Straight Razors

punit328

punit328

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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.
 
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
 
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.
 
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.

conk178_merkurrazorplain_disksm.JPG
 
I keep a beard. I tried a straight edge once and cut my cheek for some reason and once was enough.
 
trickblue;4361811 said:
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.
Click to expand...
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!
 
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.
 
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.
 
Chocolate Lab;4361839 said:
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!
Click to expand...

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...
 
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.
 
Seven;4362083 said:
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.
Click to expand...

Just go to Wal-Mart... they have it...
 
...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.
 
punit328;4361777 said:
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.
Click to expand...

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

Which is why I have a beard...
 
trickblue;4361811 said:
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.

Click to expand...
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.
 
trickblue;4361811 said:
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.

conk178_merkurrazorplain_disksm.JPG
Click to expand...

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.
 
Hostile;4362755 said:
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.
Click to expand...

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.
 
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