Straight Razors

[punit328]

Who here shaves or has tried shaving with a straight razor? I never have before but I am strongly considering it, because i never really had a close enough shave with my electric razor.


Any insights would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[TheDallasDon]

If I shave with a razor its a strait edge....

My suggestion would be to go to a barber and watch him a couple time while he's saving you before you just start using it


Edit: if u like close you can go against the grain with no irritation

[Chocolate Lab]

Why would you go straight (no pun intended) from an electric to the raw blade? Why not at least try a double-edge razor first? Those are supposed to be difficult enough.

[trickblue]

I use a safety razor like the one below. Use Feather brand blades, good badger hair shaving brush and good shaving soap and you'll get just as close as a straight razor without ever having to sharpen. Shave one side of your face with one side of the blade, then spin it to the other blade for the other side. Feather brand blades are EXTREMELY sharp. You'll have to change the blade about once per week.

http://www.heimerdingercutlery.com/images/conk178_merkurrazorplain_disksm.JPG

[vta]

I keep a beard. I tried a straight edge once and cut my cheek for some reason and once was enough.

[Chocolate Lab]

I use a safety razor like the one below. Use Feather brand blades, good badger hair shaving brush and good shaving soap and you'll get just as close as a straight razor without ever having to sharpen.
Never tried a safety razor, but I started using a brush and soap about a year ago, and now can't believe I ever used that garbage out of a can.

I have sensitive skin that nicks easily, so I've tried about every combination of shaving cream and razor imaginable, and there's no doubt that the brush and soap make any razor you use much better. And it doesn't even cost any more than canned cream or gel... In fact, it's probably quite a bit cheaper. A puck of soap from Wally World is under $1.50 and lasts for at least a couple of months.

If you haven't tried it yet, guys, try it!

[Sam I Am]

I have a Wahl trimmer which I use without a guard to trim my beard once every three days. It's less than a beard, but more than a shadow.

Then I use a Gillette Fusion ProGlide to clean up around it.

[ABQCOWBOY]

I have used a straight Razor. I actually collect them. I would not recommend using one unless it's just something you want to get into. You might consider using a Gillette Fusion. 4 Blades and an electric current option that you can use. Gives you a pretty close shave.

[trickblue]

Never tried a safety razor, but I started using a brush and soap about a year ago, and now can't believe I ever used that garbage out of a can.

I have sensitive skin that nicks easily, so I've tried about every combination of shaving cream and razor imaginable, and there's no doubt that the brush and soap make any razor you use much better. And it doesn't even cost any more than canned cream or gel... In fact, it's probably quite a bit cheaper. A puck of soap from Wally World is under $1.50 and lasts for at least a couple of months.

If you haven't tried it yet, guys, try it!

Yep... shaving soap and brush is the first key, then find a razor to your liking. I've been using the soap and brush for almost 30 years and there is no comparison between that and canned shaving cream...

[Dallas]

It don't get any closer than this.


http://www.catonett.com/blog/wp-content/bilder/GilletteFusionXXLthenextrazorfromGillett_1112D/Gillette_fusion_large.jpg (http://www.catonett.com/blog/wp-content/bilder/GilletteFusionXXLthenextrazorfromGillett_1112D/Gillette_fusion_large.jpg)

[Chocolate Lab]

It don't get any closer than this.


http://www.catonett.com/blog/wp-content/bilder/GilletteFusionXXLthenextrazorfromGillett_1112D/Gillette_fusion_large.jpg (http://www.catonett.com/blog/wp-content/bilder/GilletteFusionXXLthenextrazorfromGillett_1112D/Gillette_fusion_large.jpg)

:laugh1:

That's about right.

BTW, I finally got sick of $4 razor cartridges and found a couple of good alternatives (not disposables or other cheapo, terrible razors that will cut you to shreds) for anyone interested.

[Seven]

Gillette makes a ton of cash on the fusion replacement blades. No way I'm paying that for something that lasts two weeks.........per blade set.

I got the brush and stuff just need the soap if CL wouldn't mind PMing me with a brand.

[trickblue]

Gillette makes a ton of cash on the fusion replacement blades. No way I'm paying that for something that lasts two weeks.........per blade set.

I got the brush and stuff just need the soap if CL wouldn't mind PMing me with a brand.

Just go to Wal-Mart... they have it...

[davidyee]

...good shave.

Soap vs can?

I've tried both and I have to side with Trick. A good quality shaving soap beats a can just cause the ladies dig it.

Tip: Add Warmth!

Brush and Soap.

