Any Straight Razor Users?

[genspo]

Just curious to see if there are any straight razor users around here? I started using a straight razor about three months ago. Still learning and taking it easy. Lots to learn - not only technique with the razor so I don't cut and ear off but also learning to hone and strop the razor correctly.

 

[Onomea]

Never tried that, and doubt I will, but am curious: Do you enjoy it? Must be so if you have stuck with it. Why?

 

[genspo]

Onomea - I do enjoy using the razor. I've also come to enjoy the prep prior to the shave. No more just slapping on some shave cream and scraping away with a multi-blade. Using the shave cream and brush takes some time and helps slow down the start to the day.

 

[Texas Star]

At one time, wealthy gentlemen had sets of razors, one for each day of the week.

 

[galena]

When I first started shaving I tried my Grand-father's straight razor,....I still have the scar on my chin. Went quickly to the Safety razor and now use the generic plastic ones.

As an aside, when I was teaching combat handgun engagement in a military investigative assignment our issue handgun was a 3" barrel S&W M-36. I had a young Black-American NCO who was tall and thin with big hands and long fingers. He had a terrible time with the diminutive M-36. During one session when we were trying to figure out how he could manage the M-36 he said to me; "Captain, just give me a straight razor and I will take care of myself." The above may not be PC but he was a good agent and he survived everywhere we sent him.........although, I am not sure of his weapon of choice.

 

[Dashriprock]

At one time, wealthy gentlemen had sets of razors, one for each day of the week.

Still do, if the prices of the beautiful handmade weeksets available on a certain classic shaving website are any indicator.

 

[genspo]

Still do, if the prices of the beautiful handmade weeksets available on a certain classic shaving website are any indicator.

Yes - those sets can get very expensive and the handmade ones with various exotic woods and bone for the scales can be quite beautiful. But I'll have to do with just one good one with plastic scales for a while.

 

[straightshooter1]

I have never tried a straight razor, probably because I am gifted with the ability to be really, really clumsy.

Also, the idea of taking one's time doing the chore-and for me, that's what it is-of shaving, is not real appealing.

I hate it, and, if my beard was heavier, I'd have a full beard rather than the goatee and mustache.

My beard is not real heavy, but I need to shave every day or I start to look like a homeless person. I used an electric for years, but it took too long to get it close.

Now I use one of the throw-away multiblades and can do it in 30 seconds or so. I throw it away after 7 days.

I can't imagine that a straight razor would be anywhere nearly as fast or as pain-free.

Bob (oooops, where's that styptic stick?)

 

[carpriver]

I have been thinking of trying a straight razor myself. Iam looking for a quality razor and how to use it. My dad and grandfathers used the straight razor. I do enjoy using a brush and soap in the morning. I started using a steel safety razor in the air force in the 60s

 

[old bear]

I tried a cut throat for a few weeks. Believe me it lived up to its' name. Went back to a "safety razor", I do use shaving cream, not soap, and a brush every morning. I too enjoy taking the time to prep for my shave. It is something I will not give up and will not rush.
For the perfect end to a shave try a dusting of a good men's shaving talc when your face is dry.

 

[GatorFarmer]

There was a reason that long lived old timers had beards.

My wife had to learn to give straight razor shaves in the Navy when assigned to a hospital. Last I knew becoming a barber in Michigan meant still learning to use a straight razor. They practice on balloons.

I have a Dovo - German made - Bismark model. Not a very PC name is it?

In SC it is perfectly legal to carry around your straight razor (along with your brass knuckles) so I often times go ahead and do so. There is a trick to using one on somebody - for other than shaving - but it is not that hard to learn.

Years ago straight razors used as a weapon were associated with Blacks in the United States.Later it became associated with hobos.

I had to have one after seeing Mr. Blonde do his dance.

Oddly....I have never even tried to shave with mine.

 

[kudzu3]

I had a beautiful collection of straight razors a few years ago, somewhere around two hundred, but never got the nerve to attempt shaving with one. I wanted to give my wife the celebration she deserved on her 50th birthday and was very short of funds, so the razors had to go. For anyone who is interested, Smokey Mountain Knife Works in Sevierville TN, has one of the best collections I have ever seen.

 

[Maximumbob54]

I've thought about finding the older style safety razor as the blades should be a lot cheaper than my usual choice but I can't see going slit throat old school. I'm not that wide awake enough in the morning for that kind of shaving. That seems more like something to do on a lazy afternoon.

 

[Len]

I've been through three shaving revolutions. The first, having to learn how. Using the older style safety razor.

Then, in basic training, being given two minutes for the "three S's." Found out that you could shave in about 20 seconds if you had to.

Then, went to the multi-bladed disposables...and never looked back.

I'm not too old to shave the old way...I'm too old to want to.

Len

 

[NYlakesider]

Back in the early 1960s when I first needed to shave I tried a straight razor. My father used one all his life and of course he said here try mine. He shaved me the first time so I could feel the blade and was with me the next times I tried to use it. Finely said NO-WAY and bought an electric of the era.

My father used those razors till he died in his 90s. He did on occasion cut himself and had a unique way of stopping the bleeding. He kept a small bottle of formaldehyde handy and would dab it on the cuts. That stopped the blood leak real fast.

OBTW dad was an undertaker so we always had plenty of formaldehyde downstairs.

 

[Qball]

I collect them but haven't the nerv to try them

 

[Mike McLellan]

I quit shaving in the early nineties. I mow my beard down every month or so, but that's it. I don't even look in the mirror on most days. Occasionally, when I see my reflection in a doorway or whatever, I get a little bummed out by how ugly I've gotten over the years. I shudder to think what my face really looks like without its hairy facade.

 

[MH8675309]

I used one for awhile. With a new blade you've got to really take it easy. One benefit to using a straght razor is that no one will want to use it to shave their legs.

 

[Fish.38]

I use a double edged safety razor. Have a few I've collected from thrift store and antique shops. More enjoyable and cheaper than the multi-blade things out there now. Never going back.

 

[Kelly Green]

My granddad had a Kropp razor. I tried using it one time and took a chunk of hide off my chin. You need to be a surgeon to use a straight razor. I keep it as a family memento but will never again shave with it.