Considering a switch…

[gitapik]

Hello all. This is a little long but I’ve got a moment and hope you do, too.

After years of cartridge razor use, I got into the double edge world a few years ago.

I’m really enjoying it. Got four razors with different feels and I like to switch between blades using this handy device:

I was recently running out of blades and made the decision to only buy ones in cardboard packaging. Too much plastic circulating. I understand the importance of the material in today’s world…but am into limiting my consumption whenever possible. Do my small part.

I posted a question on another forum for blade suggestions, with that cardboard element as a limitation. And now I’ve got 350 very effective blades to use up in the coming years.

BUT:

Someone mentioned that, if I’m environmentally conscious, I might want to consider buying products that are manufactured and shipped as close to home (NYC) as possible. Less shipping. Support US and local economies, too. Good stuff.

Which led me to thinking about the straight edged razor. Seems to me that the advantages are pretty apparent, in terms of environmental impact. And, from what I understand, they give a closer shave.

So I’m visiting this forum for the first time. I learned a ton about double edge razors here, on other forums. I know next to nothing about straight edges. Looking for some insights.

Links to good videos about the different types of razors, strops, etc. And videos about the technique. I’m sure there’s a learning curve.

I do have a lotta double edge blades to go through from my recent buys…but am interested in laying the groundwork for a move into this world.

Thanks in advance. Have a good one.

 

[DesertIguana]

I have never used a Straight Razor, at the point in life I am at my body is old, hands are not steady, and my grip is not great.

I view the straight Razor thing s young man’s game.

For this reason I am Safety Razor guy.

 

[gitapik]

I have never used a Straight Razor, at the point in life I am at my body is old, hands are not steady, and my grip is not great.

I view the straight Razor thing s young man’s game.

For this reason I am Safety Razor guy.

Yes…I have to admit that this has crossed my mind. My hands are still working well at this point. But I’m not a young guy anymore. And things can change either gradually or in a second.

 

[Lightcs1776]

Straights are the most environmentally friendly way to shave, IMO. Since environmentally friendly seems to be your highest priority, I would also suggest shave soap pucks that can be put in a reusable container, such as a shave mug. As far as which ones, there is a section of the forums here that you can roam through for hours on end dedicated to SRs. I have several SRs, all but one vintage. There are a few highly regarded new brands, but I am budget minded and haven’t taken a dive into them.

Last, but not least, welcome to the B&B forums.

 

[Frito Ray]

Since you already have 350 new blades you want to go through, you could consider a shavette that uses 1/2 DE blades. (DE blades are easily snapped in half between you fingers).

I do not use a straight razor but recall several people saying that the skills learned using a shavette are transferable to straight razor shaving.

 

[gitapik]

Straights are the most environmentally friendly way to shave, IMO. Since environmentally friendly seems to be your highest priority, I would also suggest shave soap pucks that can be put in a reusable container, such as a shave mug. As far as which ones, there is a section of the forums here that you can roam through for hours on end dedicated to SRs. I have several SRs, all but one vintage. There are a few highly regarded new brands, but I am budget minded and haven’t taken a dive into them.

Last, but not least, welcome to the B&B forums.

Thanks so much. Been here for a while but new to straight edges.

Very much into soap pucks. I was into Bond Street, too, but the plastic tub is a problem. They’ve worked for what not in my basement work area but I don’t need any more storage tubs. Shame because I love their creams.

 

[2bit_collie]

Hahaha - yeah, this is a rabbit hole with many branches. But yes, from an environmental perspective, buying a straight razor, does eliminate virtually all waste. And you can even go for a vintage razor, so recycling. But throw in the honing stones and the strop and there is a lot more material involved than for a safety razor.

 

[gitapik]

Since you already have 350 new blades you want to go through, you could consider a shavette that uses 1/2 DE blades. (DE blades are easily snapped in half between you fingers).

I do not use a straight razor but recall several people saying that the skills learned using a shavette are transferable to straight razor shaving.

That’s very interesting and good to know. Thank you. Great to know.

Hahaha - yeah, this is a rabbit hole with many branches. But yes, from an environmental perspective, buying a straight razor, does eliminate virtually all waste. And you can even go for a vintage razor, so recycling. But throw in the honing stones and the strop and there is a lot more material involved than for a safety razor.

