Hello. I've never been interested in straights, too scared to try! I ask now out of morbid curiosity for some links to resources and general information, and a ballpark estimate on how much I would have to invest to really find out if straights are "for me." I know I can find this info with a google search or maybe even a forum search, but I think another member put it best when saying "I come here for the collective knowledge of our membership." Thanks B&B.
School me on straights
- Thread starter cfriend
- Start date
The basics, needed to give straights a honest try:
Razor(obviously) anywhere from 30-100 for a good vintage, or a shave ready Double Arrow/Gold Dollar.
Strop, 20 bucks or so for a RupRasor Filly.
Anything else is only needed if you damage the razor, or really get into using it, and want to hone your own/do touchups.
Razor(obviously) anywhere from 30-100 for a good vintage, or a shave ready Double Arrow/Gold Dollar.
Strop, 20 bucks or so for a RupRasor Filly.
Anything else is only needed if you damage the razor, or really get into using it, and want to hone your own/do touchups.
What Alex said. Christian, you won't kill yourself and you most likely won't even disfigure yourself. Only way to know if you like it is to try.
Exactly.
- Thread starter
- #5
It's statements like these that worry SWMBO and--most importantly--I!
You can't seriously injure yourself unless you try.
Worst that can happen is you get a little slice that goes away in a few days, and you learn not to do it again.
A DE has the same risk of injury.
everything you need can be done under 100. You will like them and end up with a dozen razors though, and that kinda blows out the budget.
It's statements like these that worry SWMBO and--most importantly--I!
Unless you try to hurt yourself and you don't do it sloppy drunk you will be OK.
It's statements like these that worry SWMBO and--most importantly--I!
Actually, I've nicked myself far more often with a DE than with a straight. There's a reason why straight razors have been used in the same basic design for 300 years. They're safe if used properly (i.e. do not breadknife your cheeks or chin...), and they provide a very good shave.
s.
I would like to try out straights as well, but I worry more about having 3 curious kids in the house than I do about killing myself.
http://www.adultswim.com/video/?episodeID=8a2505951f130c9f011f139c50c60025
http://www.adultswim.com/video/?episodeID=8a2505951f130c9f011f139c50c60025
I have a 3 & 4 1/2 year old. Keep your stuff up high, and well secured.
And shave after everyone has gone to bed!
I'm breaking into straights and while I'm having some problems getting the right angles here and there, I've been fairly surprised at how well it's gone so far. After just a couple shaves I'm not saying I'm getting a perfect shave, but it's definitely not as scary as I originally thought it would be.
My brother-in-law's daughter got hold of some of his DE blades and hid them under her mattress. Luckily they were enveloped, and she wasn't cut but even 'safety razors' can be dangerous...at least a straight is easier to track.
I learned when I was 14 in the emergency room that sufficiently sharp pocket knives produce a wound that will heal quickly. Same is true with straights.
I managed to cut myself a few times while shaving. But the edge is so sharp, the cut will actually be fairly small (kerf wise) and will completely heal in a few days.
You're always more likely to cut yourself with a dull edge than a sharp one. This is true for knives and razors.
As far as kids go, I don't have much advice. I have two infant nephews who are always around, but my plan is... hopefully Turbine will still be selling his wooden razors next year:
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=112232
Figure, give them their own and they can play Uncle Blaine in relative safety.
I managed to cut myself a few times while shaving. But the edge is so sharp, the cut will actually be fairly small (kerf wise) and will completely heal in a few days.
You're always more likely to cut yourself with a dull edge than a sharp one. This is true for knives and razors.
As far as kids go, I don't have much advice. I have two infant nephews who are always around, but my plan is... hopefully Turbine will still be selling his wooden razors next year:
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=112232
Figure, give them their own and they can play Uncle Blaine in relative safety.
Last edited:
There is a nice photo of a locking razor rack a gentleman built to keep them safe from the hands of his curious grandkids. He even offered his plans so you could build your own
link
That's really nice! I have have to make one for myself, even though I don't have children.
Seriously, the first couple of strokes with a straight are nerve-wracking. By the end of the shave, you'll be pretty comfortable (safety-wise). Within a week, your only concern will be on technique. Shortly thereafter, your biggest concern will be how much you are spending on your 1/4 ground LeGrelot...
That's really nice! I have have to make one for myself, even though I don't have children.
Seriously, the first couple of strokes with a straight are nerve-wracking. By the end of the shave, you'll be pretty comfortable (safety-wise). Within a week, your only concern will be on technique. Shortly thereafter, your biggest concern will be how much you are spending on your 1/4 ground LeGrelot...
My only concern was who was going to make my custom straight razor!
