Shaving with a straight razor?

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Plunky McPlunker

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Hello
Does anyone use a straight razor to shave? I hear it is the best way to go.
If you do use a straight razor, where did you get it and what brand?
Also, what brand of soap do you recommend to use with the straight razor?
Thanks!
 
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I switched from a cartridge razor (Gillette Fusion) to a safety razor a few months ago and couldn't be happier. I got the "RetroRazor" (retrorazor.com) to see if I'd like it, and that seems to be an OK value. $25 and it comes with sampler blades. Blades are $10-12 for 100. Heck of a lot better deal than cartridges, and a better shave, too.

Soap is a personal preference; Col. Conk is one of the better known out there. Many offer samplers to find one you like. Also, swing by badgerandblade.com - they're into shaving the way we're into S&Ws!

Don't quite have the guts to try a straight razor just yet.
 
I did, one time, and scared myself so badly that I swore I'd never do it again. Anyone see "The Color Purple"?

As to soap, I used to use Old Spice shaving soap in a mug with a brush. "A face well lathered is half shaved'"
 
I received a really nice kit for Christmas. It came from vintagebladesllc.com and included a sharpened Dovo razor, strop, brush, col conk soap, mug, styptic pencil and a 3.5 hour DVD that goes over every last detail from actually shaving to sharpening/honing and stropping.
The col conk soap is quite nice, but I've taken to using Kiehl's shaving cream. It has menthol and camphor which make the shave that much better.
People shaved with a straight razor for a long time without problems, there's really nothing to be afraid of as long as you don't move the blade side to side. I've gone from 0 experience on Christmas day to being fairly competent and getting a great shave just a few hours ago and only nicked myself once in between.
 
Plunky: Williams Shaving Mug Soap is what I use. They have a website and sell direct. There are several quality straight razors available; ask your barber for a name recommendation. Used correctly a straight razor has to be sharp! To be sharp the user must 'strop' the razor almost at every use. Buy a quality strop. If the blade is dulled somehow don't try to sharpen it yourself. Take it to a professional sharpener. Again, your barber knows.

When you are ready to start, practice on your arm hair. Then graduate to your upper leg hair. Then start on the broad flat parts of your face that you have already done an electric shave on. Don't try around chin lines, lips or nose until you have some practice and are confident. Don't place the razor's edge where it starts to cut hair immediately; try to place it a short distance away from the initial cut to allow 'momentum' to carry the blade on a straight path. Try to learn to hold the razor to allow your third or fourth finger to occasionally touch the skin surface to confirm angle. After a little practice you will no longer have to do that. Use a wet hot (as you can stand) wash cloth to precondition your beard before application of the shaving soap. You might ask your barber to give you a lesson or two first hand. ...... Big Cholla
 
A good friend of mine just got out of barber school. He is embarking on a new career in his middle fifties. He started as a crop duster, progressing to small engine repair, then to operating a backhoe, and finally, barbering.

Anyhow, I got a haircut and a straight razor shave from him last week. He uses a straight razor with disposable blades. I think that is probably required by law now. Years ago I asked a female barber in Columbus, Georgia for a straight razor shave. She first shaved me with a safety razor, then drug a straight razor over my face. I don't know but what the blade was blunted on the straight razor. Sort of defeated the purpose. I really miss the old days when a neck shave with hot towels and good smelling lotion was a routine part of a haircut. Don't forget to trim them whitewalls, either.;)
 
Best shave ever..

I got a straight razor shave in Hong Kong once that was so good it lasted me a week!..that guy seemed like he cut ever whisker individually..he would pinch my face and cut the area, then grab some more and keep on going..he was not fast but took his time and went over my face twice..never had a better one but never had the nerve to try it on myself..all5x
 
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I shave with a straight razor. There is a great website devoted to this...straight razor place.
You can find used ones at old barbershops,I've picked up several for 5 to 10 bucks a piece.
 
Gillette Sensor....still the best razor I ever used and hopefully I will be able to get blades for awhile..not big on the 3, 4, 5 and 6 blade models the size of air conditioning grates.
 
Evening,

I use a straight razor when at Living History events, and the ones I use are from the 18th century! They still work very well, indeed, and if you sharpen and hone them properly, they will give you a fantastic shave. If you happen to cut yourself, the razors are so sharp, that the cut heals up very cleanly and quickly. Not to worry, it's not that hard, actually, and just requires practice.

I use soap and oils from The Art of Shaving. It's the best, as far as I'm concerned. Here is their website, from which you can purchase their soaps, preshave oils, and even straight razors, should you wish to get started on this neat way to scrape your face!

Home - The Art of Shaving

Have fun, take your time, and practice, practice, practice, for a fine result! Take care, and God Bless!

Every Good Wish,
Doc
 
I have a beard on only shave my neck, I use vintage Boker straight razors that I bought on flebay for my collection, it takes some extra effort but it is well worth it. Simply the finest shave available. And though the initial investment costs are high in the long run you will save a whole bunch of money not having to buy razor blades.
 
I have two of my grandfathers straight razors that were handed down to me. Still have the boxes they came in. Well over 100 yrs old, and the stone he used to hone them with.

Haven't tried using them myself though.
 
Boy Oh BOY!! I'm gonna make a killin':D

Tissue paper here!! Get your tissue paper here..
YO!! STYPTIC PENCILS HERE.. get YER STYPTIC PENCILS HERE..
How 'Bout you there?? Band Aid, Sir!! Just a few left... :D:D
 
I am lucky to have a new barbershop open up a couple of years ago called "The Old Time Barbershop". They do use a straight razor to do the trimming but after the haircut you get a vacuum job down the back of your neck, a steaming hot towel, and a shoulder and upper arm and back massage! All for the princely sum of $11 on senior days. Wot a deal!
 
Straight razor shaving

Back in the 1970's I tried shaving with a straight razor.
I never could get up courage enought to try shaving under the chin. ...didni't want to cut my throat.

If you are skeptical there is a cheaper way to go. Find a beauty supply place that sells to the public and buy a SHAVETTE and BLADES. It's a straight razor that you insert blades into. Most of today's barbers use the Shavette. It saves sharpening and straping.
 
Smokymountainknifeworks carries straight razors

from several manufacurers. I shave with them on occasion but not on a daily basis (too much shaking in the the hands most mornings).
 
I used to be a barber (in the 70's) it is very easy to give someone a shave with a good, properly sharpend and stropped staight razor.

It is difficult to shave yourself with one. You just don't seem to have enough hands to keep the skin tightend properly. (which is the secret) Most will get a better, faster, more comfortable shave with a 'safety razor'.

p.s. I've found a safety razor with 1 blade works just as well as 2-3-4-or 5.
 
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