Tips on using a straight razor

Joined
Jun 6, 2002
Messages
42
I'm about to dive into the world of straight razor shaving. A very nice French, Thiers-Issard, razor is on it's way along with a strop. I've already read everthing I could find on the web about it. However, I would like some addtional tips to keep my beautiful mug from becoming a bloody mess. Any suggestions?
 
Welcome to the world of straight razors. Here's a few tips to keep you in one peice.

  • Wash your face very well right before you shave
  • Shave after your shaower if possible
  • Use a good face lotion
  • Warmed shaving lather is preferable
  • Take medium length strokes, about 1.5-2 inchesin lengnth
  • TAKE YOUR TIME. I can't stress that enough the first couple of shaves are going to take a while.
  • aply light pressure only. If you have to press hard you aren't using a sharp blade
  • NEVER touch the blade with a finger. a simple thumbnail can cause edge damage
  • strop before every shave. Your razor should only need reground every 6-12 monthes
  • Keep your razor in good working order and it will keep you in good looking order.
  • Don't expect a perfect shave the first couple of times it takes about a week to really get the hang of it.
 
I've used a straight razor for 5 years and never used a "set angle" the hollow gring on your razor is soo thin and the edge so steep most and angle that you can hold comfortably and gives you a close clean shave and the same time is your optimal angle.
 
I assume that this is obvious, but since it is important... Don't allow the edge to slide side-ways along your face. Even a small lateral motion to your stroke will cause the blade to slice into you.
 
In addition to the above - don't do it in a hurry, or when drunk etc. Take your good time. Use very hot water and a brush to apply saving creme.

Hold the skin taut and apply measured stokes - i.e. don't use short strokes of 1 cm and go over the same area time after time in quick succession. If you have been shaved by a barber using a straight razor you'll know the drill. I know you said you'd read everything on the web, but this is worth mentioning just in case you l=missed it - the site of Arthur Boon author of the straight razor FAQ is well worth studyig, especially points 18 - 25 which address your question.

Happy shaving!

Kallisti
 
Thanks for all your help. I've not been shaved by a barber. I guess maybe I should try it sometime. Thanks again. Anymore suggestions would be fine.
 
Always wear shorts and shoes when shaving with a straight razor, lest it slip from your hand and you lose something important:eek:
 
Always wear shorts and shoes when shaving with a straight razor, lest it slip from your hand and you lose something important


Best advice yet. Lobbing off a testicle would make for a very interesting albiet painfull visit to the ER.;)
 
Strop the blade before use anytime it hasn't been used for a while. If you don't put anything but olive oil or non-abrasive compound on the strop you can strop before every use. If you put chalk or other somewhat abrasive compound on the strop you should probably go a couple shaves between strops. Stropping is something you do right before use.
 
This thread makes me wanna try this...and yet, kinda makes me not want to try this...

-Z
 
Originally posted by gskull
Ok, I have one more question. Do I need to strop the razor before the FIRST USE? :eek:

Yes. You strop it before you start shaving, when you change sides, and after you've finished shaving and dried the blade off.
 
Actually i've been advised NOT to strop the blade AFTER shaving. The edge needs some "rest" to realign itself, and stropping it before it has done so causes unnecessary wear and edge damage. Some people even use more than one razor blade so the used ones can have enough time to "rest" for one or two days. I'd only strop shorty before use.
 
Originally posted by Nightwind
Actually i've been advised NOT to strop the blade AFTER shaving. The edge needs some "rest" to realign itself, and stropping it before it has done so causes unnecessary wear and edge damage. Some people even use more than one razor blade so the used ones can have enough time to "rest" for one or two days. I'd only strop shorty before use.

Could be. All I know about it is what the barber told me back in the '60s, which agreed with his book. I used the same razor for ten years and never had any trouble with it, nor had to have it reground. It was sharp enough that the only time I bothered with shaving cream, or even wetting my beard was in spring, if I'd grown a beard for the winter.

The way the it was explained to me was that the act of shaving distorts the edge slightly and working it on the leather puts it back in shape.
 
This may sound unusual but do not drink coffee or smoke a cigerette right before shaving. Can't remember exactly why (read this many years ago) but probably something to do with increased blood flow closing off pores?
 
Cool! Thanks for all your help. I feel very confident now, I think. I'll probably try it this weekend and then post here from the hospital (just kidding). :p
 
Back
Top