Is learning to shave with a straight razor difficult? Would you ever go back?
It is definitely doable, although not necessarily worth it if you have sensitive skin.
I've always stuck with a Gillette Fusion and Braun electric, and tried doing the straight edge thing, but it didn't really work all that well. For me, it was the patience and getting used to it, rather than actually being difficult to learn. If you aren't patient or don't want to bother getting used to something else, it isn't for you.
If you still want to try it, nothing is stopping you, just Google a good article on how to do it and go for it. If you do have sensitive skin, this is what I use and find it to be really inexpensive but soothing on the skin: "Gillette Fusion Ultra-Sensitive HydroGel": http://www.gillettefusion.com/
Good luck!
4 Answers
It's definitely tricky, but you can find yourself getting decent shaves before long, though consistent baby-bottom smooth can take months. Don't worry so much about cutting yourself, if you're paying attention you won't get worse than a couple tiny nicks. With a sharp enough razor they'll stop bleeding before you're done shaving.
Straight razor shaving can actually be much better for those with sensitive skin, since you have full control over razor angle and pressure. There's some websites out there with dedicated and helpful wet-shavers. Badger and Blade has active forums and a great beginner's guide for both straight and double-edge shaving.
I've been shaving with a straight for about three months now, and absolutely love it. It takes a little while every day, but it's just a pleasure to do compared to modern razors.
Chris Roach is on the right path. Badger and Blade, and Straight Razor Place are both great sites for learning all you need to know, but also finding a great straight razor. I was using a disposable straight for about a year and was having difficulty because (naturally) the blade's sharpness was different every time. I purchased a restored straight razor through B&B about 2 weeks ago and it's been heaven. Sure, it takes longer than a quick once-over with a Mach 3 or something, but to me it's well worth it and it provides a much better experience.
Even if you're just looking for a better shaving experience with your current razor, you would do well to get yourself a Pure or Best Badger brush (you could go to "silvertip" badger if you're feeling extra fancy), some nice shaving cream/soap (for me, it's hard to beat the quality/smell/price of HoneyBee Soaps at $10 for a 3-pack). After that, if you want to head over to a straight razor shave, check in w/the aforementioned sites and you'll learn everything you'll ever need to know. There's a very lengthy guide, covering every last detail (almost too much) available in the Badger & Blade forums
Here's some great sites to get supplies (brushes, soaps, creams, after shaves, razors, blades, you name it) for wetshaving :
Classic Shaving
List of online retailers on B&B
Learning to shave w/a straight razor can sound really daunting at first, but it's not prohibitively difficult. If you're just looking to get a better/closer/smoother shave, you could also try a classic DE or Safety Razor - they're less expensive, easier to find, and are not unlike shaving with a current-gen Mach 3/5/whatever.
Good luck in your quest! I think you'll be pleased.
I wouldn't say it's difficult, but it does have a slight learning curve. That being said, it's worth every second and every penny to give it a shot. It's more cost-effective, more accurate, and cuts down on razor burn and the like. Pair it with a good brush and lather, and you'll be enjoying your morning shave like never before. Plus, you benefit from the surprisingly enormous community of double-edge shavers who seem to like nothing better than to help his fellow man perfect the art of shaving.
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It is definitely doable, although not necessarily worth it if you have sensitive skin.
I've always stuck with a Gillette Fusion and Braun electric, and tried doing the straight edge thing, but it didn't really work all that well. For me, it was the patience and getting used to it, rather than actually being difficult to learn. If you aren't patient or don't want to bother getting used to something else, it isn't for you.
If you still want to try it, nothing is stopping you, just Google a good article on how to do it and go for it. If you do have sensitive skin, this is what I use and find it to be really inexpensive but soothing on the skin: "Gillette Fusion Ultra-Sensitive HydroGel": http://www.gillettefusion.com/
Good luck!