I want to learn to use a straight razor but I need a mentor

[roughneckrob]

Hey guys, I've always wondered what it would be like to shave with a straight blade. I hear its the best shave you can get. My father never used one so I never had the chance to find out. I would now like to try and see what it is like but I don't know where to start. I guess I need a razor first? What should I get and what do I use for shaving cream? can someone help me out with some tips for using these so I don't cut my own throat.

 

[jayinhk]

I cut myself a fair bit when I started. I learned from watching barbers work on me and others. I rarely if ever nick myself nowadays (it's been 11 years). Some just use warm water. I use shaving soap.

 

[Gollnick]

The cut-your-throat thing is really overblown. Unless you try -- and you could do this with any sharp knife -- you are not going to do any serious injury.

 

[guitarSteve]

I learned to shave with my father's old straight razors when I was in High School, and continued through the service for four years (until I got out and stopped shaving for quite a while).

My dad taught me to really let the (brushed) soap do its job and soften the whiskers; use your free hand to pull the skin tight; keep the blade angle low (below 20 degrees I'd say if I guessed) to avoid "chatter," and though it may be tempting to use a bit of lateral angle on the blade for comforts sake, don't do that because if the blade catches on a bump it will glide sideways and slice into your skin.

Once my skin became healthier from using a straight razor, the blade would deform and pass right over skin imperfections (yes, the edge is that thin).

I no longer take the time for shaving with a straight razor, but was recently thinking of reaquiring the habit. I would have to invest in an new razor though, because I ONCE broke the cardinal rule of straigh razor shaving: NEVER put it away wet!

Unfortunately I ruined my father's old Excellsior, but it resides now as a keepsake with my youngest son (30).

Good luck. It's not dangerous if you pay attention. Worst cut I ever got was across the bridge of my nose while transferring from one side of my face to the other during a shave. I've done worse with so-called "safety" razors.

 

[amcardon]

If you're looking to get a razor that's shave ready but won't break the bank go with Larry over at Whipped Dog. You'll need a brush, some shaving soap and a strop (most, if not all, can be purchased from Larry for cheap and it will be excellent starter gear but is also stuff that if you're serious about this you will be upgrading in the near future. Larry also does an excellent job honing razors and is just an all-around good guy. As you can tell I have no reservations recommending him!

Check out the straight razor forums (B&B, SRP) and watch some vids on youtube for technique if you need to.

Good luck! I started straight razor shaving about 9 months ago and have since acquired over 400 razors (most are ebay razors needing restoration, I'm definitely not talking customs here!) and will be making my own here shortly (grinder should be done early next week!). It's been an awesome ride!

 

[kg4ghn]

I would like to second the recommendation for Larry at whippeddog.

He is great to deal with.

Shaving with a straight is a lot of fun, I enjoy the shave and everything that goes with it, the stropping, honing, looking for new razors in antique stores...