To improve your overall experience dunk you soap dish into hot water to get the skuttle (mug)warm before adding the soap bar and water. Dip your soap brush in hot water to get the bristles warmed up also before making that nice "Ladies Man" lather.

Shaving can.

Fill the sink with hot water and drop the shaving can in 10 minutes before using. Shaving cream is nice and hot.

(Warning using hot water on your brush will curve and bend you bristles prematurely. Dunking the can in hot water will make the container and especially the bottom ring rust.)

Warm the bristles up before to soften them. Via a shower or even hot facecloths. Get the hairs ready for the mowing.

Blades?

Straight Razor. Your going in style and you can't get a closer shave. But you need time and other accessories. They aren't cheap. A good razor strap for stropping is $100.00. I have a Bresduck Rooster 1911 from my grandfather and although vintage its still needed a good honing to start the blade. How much???

This is a two handed job that requires multiple passes if you have a good beard. You have to have good hand eye coordination with a good mirror.

Safety Razor. Grandpa had one of those also. I still have it. A stainless steel Gillette. Has a lovely dial on the end of the shaft to set the blade exposure. Weighs a ton and gives a great shave. I buy the blades for scraping off the smooth stove top of burnt food and prime the razor every so often for fun close shave.

98% of the time I use my Gillette Fusion. I'm just too lazy, and its the fastest thing in the shower. Plus I don't get funny questions from the airports screeners when I'm on business trips.

I don't know if you can take straight razors in luggage? I wouldn't try it.

The Safety Razor is fast, but its nice to lather before hand. The straight is the most work and I find the kids and the ladies get a real kick when you pull the stuff out and give it a go.

Just don't cut yourself. And for the metrosexual in you throw on some moisturizer after the mowing. Your skin and meaningful other will love you for it.

I like a close shave because I have an ugly oriental style whiskers. Not beard. The hairs are stiff, jagged and not dense. Crappy looking so I have endeavored to keep it as close as possible everytime.

[silverbear]

Who here shaves or has tried shaving with a straight razor? I never have before but I am strongly considering it, because i never really had a close enough shave with my electric razor.


Any insights would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

I'm a Texan, naturally I shave with a Bowie knife...

Which is why I have a beard...

[rkell87]

http://www.theartofshaving.com/

[SaltwaterServr]

http://www.theartofshaving.com/

Ooooh. Thanks for that link.

[Hostile]

I use a safety razor like the one below. Use Feather brand blades, good badger hair shaving brush and good shaving soap and you'll get just as close as a straight razor without ever having to sharpen. Shave one side of your face with one side of the blade, then spin it to the other blade for the other side. Feather brand blades are EXTREMELY sharp. You'll have to change the blade about once per week.

http://www.heimerdingercutlery.com/images/conk178_merkurrazorplain_disksm.JPG (http://www.heimerdingercutlery.com/images/conk178_merkurrazorplain_disksm.JPG)I don't even know where to buy something like that. I am discouraged by the cost of Mach 3 replacement blades. How much do these cost?

Also one thing I have learned. Instead of shaving cream I use conditioner like for your hair.

[Hoofbite]

I use a safety razor like the one below. Use Feather brand blades, good badger hair shaving brush and good shaving soap and you'll get just as close as a straight razor without ever having to sharpen. Shave one side of your face with one side of the blade, then spin it to the other blade for the other side. Feather brand blades are EXTREMELY sharp. You'll have to change the blade about once per week.

http://www.heimerdingercutlery.com/images/conk178_merkurrazorplain_disksm.JPG

Looks like a Merkur.

Got one in the bathroom right now.

Feather blades scare the hell out of me when changing them. I feel like I might make a wrong move and lose an arm.

[Hoofbite]

I don't even know where to buy something like that. I am discouraged by the cost of Mach 3 replacement blades. How much do these cost?

Also one thing I have learned. Instead of shaving cream I use conditioner like for your hair.

You can get a Merkur for like $50.

Replacement blades are sold in packs of 10 and wait for the price..........like 5-7 bucks for the ones he was talking about.

[Hostile]

You can get a Merkur for like $50.

Replacement blades are sold in packs of 10 and wait for the price..........like 5-7 bucks for the ones he was talking about.At 5 bucks that would be 1/4 the price they want for my Mach 3 blades.

I need to consider this.

[Hoofbite]

At 5 bucks that would be 1/4 the price they want for my Mach 3 blades.

I need to consider this.

Yeah, you get a ton too.

How much is a Mach 3?

