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Shaving with a straight razor

VirumVirum Registered User regular
edited October 2007 in Help / Advice Forum
Ok, I want to try out shaving with a straight razor - but I don't want to break the bank since I notice they are somewhat expensive, but I don't want a piece of shit razor that will make me think that all straight razors suck if you get my meaning.

So basically, I'm looking for recommendations on a good mid level/beginning straight razor and what I need to shave with one - I've seen a couple of sites that go through it but if you have one that you think is amazing and the best site ever regarding the technique, hook me up, but don't feel like you have to google for me.

Thanks!

Virum on

Posts

  • amateurhouramateurhour One day I'll be professionalhour The woods somewhere in TennesseeRegistered User regular
    edited October 2007
    Virum wrote: »
    Ok, I want to try out shaving with a straight razor - but I don't want to break the bank since I notice they are somewhat expensive, but I don't want a piece of shit razor that will make me think that all straight razors suck if you get my meaning.

    So basically, I'm looking for recommendations on a good mid level/beginning straight razor and what I need to shave with one - I've seen a couple of sites that go through it but if you have one that you think is amazing and the best site ever regarding the technique, hook me up, but don't feel like you have to google for me.

    Thanks!

    buying a straight razor is kind of like buying a video game system, they kill you on the accessories....

    Here's the skinny. First, you need the razor itself, and a good one can set you back about $40. It seems like a lot, but you sharpen it instead of constantly buying new blades, so theres the catch. I know they cost more on a lot if sites, but that's because they have ivory handles and shit like that.

    You'll need to then get a stand for it, and a brush and lather cup. The best brush is badger hair, of which there are a few types. Don't settle for less than real badger hair though as anything else can irritate your face.

    As far as soap goes, you'll just need to test different kinds to make sure one doesn't have a bad reaction to your skin. I'd invest in a sample pack to start until you find what you like. Some of the foam stuff has gotten a lot better too, but I'd go with the soap.

    Get a good sharpening/cleaning utensil, so that there are no nicks in the blade and you don't kill yourself.

    Finally, invest in a good aftershave. Once again, try a sample pack to experiment.

    The whole setup is going to cost between $150 to $200 to do right, but the stuff lasts a WHILE. My reccomendation is to find a barber shop that still offers shaves with a straight razor, get one, and see if it's worth the trouble. I did it for a while and eventually just went back to the god ol' mach 3 from gillete.

    amateurhour on
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  • VirumVirum Registered User regular
    edited October 2007
    Thanks for the suggestions.

    Why did you switch back? Is it too much of a pain in the ass?

    Virum on
  • Uncle LongUncle Long Registered User regular
    edited October 2007
    I, personally, consider it to be a pain in the ass; that is, if it's your only means of shaving. I use both a straight razor and a double edged safety razor (Merkur HD). One of these razors I use on the weekends and the other I use during the week; I bet you can guess which is which.

    I really enjoy the shave with the straight razor but I think it's just too time consuming for my regular routine. It's nice to have around if you're going out on a date or to a wedding or an interview or whatever (assuming you don't hack your face off) but they're just not as practical as my double-edged safety razor for the day to day stuff.

    Oh, and Col. Conk has a gift set that comes with razor, strop and honing stone. That really covers all of the big items you're going to need. Badger brush and soap are fairly optional but certainly worth it. I suppose the brush and the soap are really not necessary to getting started so you may want to wait awhile until you get those.

    Alternatively, if you want to buy the soap and brush now I can guarantee that they will make a noticeable improvement to your current shaving set-up.

    Uncle Long on
  • DrZiplockDrZiplock Registered User regular
    edited October 2007
    Just one question...

    Are you thinking of a straight razor or a safety razor? There is a VAST difference between the two.

    If you're thinking straight, then I applaud you and hope that you don't slice your throat open....however, I tend to think you're talking about was is generally referred to as a safety razor.

    DrZiplock on
  • MikeRyuMikeRyu Registered User regular
    edited October 2007
    If you are after a straight razor then it might be a good idea to look for a second hand one if you want to knock off some of the cost.

    MikeRyu on
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  • VirumVirum Registered User regular
    edited October 2007
    razor1.jpg

    Straight razor for sure dudes.

    I'll see if I can find that kit - that sounds like a good deal.

    Do I have to watch out for blades not being able to be replaced if I get a second hand razor?

    Virum on
  • DrZiplockDrZiplock Registered User regular
    edited October 2007
    You are a far more sure handed and braver man than I.

    DrZiplock on
  • Uncle LongUncle Long Registered User regular
    edited October 2007
    Virum wrote: »

    Straight razor for sure dudes.

    I'll see if I can find that kit - that sounds like a good deal.

    Do I have to watch out for blades not being able to be replaced if I get a second hand razor?

    If you're buying a second hand razor you just want to make sue that there are absolutely no nicks or folds or abrasions on the cutting edge of the blade. Chances are that you will have to hone it into any real shaving shape. The best thing you can do is take the razor to a barber and ask if they would be willing to show you how to hone and strop the thing. Online tutorials and youtube just don't quite convey the exact process.

