Straight Razor

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Anyone use one for everyday?

How much trouble is it to keep sharp?

[HHI944]

I did use one daily....back when I shaved.
Carbon steel will be cheaper, but require a fairly significant amount of attention. I sharpened mine every 3 months or so along with about 30 licks on the strop before each shave and occasionally a little stropping in the middle of a shave if it had been a while.

Stainless razors require way less attention, but are a pain in the but to sharpen when it is needed.

[Scott R]

I'm such a wimp, I use electric and I do miss the close shave of a straight. But anymore I go to the barber for it, just can't keep from nicking myself.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Thanks HH, any recommendations on a particular razor, strop etc.? I don't care about cost, ease of keeping it sharp is my highest priority.

[HHI944]

5/8" hollow ground of pretty much any major brand will be a good place to start, in stainless or carbon. I'd stick with carbon. Stainless, just had a different feel for me and it never responded as well to a good stropping.
A carbon razor should last several months between sharpening, even on a heavier beard with daily shaving.

This guy sells full kits
Browse Our Products for a Straight Razor Kit
The DVD seems kinda cheesy, but it's pretty helpful.

A strop is a strop. I used the basic strop from that kit for years, on several different razors, without a problem.
Also, don't store the razor or strop in your bathroom.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Thanks, I'll order something today.

[EarlyPorsche]

I gave it a go a couple times. Its a lot easier than it seems if you have a properly sharp blade. All is good and well until you get to the neck and realize you could cut your head off! Make sure you watch a bunch of instructional videos on youtube and read up. Thats what I did and it worked. I tried it 3-4 times and got it out of my system. Haven't tried again in a decade but I bet I could do it still.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Thanks. I was actually going to use my safety razor for my neck, it works really well. I need a straight razor for my cheeks and chin.

I have found many, and quite honestly have no idea what separates a $115 Dovo from a $160 Dovo/Thiers Issard from a $300 Dovo.


Dovo Best Quality, Full Hollow Carbon Steel, 5/8" | RoyalShave


Thiers Issard 5/8" Evide Sonnant Straight Razor with Black Handle | RoyalShave


Dovo Bergischer Lowe 5/8" Full Hollow, Carbon Steel Straight Razor | RoyalShave


Then strops are $60 to $300. How do you choose one?

Then do I get a razor and have to have it honed or does it come honed, etc.

Buying my E&J safety razor was cake compared to this.

[HHI944]

The basic ~$115 Dovo will be more than sufficient to start, as will a basic ~$60-70 strop.

The Dovo from the link you posted will have a factory edge. It will be fine to start, but not fantastic.
The link I posted gets all of his stuff honed.

It may sound trivial, and the factory edge is certainly sharp, but there's a pretty significant difference.

[EarlyPorsche]

Get a razor made by a famous maker and you should be OK. Not necessary to get their highest grade - I believe I had a run of the mill one made in Solenggen (spelling is way off). Same with the strop - go with a famous maker and stick with their general product.

[onlycafe]

this.....
RARE Holley Mfg Lakeville 7 8 | eBay

[HHI944]

7/8 is a heavy blade, not the best for a beginner

[JD159]

Been using a DE Safety for years. My late grandfathers. Gillette Tech



Converted all my friend's and they have never looked back. Considered a straight blade but the added precision and maintenance turned me off, aside from occasions. I really don't have to concentrate much using this. Blades also cost next to nothing.

If you find it isn't cutting as aggressive as you need it to, upgrade to a more aggressive razor and a sharper blade. The above is a very mild style, so I need a couple passes in certain areas.

Something like a Merkur HD with a feather blade is sure to take some skin off

[Jfporco]

Shaun: go to badgerandblade.com. Register and go to the straight razor section. Lots of hardware (straights) and software (creams, lotions, etc.) for sale A LOT cheaper than retail. Also go to whippeddog.com. Again they have a starter setup that is priced friendly. I personally own about 400 straights, about 40 DEs and many SE's. As with anything practice makes perfect. Lots, LOTS of options. Don't get me started with strops, stones, micro-papers, etc. BBS is the goal (baby butt smooth). There is something about shaving with a 1800's Wade & Butcher, or a Wholestein, or Bengal....I think I feel a few whiskers that need whacking!

Good luck,
Cheers,
Jim

[lane912]

http://youtu.be/lNVMHxGX8OQ

[sammyg2]

A regular ole mach 3 razor works many times better and is easier, but won't do a very good job of impressing people who are usually impressionable.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Originally Posted by sammyg2

A regular ole mach 3 razor works many times better and is easier, but won't do a very good job of impressing people who are usually impressionable.

A regular ole Mach 3 is more expensive and wasteful and doesn't work on my face. My safety razor only works on my neck and upper cheeks. And I think a straight razor will be my salvation.

But I am touched that you sat down, read this thread and it bothered you enough that you had to conjure up an aspersion and put it down. Thank you for sharing.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Originally Posted by Jfporco

Shaun: go to badgerandblade.com. Register and go to the straight razor section. Lots of hardware (straights) and software (creams, lotions, etc.) for sale A LOT cheaper than retail. Also go to whippeddog.com. Again they have a starter setup that is priced friendly. I personally own about 400 straights, about 40 DEs and many SE's. As with anything practice makes perfect. Lots, LOTS of options. Don't get me started with strops, stones, micro-papers, etc. BBS is the goal (baby butt smooth). There is something about shaving with a 1800's Wade & Butcher, or a Wholestein, or Bengal....I think I feel a few whiskers that need whacking!

Good luck,
Cheers,
Jim

Thanks Jim! Doing more research today. Reading last night, I am leaning toward a TI.

[Jfporco]

Shaun:
I have Been offline playing car mechanic.....
Anyway, for me the issue is not make, but grind. I am a wedge fan. I have thick whiskers (it's the Italian heritage) and a wedge blade cuts through them like butter. If you have thinner hair, you might be OK with a semi-hollow or double hollow grind - look up the differences at badgerandblade.com. There are several custom makers (I own several hart steel straights) that make the TI's of the world look like butter knives! Also remember software (creams and lotions and soaps) are just as important as the hardware. Took me about 2 months to get real comfortable honing and stropping so DO NOT start out with a good (aka valuable) straight, you WILL dull the blade and cut your strop and generally massacre the tools. But stick with it. After 2 months of practice and concentrating on what I was doing - shaving is simple right? - then the fun and experimentation and cuts, and nicks really begins. Stick with it. It really makes you appreciate what your grandfathers went through. Also, experiment with a SE once or twice, they can be just as fun and as deadly!
Happy shaves....
Jim

[drcoastline]

WOW Shaun great thread, I personally use a cheap, cheap Shick twin blade in the shower, two maybe three uses and in the garbage it goes. I treat my self once maybe twice a month to an old fashioned straight razor shave at a barber. It never entered my mind to have my own.

It's pretty cool to see how many here use a straight razor and a safety razor. I am going to have to look into this .

Thanks for posting

Donovan