Even at 7 bucks, were talking like .70 per blade. Well worth it.

Takes a little getting used to and I've gotten a cut or two but a damn good shave.

[Chocolate Lab]

Gillette makes a ton of cash on the fusion replacement blades. No way I'm paying that for something that lasts two weeks.........per blade set.

I got the brush and stuff just need the soap if CL wouldn't mind PMing me with a brand.

Oh, wasn't trying to be all secretive, just wasn't sure if anyone would be interested... :)

Yes, like Trick said, surprisingly enough it's readily available and super-cheap at Wally World. Made by a company called Van der Hagen, which actually comes from some small town in Texas. It really is like $1.50... Used to be only $1.34 or something... Damn inflation! ;) But the beauty is that it works much better than any canned stuff I've ever used and smells nice, too. CVS sells another brand that's also cheap (though not quite that cheap) but I don't like the smell as much.

And for anyone else reading, I got the brush made by the same company at CVS. It's just a cheapie at $7 or so, but works fine and will last a long time. I haven't gotten into the better badger brushes just because this one works perfectly well for me.

Okay, and for anyone wanting an alternative to the $4 blades... I decided a couple of years ago that I was just tired of paying that, though up to then I almost had to because like I said before, my skin gets cut to shreds with cheap razors (and even most not-cheap ones). Well, I found that Wally World again sells a razor made by Wilkinson that's only like $5.50, and three cartridges are a little under $6. It works as well as anything I've tried, and believe me, I've tried them all -- all the Gillettes, Schicks, etc. (The Quattro was actually the best one I'd found up to that point but even those were $3.50 or so per blade.) So at least $2 per cartridge is much better than $4.

But for those wanting to really save some money... If you notice, at Wally World they have some Wilkinson blades made for the old Trac II or Atra razors for an amazing $3.54 for 10 cartridges. Thirty-five cents apiece! Problem is, those razors aren't made here anymore... But they are overseas. So on Ebay, you can find a Schick that is actually a nice, fairly heavy, rubberized handle -- not like a super-cheapo disposable -- that fits them. It comes from Singapore and takes a couple weeks to arrive, but is only like $11 shipped.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Schick-ULTRA-PLUS-Razor-ft-Gillette-Contour-ATRA-Blades-/250592404109

Before this I'd tried an aftermarket Atra handle for like $20... It looked like a nice, heavy metal handle, but it broke after a couple of months. This $11 Schick is actually much better quality even though it's cheaper.

This handle and blade plus the shave soap is super cheap, and the kicker is that this combo works as well as anything I've ever tried -- a nice close shave that doesn't ever irritate my skin. Did I mention that before this that I had to try every combination of expensive canned cream and blade out there to find something that wouldn't cut me up? :) Rare to find something that's cheaper *and better*, but that's the case here.

Maybe this will help someone out there who like me has the bad combo of a heavy beard and sensitive skin. :mad: Shaving was a huge pain for many years, but now I don't even think about it anymore.

[Vtwin]

I don't even know where to buy something like that. I am discouraged by the cost of Mach 3 replacement blades. How much do these cost?

Also one thing I have learned. Instead of shaving cream I use conditioner like for your hair.


When they dull try running those Mach 3 blades backwards along your forearm a few times. You are essentially stropping them and it does increase the life. I was surprised at just how much.

[Hostile]

When they dull try running those Mach 3 blades backwards along your forearm a few times. You are essentially stropping them and it does increase the life. I was surprised at just how much.I actually got a leather razor strop for Christmas last year.

[Wimbo]

I actually got a leather razor strop for Christmas last year.

when I was a kid, my dad told me the strop hanging from the barber's chair was there to whip uncooperative kids. I never moved an inch during my haircuts.

[Kangaroo]

I use a safety razor like the one below. Use Feather brand blades, good badger hair shaving brush and good shaving soap and you'll get just as close as a straight razor without ever having to sharpen. Shave one side of your face with one side of the blade, then spin it to the other blade for the other side. Feather brand blades are EXTREMELY sharp. You'll have to change the blade about once per week.

http://www.heimerdingercutlery.com/images/conk178_merkurrazorplain_disksm.JPG (http://www.heimerdingercutlery.com/images/conk178_merkurrazorplain_disksm.JPG)

I use a safety razor I have a Muker about to replace it though been banged up over the years. Best shaves I ever had and it is cheaper than any of those heads etc etc.

Yes Feather are sharp as stated by Trick Blue

[trickblue]

Looks like a Merkur.

Got one in the bathroom right now.

