and I'll never switch back. Straight razors literally allow you to shave follicle by follicle. Whereas with a conventional razor, I need to go every day, with my straight, I go 2 and 3 days between shaves. I'm not the most hirsute guy, but it can get rough, thick and itchy with me.

As far as the element of danger, it's overstated and misunderstood. I suffer the occasional scratch, but it's basically finer than a papercut, and heals very quickly if you know what you're doing (rinse with cold water, NOT hot.) A dull safety razor or Mach 3 can do far more damage: while a straight razor will give you a hair-thin slice, a conventional, 'modern' razor, when it cuts, can actually remove divots. I remember those with a wince.

Also, if you maintain a straight razor properly, it's far more hygienic and economical. A dirty 'stick' razor is a great harbor for bacteria, which will in turn lead to blackheads, clogged pores and breakouts.

Those Mach 3s et. al. are like crack--once you're stuck on them, you always need a new fix. I prefer not being forced into being a customer for life, personally.

The real difficulty in learning to use a straight blade is the maintenance--especially the stropping and sharpening techniques. I don't hone my own blades, but stropping must be learned by the practitioner, and that can take several weeks or longer.

If you're really curious, there's on online forum, I forget what it's called. Those people are helpful, and they are always offering older razors for cheap to newbies who are interested in learning.

I get ingrown hairs from anything other than a single bladed razor. I have no inclination to master a straight razor, and I got tired of buying single bladed disposables. Thus, I use a DE safety razor. I agree that a Gillette Sensor or Mach 3 provides a more comfortable shave, but I'd rather deal with a little discomfort than have ugly red bumps all along my jawline.

Straights are the best, but the upkeep is a pain in the ass. I find DEs to be the best overall.

www.straightrazorplace.com
www.badgerandblade.com

The Feather Artist Club provides the benefits of a straight and the convenience of disposable blades. With out a doubt, the best (and sharpest) razor I've ever used.

http://www.classicshaving.com/page/page/1240646.htm