Anyone here use a straight razor?

R

RobbW

Joined
Oct 15, 2003
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Just wondering if anyone uses a straight razor for shaving and what they sharpen it with? Does it give a batter shave than a safety razor or electric, and if so what equipment would be good for starting out with.

I just got a BM 940D2CF and have had a set of Hinckels kitchen knives for years and I really enjoy sharpening them. If a straight edged razor works well for anyone out there I'd consider giving that a whirl. I sharpen with a Pro Edge.

Thanks.
 
My grandfather used one -- I can remember him stepping out of the bathroom with blood trickling down his cheek. Safety razors are, well, safer, and just as effective unless you're shaving off a beard (or your head).:D
 
I had tried it a few times, but never got the hang of it. Made me nervous, and I wasn't at the top of my game first thing in the morning, either!
 
Yep, I've used a straight razor for years when I feel like going Retro. Brush, soap & lots of HOT water. I'm old enough to remember going to the Barber shop for a straight razor shave & haircut. I picked my razor up from a local Barber supply shop quite a while ago. I just strop the bajeebers out of it & it keeps poppin them hairs right off! :D
 
I'm hoping my girlfriend will get me one for Christmas, along with a good strop and some buffing compound. I found a barber who uses one on my neck, and got interested in trying to shave with one. A mail order barber supply house has them cheaper than I could find on the internet, interestingly enough.

Todd
 
I have used one from time to time. I must say I don't find it worth the hassel. I now use a old safty razor that take the thin double edged blades. I find it to be a good sahave that is still "safe" but takes a bit more time and care than a modern razor.
Patrick Hayes
 
I have a few- some belonged to my grandfather & I picked up a couple of super deals in an antique store in Ontario. I just had a real "barbershop shave" on my 40th b-day & it was superb. I've considered getting the Boker razor in my medicine cabinet stropped up & ready to go, but I'm not "all there" most mornings & I would most likely put myself in for a Darwin Award if I tried it myself.
 
I use my straight razor (or one of my sharper knives) occasionally. This is not usually a technically superior approach. The straight razor has a heavier blade and does not cut as efficiently as the ultra-thin disposable blades. There are a lot of places where it is inconvenient to use a large unguarded blade, such as under your nose. I have a mustache so that is not an issue for me, but it would be real significant otherwise.

You seldom hone a straight razor. You strop it regularly to maintain the edge. When it gets too dull to strop, you hone it on a special straight razor hone or on an ultrafine (say 8000 grit) japanese water stone. You don't want to do this very much as you can form a burr on your edge. This honing is done with the razor layed flat on the stone.

Getting a good dual strop is important. You want both a leather and a canvas surface. You also need true straight razor stropping compounds. These are NOT abrassive in the normal sense. One is essentially grease and the other one is chalk based.
 
Always use a straight razor. It feels better on my skin. I know that it's recommended to strop the razor for sharpening, but I use ceramic stone (Spyderco) highest grit with water. That works the best for me. Occasional stropping is also used.
 
I tried one for a while. It took forever to shave with it.

Question: what was the angle of the blade in relation to your face? Did you shave with or against the direction that the hair grew?
 
First, I go with the same direction as the hair grows. After the hair is shorter, I go against the direction for smoothness.
 
Interesting responses in that they were so mixed. I had always assumed a straight razor provided a superior shave, but was more difficult to maintain and use.

Seems some folks like them better than a safety razor, but others say they don't shave as well. I may peruse vendor websites and strike if the prices are right.

I've had good luck sharpening knives and scissors with my Pro Edge so part of the straight razor jag was to push my sharpening skills to the next level with a straight razor.
 
I don't know about you guys, but I like a straight razor that has carbon steel blade. It's sharper and more easily to sharpen IMHO as all carbon steel blades are. Will stain a bit, and the pivot will rust if not properly taken care of. But nothing beats it.
 
He's got a 32 gun in his pocket for fun, He's got a razor in his shoe.. :D Sorry, couldn't resist. Love that song ;)
 
I like to be done with shaving in about .45 seconds. I do have a straight edge but I'd probably kill myself on the first swipe. I got mine from my barber for about $6.00. By the way, for you guys that have old ones, some people do collect them.;)
 
don't you guys use the mach 3 turbo by gillette?

they're so much better than a straight razor...although sometimes it's fun to go old school...my favourite barber in london uses one with disposable blades...

the thing i hate the most using straight razors is how raw your skin feels after the shave...don't know about anyone else but when i get home from the barber and take a shower it stings a teeny bit...

mach 3 turbo from gillette and kinexium from king of shaves...best combination i ever tried
 
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