Thanks. I don’t mind throwing in the additional gear. I like that, actually. And a vintage razor is what I have in mind.

 

[TSENG]

Maybe AC blades are the beginning of getting into straight razors~

 

[Legion]

If environmental impact is a primary concern (and fair enough) then in my opinion your best option would be to pick up a restored vintage razor. That way NO new product was manufactured, and and item was saved from potential landfill by nothing other than someones effort.

 

[Gamma]

Straights require maintenance, honing. Either by the owner, or it is sent out to someone who hones for hire.
HOning isn't hard. But you need stuff to do it. After you learn to use a straight, an edge can last a few months maybe. Perhaps longer by using an abrasive strop to tune it up. Nothing is forever though, eventually the edge will need to be honed. In these types of groups, I'd say most hone their own. Outside of these 4 walls, it's a mixed lot.

There are many 'types' of straights. It's easy to get caught up in and paralyzed by 'which is best'. People tend to get caught up in brands but condition and edge quality is what is most important. Just about every vintage straight in good condition will be a good shaver. The BST threads are a good place to look for good straights with good edges. If you buy one that isn't shave ready you can send it to @Bayamontate for top notch hone service.

Whatever anyone buys, so long as they don't overspend, can usually be sold for close to what was paid so there's no real loss to worry about. A minor loss of funds can be looked at as a rental fee.

 

[H Brad Boonshaft]

Yes, there is a learning curve but we the Foar and YouTube experts, can make the straight razor shaving “process” way more complicated than it needs to be.

Years ago, pre-internet, I learned to maintain a razor from my barber, with a 6-inch Translucent and a strop. I shaved with that single razor for 10 years daily, until I started collecting.

Buy a quality vintage razor have it pro honed and maintain it on an Ark, Jnat, film or paste. And the most difficult, learn to strop on a quality, new strop.

Learning to strop can/will damage the fragile edge and require a finish stone to refresh, but if the razor was properly honed, a finish stone or paste will revive the edge just fine and keep you shaving a long time.

You do not need a progression of stones, diamond plates, progression of pastes, custom or vintage strops or high-dollar custom razors. One, maybe two are all you need, a good new strop, a finish stone, (right around $150-200) and some good instruction, find a local mentor.

But it is a rabbit hole, and the edges are deceptive and slippery…

 

[Frank Shaves]

You've come to the right place!

I started my wet shaving journey using a safety razor and then bought a Feather Artist Club (AC) straight because honing and stropping seemed like a lot of overhead. Two weeks later I bought my first straight.

Nothing wrong with an AC it's just that traditional straight razors are more fun for me. If you decide to go down the traditional straight path, one good source of razors is Griffith Shaving Goods. Matt sells both new and restored razors. Just buy one that you like the looks of and ask him to hone the razor. Matt's edges are very good. Alternatively, you can buy a vintage straight on eBay and send it to @Doc226 for expert honing.

You will learn a lot watching these threads:

What straight did you use today? Now with PICTURES

Henckles 3/8"

www.badgerandblade.com

Straight Razor Acquisition Thread

Okay, so I'm definitely not being original on this, totally taking Bigfoot's idea, but I love looking at the Safety Razor Acquisition Thread on the DE Subforum and I haven't been able to find one for straight razors. I'd love to see any Straights you've recently acquired (Pictures are a must)...

www.badgerandblade.com

You will also need a strop. @Tony Miller sells excellent plain vanilla strops via the Heirloom Razor Strop Co.

To maintain the edge on your razor, you have three choices:

1. Diamond paste on balsa
2. Stones
3. Send the razor out

Most folks on Badger & Blade seem to opt for 1 and 2. Honing and stones is a whole other topic.

 

[gitapik]

You've come to the right place!

I started my wet shaving journey using a safety razor and then bought a Feather Artist Club (AC) straight because honing and stropping seemed like a lot of overhead. Two weeks later I bought my first straight.

Nothing wrong with an AC it's just that traditional straight razors are more fun for me. If you decide to go down the traditional straight path, one good source of razors is Griffith Shaving Goods. Matt sells both new and restored razors. Just buy one that you like the looks of and ask him to hone the razor. Matt's edges are very good. Alternatively, you can buy a vintage straight on eBay and send it to @Doc226 for expert honing.

