Straight Razors

[flex9198]

Hi guys, I have a question about straight razors...im new at this. I bought a cheap 25 dollar straight razor (Bowman Barber Supply Monsieur Charles Razor) just to experiment with at first, if i like it i will buy something more quality.

Anyway, I read everywhere that you have to sharpen your straight razor every once in a while but this straight razor requires you buy a set of Personna Mini Shaper Blades. I dont understand this, they are relativley cheap (4.95 for 20) but wouldn't one blade be enough if you have to rersharpen them?

Also, How do cheaper straight razors vary from expensive ones? These blades are made from stainless steel. "highest grade stainless steel - tempered, sharpened and honed to exacting standards. Each blade is then glide coated with the patented miracle polymer VYDAX for unsurpassed smoothness and durability."

So I really dont know the differece between cheap ones and expensive ones AND i dont understand the Personna Blade's.

Thanks Guys!

 

[Don Luis]

Welcome to the forums.

You have a razor that uses disposable blades, when it looses an edge you change it, no need to sharpen or strop, though I should say that my dad used to strop his disposables, something which I´ve tried and found that it does get a bit more use from the blades.

With the good old traditional (and expensive) straight razors you don´t change blades, you just have a blade pinned to a handle and you have to keep the edge by stropping frequently and sharpening when needed.

I suggest you try your new razor for a while and if you like it you may consider a non-disposable, along with some extra accessories like strop, stropping compound, hone, etc. and of course the necessary skills to maintain it, also consider that these razors are often not stainless.

 

[vetkaw63]

Hi,
Straight razors don't have to be expensive. Lynn and Dave at www.straightrazorplace.com ocasionally sell razors from their own collections.
This guarantees that they are quality razors and are ready to shave. You can pick one up for 25 - 35 dollars.
Mike