First straight razor
- Thread starter Jonny92
- Start date
I look at them the same way I look at some of my Scotty Cameron putters - they're functional pieces of art.
I want to try a straight razor. I'm just afraid I'll slice myself.
If you're careless or have a couple toddies before you will ( no need to ask how I know ) but given due respect it's a nice shave. I have a couple from the mid 1800's and it's cool shaving with something that's older than you are.
When I was a young man I befriended a very old man who had been a barber in the 20's and 30's. He romanticized the straight, and the discipline it required so much that I began using straights.
My love for sharp things started with kitchen knives, and then I started to see some gorgeous examples of custom straight razors and fell in love with the IDEA of straight shaving. I already had an appreciation for how a proper tool with a sharp edge can make all the difference in performance, and threw caution to the wind and jumped in headfirst. And now I am a dedicated straight shaver!
After a year of DE shaving, I still wasn't in love with DE's, so to keep from going back to carts I gave them a try and found my spot in this wet shaving hobby.
Straights, as well as some of the DE's are works of art. There's something very primal in holding a razor sharp tool to your throat.
Since I made the switch to straights from DE's, my shave has not necessarily improved dramatically, though I think I can get a little better shave with the straight now that I have more experience. It also takes me a few minutes more in the morning, and a few more passes. But to me it's like meditation...I am totally focused on the here-and-now when I'm shaving with a straight (you have to be) that it has a relaxing effect on me and sets me up for the rest of the day. Then there's the feeling of accomplishment that comes with mastering a tool. I just love it!
As for expensive, I've actually paid more for some vintage DE's. Now that I'm mostly using the straights, my only investments are in soap and aftershaves...which I was buying anyway. Once you learn to hone your straight yourself, you can make a single tool last your lifetime. How's that for economical?
Since I made the switch to straights from DE's, my shave has not necessarily improved dramatically, though I think I can get a little better shave with the straight now that I have more experience. It also takes me a few minutes more in the morning, and a few more passes. But to me it's like meditation...I am totally focused on the here-and-now when I'm shaving with a straight (you have to be) that it has a relaxing effect on me and sets me up for the rest of the day. Then there's the feeling of accomplishment that comes with mastering a tool. I just love it!
As for expensive, I've actually paid more for some vintage DE's. Now that I'm mostly using the straights, my only investments are in soap and aftershaves...which I was buying anyway. Once you learn to hone your straight yourself, you can make a single tool last your lifetime. How's that for economical?
Something I always wanted to do, finally got around to doing it and I couldn't be happier.
I was enticed by Geofatboy, that once you try it, you will be hooked. I am hooked, now I have 6 straights and 5 are being honed right now. My next task will be to start building up honing supplies. I just ordered my Tony Miller Strop. Can't wait to shave with freshly honed razors and be able to keep them up on the nice strop.
I first wanted to try when I got a handfull of old straight razors that were passed down to me. I always wanted to try to shave with them but they were dull, rusted or in need or serious attention. I went ahead and bough a dovo from the AOS store figuring it would be "shave ready" but it wasn't. I then had to buy a strop and a norton hone to make it shave ready. Now it's been a year later and I haven't shaved with anything other then a straight razor!!!! I have also tried shaving with all the old razors that were handed down to me. It's cool to shave with something that is 175 years old too!!
I was interested in straight shaving, and wanted to learn how. I asked a barber friend of mine if he would teach me, and he told me that I couldn't do that, it was too hard and dangerous. I guess that was his way of saying no. So I went ahead and bought a Feather AC and proceeded to teach myself. I cut and nicked myself quite a bit, but after a really long time I got it down. Now the shaves are the best I've every had. I still use only disposable blade straights, but for me they work just fine. 
Take a photo of them and post them, sounds cool
I bought one from whipped dog in the summer. I will admit that it's still in its packaging. Love my de razors, and am probably a chicken. I'll get to it soon.
Are you a man or a mouse?! Oh, wait... 
Last edited:
Blindmouse, try the transition. Just start by shaving your cheeks. Then slowly start adding in more and more of your face. You can finish up with you DE.