Feather blades scare the hell out of me when changing them. I feel like I might make a wrong move and lose an arm.

Yes... it is a Merkur only mine has a Crimson handle...

I agree about Feather blades... I only grab them on the ends lest I lose a digit...

Hoss, you can get these online... it's not even close in regards to closeness...

The Fusion is a pretty good product, but still can't touch a safety razor... one you learn to use it...

[hutch1254]

TrickBlue has some good knowledge and info in his posts. I recently went to a safety razor after coming across the following website.

http://artofmanliness.com/2008/01/04/how-to-shave-like-your-grandpa/

The website itself is pretty informative on different topics with an old school feel on how to do things the right way. There is also a section about straight razor shaving and collecting and restoring safety razors. Pretty cool.

Also, when I was using Mach 3's I would take the blade and run it across a pair of denim jeans 20 times one way and then 20 times the other and believe it or not I got more life out of the blades. It has something to do with the lines in the denim being able to get the build up off the edge of the blade. Found that trick on lifehacker.com

I still have the Mach 3 but haven't touched it since I went with the safety razor.

[Hostile]

This is the razor strop I got for Christmas last year.

pNb-u1KJlcU

The inventor is somehow related to my wife. I have not tried it, but I am going to.

[yimyammer]

I get a shave as smooth as a babies butt and I don't use a mirror, shaving cream or a fancy razor, just the cheap $4 dollar/dozen disposable razors

I shave in a hot shower. After washing my hair, I shave with the grain for 5-6 minutes and then I slowly shave against the grain, applying more pressure on each subsequent stroke. This is key as you want the hairs to be chopped down pretty short before you press hard against the grain or you'll get ingrown hairs.

Works like a charm for me!

[rkell87]

TrickBlue has some good knowledge and info in his posts. I recently went to a safety razor after coming across the following website.

http://artofmanliness.com/2008/01/04/how-to-shave-like-your-grandpa/

The website itself is pretty informative on different topics with an old school feel on how to do things the right way. There is also a section about straight razor shaving and collecting and restoring safety razors. Pretty cool.

Also, when I was using Mach 3's I would take the blade and run it across a pair of denim jeans 20 times one way and then 20 times the other and believe it or not I got more life out of the blades. It has something to do with the lines in the denim being able to get the build up off the edge of the blade. Found that trick on lifehacker.com

I still have the Mach 3 but haven't touched it since I went with the safety razor.
i love art of manliness

[ka0tik]

I find it funny b/c im 24 yrs old and honestly i dont know of anyone other than me who uses a Straight Razor to shave @ this age. everyones into the electric stuff and new blades.

main reason i use it is bc i like to shape up my beard and leaves a better cut than any blade of used before. my first couple of times, i was cut all over the dang place. i've gotten really good though. no cuts. they can be very dangerous though, if ur not careful.

[hutch1254]

i love art of manliness

Yeah it's a pretty sweet website. Lot of good articles and some good conversation. Gives you a chance to see how things were done the right way back in the day too. I especially like the posts on shoe/boot shining. Lot of classic stuff on the site.

[Kangaroo]

I don't even know where to buy something like that. I am discouraged by the cost of Mach 3 replacement blades. How much do these cost?

Also one thing I have learned. Instead of shaving cream I use conditioner like for your hair.

Online Amazon has a wide selection as well as other sites stay away from the butterfly ones they are not bad but over time they do not close very well. Which is why I am replacing mine with the old fashion style two piece or three piece take apart type.

Here is a good webiste talkign about the differences. I stay away from the cheaper Parkers and spend a few extra bucks on a Merkur or EJ. Be careful some brands run in the hundreds of dollars\.

On blades feathers are really sharp some people do not like them because they have more senstive skin or for what ever reason as a new razor person I always suggest some of the variety packs on amazon where they give you like 40 blades or more of different blade types for $10-$20 and you can find what you prefer on your face.

I been using one for about 6 years now maybe longer but I will never go back to those mach razor style ever again.

[Kangaroo]

I get a shave as smooth as a babies butt and I don't use a mirror, shaving cream or a fancy razor, just the cheap $4 dollar/dozen disposable razors

I shave in a hot shower. After washing my hair, I shave with the grain for 5-6 minutes and then I slowly shave against the grain, applying more pressure on each subsequent stroke. This is key as you want the hairs to be chopped down pretty short before you press hard against the grain or you'll get ingrown hairs.

Works like a charm for me!

Which is a terrible way to shave after learning how to use a good razor with weight and balance even going against the grain takes no pressure or effort. You style works great when you are young I know I did it like that for years but when you get older and the beard stubble gets tougher and coarser that quits working.