    Uncle Long on
  • Gabriel_PittGabriel_Pitt Stepped in it Registered User regular
    edited October 2007
    I've found there to be no real benefit other than nebulous bragging rights for using a straight razor. I was also much more prone to razor burn with a straight razor (most often when the barber was doing it...), and once I found out I didn't even need to use shaving cream if I shaved in the shower (and have never gotten razor burn from it) I never saw a reason to go back.

    Gabriel_Pitt on
  • MidshipmanMidshipman Registered User regular
    edited October 2007
    You know you can buy disposable blade straight razors. They have the advantage of not requiring the maintenance of a permanent razor and you are also out less money if you decide that you don't like using it.

    Midshipman on
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  • Seattle ThreadSeattle Thread Registered User regular
    edited October 2007
    Straight razors require a lot of maintenance. Not only do you buy the thing itself, but you have to invest in a strop and a hone to keep the thing sharp. Honing the blade is a pain in the ass and takes a lot of time (but when done properly, the edge will last for a couple of years), and stopping daily can get old.

    What amateurhour described is a safety razor, which has its own upsides and downsides. He's got it pretty much nailed, except that you don't have to sharpen the blades, as they're disposable.

    Replaceable-blade straight razors allow one to have the shaving experience of a straight razor without all the maintenance. The problem is that they are expensive--not as much as a razor/strop/hone setup will cost, but you're still looking at least $100 for a new one.

    Do it right and you won't find a better shave, but it takes a lot of work and dedication. You can't just slap some aerosoled foam on your face and hack away like you can with a disposable razor.

    Seattle Thread on
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  • VirumVirum Registered User regular
    edited October 2007
    Alrighty guys, after my next paycheck I am gonna by myself a straight razor for nebulous bragging rights and a better shave. :)

    Thanks

    Virum on
  • Uncle LongUncle Long Registered User regular
    edited October 2007
    Let me know what you think of whatever you get. I'm considering getting a newer razor myself (I went with a second-hand for my first razor but would like to have more than one so I can rotate them).

    Uncle Long on
  • meekermeeker Registered User regular
    edited October 2007
    Hope you don't mind me using your shaving thread for my questions...

    I have been using Mach 3 Turbo's forever, up until the last 6 months, paying $2/cartridge from Target. I have been recently getting cartridges for about $1 on eBay, but I am almost positive they are stolen.

    So this constant money pit of shaving is getting to me. I love to take care of my face and head and use King of Shaves gel, Moisturiser and Exfoliant when I shave. I really like the products and the ability to see what needs to be shaved is very convenient to me, as opposed to using a cream thet just covers me with white.

    I am interested in safety razors. The Merkur products look great and the cost of blades being so cheap is very appealing. Would these work with KoS gel or do I absolultely need a badger brush and soap?

    I shave prior to showering to ease the rinsing and allow for proper exfoliation afterwards. I do not really have a problem with ingrowns or razor burn. Will these increase with a safety razor?

    Any other advice would be greatly appreciated.

    meeker on
  • GrundlestiltskinGrundlestiltskin Behind you!Registered User regular
    edited October 2007
    Gillette Fusion power is all I need. 5 blades ftw :whistle:

    Thankfully, I don't shave every day (more like every 4th or 5th day, really), which saves me on razor costs. And razor burn, which I hate.

    Once I get a "real" job I might have to actually shave, though. That'll suck.

    Grundlestiltskin on
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  • JPArbiterJPArbiter Registered User regular
    edited October 2007
    to the OP

    you have bigger balls then me, I would be afraid of cutting myself

    JPArbiter on
    Sinning since 1983
  • JeedanJeedan Registered User regular
    edited October 2007
    Seconding that a safety razor is probably what you really want. I use one myself and its a good shave provifing you always pay attention enough not to shred your face.

    Jeedan on
  • MidshipmanMidshipman Registered User regular
    edited October 2007
    Dongpuller wrote: »
    Replaceable-blade straight razors allow one to have the shaving experience of a straight razor without all the maintenance. The problem is that they are expensive--not as much as a razor/strop/hone setup will cost, but you're still looking at least $100 for a new one.

    ???

    I bought one once for around $10. Never got around to giving it a try and now It's lost in a box somewhere in my garage.

    Midshipman on
    midshipman.jpg
  • Seattle ThreadSeattle Thread Registered User regular
    edited October 2007
    Midshipman wrote: »
    Dongpuller wrote: »
    Replaceable-blade straight razors allow one to have the shaving experience of a straight razor without all the maintenance. The problem is that they are expensive--not as much as a razor/strop/hone setup will cost, but you're still looking at least $100 for a new one.

    ???

    I bought one once for around $10. Never got around to giving it a try and now It's lost in a box somewhere in my garage.
    That's what I found for new ones online. A second search found one as low as $50, but nothing lower than that.

    Seattle Thread on
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  • MikeRyuMikeRyu Registered User regular
    edited October 2007
    I use a safety razor, shaving soap and a badger brush and it works well for me at the moment. I would never want to go back to those multi bladed monstrosities.

    MikeRyu on
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