It's a question that has been asked by men for centuries - How do I shave with a straight razor correctly? In this blog post, we will teach you everything you need to know about shaving with a straight razor. We'll cover topics such as choosing the right Straight Razor, preparing your skin, and how to avoid common mistakes. So whether you're just starting out or you're looking to improve your technique, read on for the ultimate guide to shaving with a straight razor!
Choosing the Right Straight Razor
The first step to shaving with a straight razor is choosing the right razor. There are many different types of straight razors available on the market, so it's important to do your research and find one that suits your needs. For example, if you have sensitive skin, you might want to choose a razor with a rounded point to avoid nicks and cuts. When picking a Straight Razor we recommend starting with a round point and regarding the brands it's safe to say that Dovo, Boker and Ralph Aust are solid performers. Please note that there are many many fake straight razors on sites such as Ebay, Amazon and Etsy, and also many uneducated vendors looking for a quick buck. At The Classic Edge we never expect you to just buy from us, we are not about that. But we are about educating our clients on how not to be taken advantage of. We've all fell for that too good to be true product that the price was so low we just couldn't say no. As a rule of thumb, the entry level most affordable razors are the Dovo Best Quality, Boker King Cutter and Ralph Aust. All off these are 5/8 with a round point, and if you find a cheaper razor, it is NOT a true Straight razor.
Preparing Your Skin
Like anything in life that is worth something, preparation is everything. This means cleansing your face with warm water and a mild cleanser or soap, to remove any dirt or oil. Once your face is clean, you can apply a shaving cream and not crap in a can or gel. As they do not have enough lubrication for a real Straight Razor meaning you will walk out of the washroom as if you just came out of a war. If you have sensitive skin, stick to brands that have been around for years with a proven track record like Classic Edge Shaving Soap from England, Taylor of Old Bond Street and Proraso. For higher end soaps try Castle Forbes or Edwin Jagger.
Shaving Tips & Techniques
Now that you've prepared your skin and chosen the right Straight razor, it's time to start shaving! Here are some tips and techniques to help you get the best results:
- Use short strokes and go with the grain of your hair. This will help prevent irritation and razor burn.
- Rinse your razor frequently to remove any hair or shaving cream buildup.
- When you're finished shaving, rinse your face with cool water to close your pores and soothe your skin.
- A correctly honed Straight Razor is an amazing tool. So sharp in fact that you should NEVER EVER have to go against the grain. But Phil, I see shaving gurus on Youtube saying this and that, and they really look like they know what they are doing. I'm sure they do, so much in fact that they miss half of the most important parts of honing, stropping your straight razor. If you are confused we welcome you to call Phil the owner of the Classic Edge Shaving Store and ask him for guidance. The internet is filled with inaccurate information, and it's our job to make sure you have the right tools and knowledge to take this wonderful journey of Wet Shaving.
