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Do you use straight razors?
- Thread starter pahl
- Start date
GigOne
Gold Member
- Joined
- Nov 27, 1999
- Messages
- 15,783
I've been using a straight edge for a number of years. Generally, for keepin' the mustache properly groomed and trimmed, trimming around the ears and the back of my neck.
I also use it to shave. . .but only if I have a 3+ day of growth. Regular razors just can't handle this task (painful )!
Sharpening is accomplished by a friend of mine ~ he our local "barber." Only uses the strop ! Wicked sharp ! !
I also use it to shave. . .but only if I have a 3+ day of growth. Regular razors just can't handle this task (painful )!
Sharpening is accomplished by a friend of mine ~ he our local "barber." Only uses the strop ! Wicked sharp ! !
I use mine once a week. I usually don't shave on my days off so I've got a pretty good crop when it's time to go back to work. I also use it to keep the back of my neck clean between haircuts.
As to sharpening, I strop frequently and keep the edge in shape by hitting it a few licks on the ol' Spyderco 204 (30 degree) once a month.
As to sharpening, I strop frequently and keep the edge in shape by hitting it a few licks on the ol' Spyderco 204 (30 degree) once a month.
- Joined
- Oct 11, 2001
- Messages
- 129
Hi Pahl,
I recently bought two of the French-made straight razors from knifecenter.com. I alternate them so each has a full 48 hours to "rest". I also got a strop from knifecenter. I use a full-size Spyderco extra-fine stone to hone the razors.
Been working great. I was a little awkward with them at first but steadily improved.
Makes shaving much more exciting than it used to be!
--gordon
I recently bought two of the French-made straight razors from knifecenter.com. I alternate them so each has a full 48 hours to "rest". I also got a strop from knifecenter. I use a full-size Spyderco extra-fine stone to hone the razors.
Been working great. I was a little awkward with them at first but steadily improved.
Makes shaving much more exciting than it used to be!
--gordon
- Joined
- Jul 29, 2000
- Messages
- 555
GlockDoc, I've been of the impression that one should lay the razor flat on a bench stone to sharpen it, not use the 30 degree setting on the 204? The 204 can handle free-hand sharpening too.
Good Morning-
You could also visit The Art of Shaving for some additional insight. From what they say, it's the preparation of the skin/beard rather than the razor used to remove the hair that is most important.
They retail a variety of German straight-edge razors at their store locations. As an aside, it's pretty nice to make an appointment for one of their custom shaves with the hot towels and such. If you're considering delving into the world of straight-edge shaving, that would be a good introduction.
I haven't made the leap yet, but I'm interested, too.
Gordyt brings up a good point about allowing the blade to "rest" between uses. Apparently, the edge gets microscopically misaligned and is "cured" through a combination of rest and stroping. I don't know if this is true or just a tale, but that's the case. I know that regular ole' safety razors sometimes seem to cut better some days than others.
To get back to your question, you should have no problem maintaining a straight-edge razor with the proper leather strop. Just make sure it is supported, rather than a free-hanging piece of leather.
Good Luck,
~ Blue Jays ~
You could also visit The Art of Shaving for some additional insight. From what they say, it's the preparation of the skin/beard rather than the razor used to remove the hair that is most important.
They retail a variety of German straight-edge razors at their store locations. As an aside, it's pretty nice to make an appointment for one of their custom shaves with the hot towels and such. If you're considering delving into the world of straight-edge shaving, that would be a good introduction.
I haven't made the leap yet, but I'm interested, too.
Gordyt brings up a good point about allowing the blade to "rest" between uses. Apparently, the edge gets microscopically misaligned and is "cured" through a combination of rest and stroping. I don't know if this is true or just a tale, but that's the case. I know that regular ole' safety razors sometimes seem to cut better some days than others.
To get back to your question, you should have no problem maintaining a straight-edge razor with the proper leather strop. Just make sure it is supported, rather than a free-hanging piece of leather.
Good Luck,
~ Blue Jays ~
I have used a straight razor for a while now. Originally used one from India into which you inserted a razor blade which had been broken in half lengthways (tricky) and now use regular straight razor (much safer). I inherited a few from my grandfather, plus his strops. I've found I have to avoid disposables as they become habit forming due to convenience, dispite their being more expense and less fun to use.
Check out Arthur Boon's page which is excellent (a few of the links are dud but most work). I think it's an extension of his straight razor FAQ.
Kallisti
Check out Arthur Boon's page which is excellent (a few of the links are dud but most work). I think it's an extension of his straight razor FAQ.
Kallisti
- Joined
- Jan 27, 1999
- Messages
- 5,891
I have a couple of nice ones & I keep one in my bathroom cabinet. I do NOT however use it to shave. I routinely cut myself to shreds w/ a disposable- to quote the ex: "Damn, you look like you're chopping wood- no wonder you cut yourself". Until I learn to calm down, I will not try using a straight razor on myself. I have had exceptionally good barber shop shaves w/ one. Try it if you havent't had one.