You will learn a lot watching these threads:

What straight did you use today? Now with PICTURES

Henckles 3/8"

www.badgerandblade.com

Straight Razor Acquisition Thread

Okay, so I'm definitely not being original on this, totally taking Bigfoot's idea, but I love looking at the Safety Razor Acquisition Thread on the DE Subforum and I haven't been able to find one for straight razors. I'd love to see any Straights you've recently acquired (Pictures are a must)...

www.badgerandblade.com

You will also need a strop. @Tony Miller sells excellent plain vanilla strops via the Heirloom Razor Strop Co.

To maintain the edge on your razor, you have three choices:

1. Diamond paste on balsa
2. Stones
3. Send the razor out

Most folks on Badger & Blade seem to opt for 1 and 2. Honing and stones is a whole other topic.

Great info. Thanks!

 

[Toothpick]

I got one I'll sell ya...

Oh wait., never mind

 

[Saloogie]

Learning the SR takes time, patience and commitment. Be prepared to be frustrated, flustered and befuddled at times. There is a lot to learn! But once learned it is easily the most rewarding way to shave.

I'm at it for a few months now, and I still don't get it right every time. I can still usually get a closer shave with a safety razor. But I'm improving nearly all the time and when I get it right, and I'm rewarded with a beautiful BBS, it feels like a true accomplishment.

This takes real skill. How do you hold the razor, which hand to use, what angle to cut with. Why and how do I stretch my skin? What do I do when the blade gets dull? What stones do I need to hone with? How many stones? Stropping? What's that?

None of this is meant to put you off, but you should know this takes commitment and some initial investment. And perseverance! The more you practice and read, the better you'll get at all of the facets to this wonderful way of shaving. I hardly shave with my DE razors anymore, because I really love this way of shaving.

So do some reading and watch some vids and if it still looks appealing, then jump in by all means! It's a great hobby!

 

[gitapik]

I got one I'll sell ya...

Oh wait., never mind


View attachment 1938117

Hmmm….
Got one in green?

Learning the SR takes time, patience and commitment. Be prepared to be frustrated, flustered and befuddled at times. There is a lot to learn! But once learned it is easily the most rewarding way to shave.

I'm at it for a few months now, and I still don't get it right every time. I can still usually get a closer shave with a safety razor. But I'm improving nearly all the time and when I get it right, and I'm rewarded with a beautiful BBS, it feels like a true accomplishment.

This takes real skill. How do you hold the razor, which hand to use, what angle to cut with. Why and how do I stretch my skin? What do I do when the blade gets dull? What stones do I need to hone with? How many stones? Stropping? What's that?

None of this is meant to put you off, but you should know this takes commitment and some initial investment. And perseverance! The more you practice and read, the better you'll get at all of the facets to this wonderful way of shaving. I hardly shave with my DE razors anymore, because I really love this way of shaving.

So do some reading and watch some vids and if it still looks appealing, then jump in by all means! It's a great hobby!

I’m good at putting myself into new things but I do have my plate pretty full at the moment.
Thanks for the realistic note. Appreciate it.

 

[Saloogie]

I’m good at putting myself into new things but I do have my plate pretty full at the moment.
Thanks for the realistic note. Appreciate it.

Maybe you should visit the Straight Razor Shave Clinic forum, and check out some of the newbie threads.

The new guys, like myself, have posted there and ask all kinds of questions that you'll have and you'll see the difficulties and the progress that new guys are making. I think it'll help you better judge whether this is for you or not

Good luck, whatever you decide!

 

[House Boy]

Yes…I have to admit that this has crossed my mind. My hands are still working well at this point. But I’m not a young guy anymore. And things can change either gradually or in a second.

Don't be a wuss, I'm 73 and just started 30 days ago. Don't let John Wayne, the Duke, be ashamed of you
But on the other hand " a man needs to know his limitations" - Clint Eastwood

 

[gitapik]

Don't be a wuss, I'm 73 and just started 30 days ago. Don't let John Wayne, the Duke, be ashamed of you
But on the other hand " a man needs to know his limitations" - Clint Eastwood

I’ll be joining you at 73, end of April. Going to the gym soon after I type this. So far so good.
Thanks for the words. I’m thinking of checking out the shavette route. Got so many new blades, now. Break some in two and alternate between the straight edge and double edge.