[rkell87]

Yeah it's a pretty sweet website. Lot of good articles and some good conversation. Gives you a chance to see how things were done the right way back in the day too. I especially like the posts on shoe/boot shining. Lot of classic stuff on the site.

the articles on haggling are great too, lots of interesting info on the site

[yimyammer]

Which is a terrible way to shave after learning how to use a good razor with weight and balance even going against the grain takes no pressure or effort. You style works great when you are young I know I did it like that for years but when you get older and the beard stubble gets tougher and coarser that quits working.

I'm 46, when do I need to switch?

[trickblue]

I'm 46, when do I need to switch?

ASAP...

[yimyammer]

ASAP...

Y if it's working?

I have a strong sense of smell and can't stand smelling shaving cream all day and electric razors suck (for me).

I've never tried a straight razor with blades tho, are they a really fast shave or what's the benefit over what I'm doing now?

[trickblue]

Y if it's working?

I have a strong sense of smell and can't stand smelling shaving cream all day and electric razors suck (for me).

I've never tried a straight razor with blades tho, are they a really fast shave or what's the benefit over what I'm doing now?

I was being facetious, do what works for you, but I will add this...

I think you would find a safety razor with Feather blades and shave soap and brush (wet shave) a 1 minute process. I shave in the shower as well and I am done in less than a minute... baby arse smooth... and I have a VERY thick, tough beard (I can grow a beard in about a week)...

[yimyammer]

I was being facetious, do what works for you, but I will add this...

I think you would find a safety razor with Feather blades and shave soap and brush (wet shave) a 1 minute process. I shave in the shower as well and I am done in less than a minute... baby arse smooth... and I have a VERY thick, tough beard (I can grow a beard in about a week)...

One minute?! That's worth it, takes me 10-15 mins, guess I'll have to give it a try?

[trickblue]

One minute?! That's worth it, takes me 10-15 mins, guess I'll have to give it a try?

Literally one minute... of course you'll have to perfect your technique, but a safety razor doesn't have to be done a second time... they are that sharp (Feather blades)...

[yimyammer]

Literally one minute... of course you'll have to perfect your technique, but a safety razor doesn't have to be done a second time... they are that sharp (Feather blades)...

Awesome, thx for the tip! Is this a good combo

http://db.tt/DoOX8wfx

[trickblue]

Awesome, thx for the tip! Is this a good combo

http://db.tt/DoOX8wfx

Yes... anything Merker/Feather is a good mix...

The soap is good, the brush is more important... get a good badger brush... $50 will last almost a lifetime...

The shaving soaps at Wal-Mart are surprisingly good...

[Kangaroo]

Awesome, thx for the tip! Is this a good combo

http://db.tt/DoOX8wfx

be careful the first time do not use a lot of pressure let the razor do the work let the weight of the razor work for you. Just a little tip

[yimyammer]

Yes... anything Merker/Feather is a good mix...

The soap is good, the brush is more important... get a good badger brush... $50 will last almost a lifetime...

The shaving soaps at Wal-Mart are surprisingly good...

be careful the first time do not use a lot of pressure let the razor do the work let the weight of the razor work for you. Just a little tip

Thx guys, little nervous now

[trickblue]

Thx guys, little nervous now

As I said... tailor the razor to your face...

Nothing to be scared of... you will be SHOCKED at how sharp the Feather blades are... it's a one-pass system when you learn...

A quality Merker will run you about $50... it will last you the rest of your life... Feather blades are SO much cheaper than Gillette 4 bangers (3 bucks a pop as opposed to about 20 cents)...

I'll send you an old Merker and some Feathers if you want to try it out... brush and soap are on you...

[yimyammer]

As I said... tailor the razor to your face...

Nothing to be scared of... you will be SHOCKED at how sharp the Feather blades are... it's a one-pass system when you learn...

A quality Merker will run you about $50... it will last you the rest of your life... Feather blades are SO much cheaper than Gillette 4 bangers (3 bucks a pop as opposed to about 20 cents)...

I'll send you an old Merker and some Feathers if you want to try it out... brush and soap are on you...

Thank you for your generous offer sir! I've already got the order saved at Amazon and will pull the trigger eventually.

[Sam I Am]

Once I go back to shaving my entire face, I think I will try a Merkur.

I should probably look into one just for the cleanup I use now. Not having to buy the blades for the Fusion would probably pay for it in a year. (sooner if I shaved my entire face)