Who Uses a Straight Razor?

[four]

before you take the dive into a straight razor you might consider a slow progression. I've shaved with a straight razor for years and I've learned a couple things about how to shave in general.

1) take your time, shave after you shower when your beard is full of water.
2) The cup and brush is every bit as important as the razor. maybe more so. the soap is better for your skin than can foams. and working the brush through your beard makes the hair stand up in the lather. this is *really* important. Invest in a good brush and start to use it, even if you're still using a cheap ass bic.
3) go with the flow. The first time. With the grain, and only after that do you shave against the grain. this becomes more important if you're using a straight razor, not so much if you're using that 12cent bic.



I would say if you're hesitant about a straight razor, for price or skin's sake, you don't have to go that way all at once. start with mug and brush. then go to double edge safety razors, and then, if you're still on this boat. go out and invest in a good blade.

[bobbo]

I've always been interested in straight razors, but have as yet taken the plunge. KnifeCenter.com has a large selection of new razors and straight shaving supplies to peruse.

http://www.knifecenter.com/knifecenter/conk/index.html

[theblackknight]

cheaper solution-grow a beard!

tell the commadant that.

[Alpha Sierra]

I have taken to the double edged razors too. I got sick and tired of spending ammo money on gilette fusion blades and read an article that talked about the lost art of shaving. I get a much better shave using the double edged razors and a warm lather. Go to the Art of Manliness website and read the article about shaving. I have tried a straight razor and didn't like the amount of time that is needed for a shave.

Semper Fi

Tim

+1

Merkur Heavy Duty razor + Derby blades + Musgo Real shave cream + Vulfix badger brush + Proraso or Nivea after shave balm = the best shave of my life.

[FromMyColdDeadHand]

After the airlines limited liquids, I stopped carrying foam gel (always ran out at the worst times.. I went to a brush and soap bar for travel and eventually even dropped my heated foam dispensor at home for a brush and soap and have never looked back. Might try one of the shave shops for their lather soaps, some are really rich.

I do use a Mach 3 with the vibrating head, that is pretty sweat, and I notice a big difference when the battery goes dead of I use a standard one.

[Joeywhat]

Well I think I got the info I needed...probably going to start out with the soap and brush and stick with my cartridge razor for now...then shell out for the straight razor when funds allow. I'm thinking the better soap will help at least a little.

[FromMyColdDeadHand]

It is also how you can work the brush and soap into your face. Take your time and work it.

[Alpha Sierra]

Well I think I got the info I needed...probably going to start out with the soap and brush and stick with my cartridge razor for now...then shell out for the straight razor when funds allow. I'm thinking the better soap will help at least a little.

I strongly suggest ditching the cartridge razor for a quality double edge razor and blades. I also recommend starting with a wet shaving cream like Proraso or Musgo Real. The DE razor will give incredibly close shaves with very little risk and wet shaving creams (squeeze a dab into a mug and lather with a wet brush) are much easier to lather correctly than shaving soaps.

Take the names that I listed on my previous post and equip yourself. It will take your shaving to a whole new level and will make the jump to a straight edge much easier.

Shop here: Lee's Safety Razors
and here: Classic Shaving

Going from an extremely forgiving cartridge razor to a straight blade is quite a leap, and the toll is paid for in blood.

However, this is very high in the CDI factor:

[bvmbandit]

I have very thick beard hair and can tell you its all in the shaving cream, prep time, time of day, and soap that you use. Aloe and Allantion works good for me. An aloe strip in the razor with a pivot head helps. I was well known for the 5 o'clock shadow while in the military. TI's always poked at me for that during inspection...

My 2 cents...

[four]

I do love the expensive shaving soaps, The Art of Shaving has some excellent choices.

BUT if I'm feeling a little stingy, any of the all natural tallow and glycerin based soaps they sell at the hippy stores actually work pretty well (whole foods, wegmans, and the like) . The expensive aloe/french milled/moisturing soaps are nice, but not really required. I know a couple of people who use Ivory, but I wouldn't recommend it. it's not quite the same.