Straight Razor or Electric Razor?

[EmpireF4i]

Ive been contemplating getting a new razor to shave with. Right now I shave with a Gillette Fusion that works fine. The thing I hate about it is having to pay $14 or so for four blades.

I have to be mostly clean shaven for work every day and my facial hair grows fast so that means I usually have to shave every 2 days.

Ive done some research on straight razors, and I would probably spend $300-$400 or so on the razor and all the accessories (cup, soap, strop, sharpening stone, etc.) but I would probably end up saving money after a couple years.

Ive also been looking into just getting an electric razor that would be easy to shave with and in the same price range as a new straight razor. Ive used an electric razor years ago, but didnt really like it (it was a cheap razor) and went back to my Gillette.

Anyone have any thoughts on what they use or where to buy?

[Chrisb3]

Electric Razor = noticable stubble (at least with my crappy one).
Straight Razor = slit throat.

[Cybsled]

Depends what look you're going for.

I like the stubble so I go electric. Besides, razors are fucking PITA when you're trying to get ready for work in the morning.

[Brutul Tarew Marr]

I tried an electric and went back to my Gillette. It wasn't a cheap electric either, it was a $100 Norelco. Try the Mach 3 instead of the Fusion though. I've used both and actually like the Mach 3 better, and the blades are cheaper as well.

The electric was ok, and I'm not too picky about an ultra close shave, but if you miss a day or two the electric feels like it's pulling the whiskers out by the roots. Also, I like the smell of my shaving cream :P.

[Gauss]

Electric Razor = noticable stubble (at least with my crappy one).

True, and it's impossible to get a really close shave all around, from my experience. I use an electric razor, but I also shave every other day and don't have to work so I don't care too much about stubble.

[Dabamf]

Schick quatro titatium > all

Try a fusion, mach3, and quatro. I think they fit peoples' faces differently. I've tried all 3 and love the quatro over all. Others I've met prefer one of the other 2.

I got a $50 electric for christmas last year, and my brother's quote spoke the truth when he said "I can shave faster with a rock."

[Schatze]

An old fashioned safety razor is a good compromise between a close shave, and not having your throat cut.

*Minor phobia in regards to using a straight razor/having one laying around. Probably seen too many movies where straight razors are used for bad things.

[Kaige]

I use disposables. Its funny because I tried two electrics, the Mach 3, Quatro, and two others I can't remember. The disposables are just the regular ol' bag of Bic ones. I tried them and strangely enough they work just fine, don't even have to throw them out after only one shave. A lot of mine have lasted for over a week. Stupid thing is, they've given me the best cut of them all and I haven't looked like a murder victim afterwards. Quatro sucked the most for me actually since I had to keep cleaning the damn blades out. Not sure if it was how tight they were packed together or if my scruff was too thick or what, but it was annoying as hell. Disposables just had one blade and still did a bang up job.

[gn0me]

I use Mach 3 and could not be happier. Buy the blades in bulk at Costco or wherever. It sucks they cost so much, but just be happy you're a man and don't have to buy tampons and Midol every month instead.

I've tried several electric razors and they all sucked donkey balls.

[Menoz]

Mach 3 here but I hear great things about straight razors and the like, I just don't enough of a shit to switch over.

[Tolanin]

dont they have resharpening shit out for fussions and mach3s? No idea how well they work at extending blade life but it might be a good compromise between a bad shave from the electric and all the hassle of the straight.

Only people who live in third world countries use disposable razors.

[Kevincheese]

I used to have this awesome electric razor from The Sharper Image that my parents got me the christmas before I really need to start shaving - thing fucking owned so hard. I wish I could figure out what it was, it eventually stopped working very well, but the thing made an awesome, painless shave. Nothing else I've tried has worked for shit, but I've been using razors for a few years (mostly disposable, nothing expensive has ever been any better).

So: Disposable razors ftw.

[EmpireF4i]

I was kinda looking for people here who have used a straight razor. As it is, I guess Ill just stick to my Fusion. It works good, just damn expensive to keep buying the razors.

[Lejina Bloodbath]

I use a straight razor most of the time, Mach 3 when Im in a hurry and electric when Im in the field. Military, so I have to shave every day.

It's kind of a bitch to get your straight razor well honed when you first get it (it is sharp enough to cut hair, but not actually shave ready). Either you have it honed by a professional or you hone it yourself until you finally have the right shave. You facial hair grow only so fast, so that can be a slow process.

Unless you have a phobia of blades or someshit, there's nothing to be worried about. You're not going to slit your throat open unless you slide the blade to make a cut and what are the odds of this to happen unless you do it willingly? A superficial nick every now and then? Yes, but some cold water to rinse when you're done and it gone.

[AngryGerbil]

Electric. 1/10000th of an inch of barely if-at-all visible stubble isn't worth whatever the hell ya'll spend on blades and cream and whatnot. Plus, I never cut myself or get razor burn. But definitely stay away from those "3 circles" electrics. Those do suck. Just a simple straight foil electric is not only better (imo) but usually cheaper.