Straight razors

[96firephoenix]

ok, so I know this probably sounds kinda odd, but I"ve recently become interested in shaving with a straight razor. mostly because looking at the price, blades for my cartridge razor are expensive as hell and a straight razor is pretty cheap. also because I"ve heard it gives a better shave and also because I wanna be the badass that shaves with a straight razor.

I realize that they require daily care (at least with daily use), and that you need an incredibly fine whetstone. most of what I"ve seen online recommends a 4000/8000 stone and a canvas-backed leather strop.

I also realize that this is going to be some hard steel. I've seen new ones that list "440 stainless" for the material. how is 440 hard enough to be used in a straight razor? I"ve seen others listed as 6/8 #777 - what does this mean? I know that increasing numbers are harder steel, but I don't know what all the designations are.

I've seen several on ebay that have broken/chipped edges... if it is near the tip, can it be shortened around the break/chip?

 

[smbaldwin]

before you spend the expense on a quality razor that you may or may not like i would recommend getting this Fromm - Fromm Hair Shaper Razor #107

it uses disposable blades and works great for teaching yourself how to use a straight rrazoron yourself... rrememberyour hand will be blocking your view of your face in the mirror. when u get a real razor i rrecommendstaying away from hollow ground blades and look into getting a set of 3 so you can allow for the "fin" after each use.

 

[BarryJaxon]

Like anything else if your gonna go that route get a good one,my aunt has been a barber for over 40 years,she`s wicked with her straight razor!Save yourself some time and get a good one,or all your savings will go to TP and stiptic pencils!Check out your local beauty supply,here we have a Sally Beauty Supply,or something like that.

 

[Indy_Guy_77]

Why not just get a safety razor and a box of razor blades? Still VERY cheap & low maintenance... And darned near impossible to kill yourself with one.

-J-

 

[TopDog]

ok, so I know this probably sounds kinda odd, but I"ve recently become interested in shaving with a straight razor. mostly because looking at the price, blades for my cartridge razor are expensive as hell and a straight razor is pretty cheap. also because I"ve heard it gives a better shave and also because I wanna be the badass that shaves with a straight razor.

I realize that they require daily care (at least with daily use), and that you need an incredibly fine whetstone. most of what I"ve seen online recommends a 4000/8000 stone and a canvas-backed leather strop.

I also realize that this is going to be some hard steel. I've seen new ones that list "440 stainless" for the material. how is 440 hard enough to be used in a straight razor? I"ve seen others listed as 6/8 #777 - what does this mean? I know that increasing numbers are harder steel, but I don't know what all the designations are.

I've seen several on ebay that have broken/chipped edges... if it is near the tip, can it be shortened around the break/chip?

You are not crazy. I have wanted to go this route for some time. But cant find reliable information on which ones would be good quality, care and maintenance. I asked my barber and his answer was I don't know anyone that has used a straight razor since the cowboy days.

 

[mrjarrell]

Take a look at some of these. Great way to go to get familiar. I used to use a straight razor, many moons ago. They're nice, especially when teamed up with a good mug of soap and badger bristle brush.
Results for razor - AtlantaCutlery.com

 

[Westside]

a good straight razor will start at about $130 and go up from there. Get one with a full hollow grind and a rounded tip. In my research and experience it is when people pull the blade away from the face that the nick themselves with the pointed tips.

 

[Westside]

also read this: Straight Razor Shaving For Beginners | The Art of Manliness

this is similar to the one I have just started using: DOVO Straight Razors

Straight razors are like guns. everyone has a preference and an opinion. Get you you like and feels good in your hand.

 

[96firephoenix]

a good straight razor will start at about $130 and go up from there. Get one with a full hollow grind and a rounded tip. In my research and experience it is when people pull the blade away from the face that the nick themselves with the pointed tips.

I"ve found used "vintage" ones on ebay for like $15 without damage. Is there any particular reason to go with a full-hollow as opposed to a half-hollow or a wedge grind?

also read this: Straight Razor Shaving For Beginners | The Art of Manliness
.

thats kinda what started my interest

 

[Westside]

Is there any particular reason to go with a full-hollow as opposed to a half-hollow or a wedge grind?

the thinner blade allows you to shave at a steeper angle which helps to reduce the risk of nicks and cuts. They also stop much easier.

 

[joslar15]

Plus, if someone breaks into your house while you're shaving and you didn't bring your pistol with you, his jugular can be laid open in an instant!

 

[PapaScout]

I have a few cut throats and can actually shave with them. Well, almost shave with them. I'm ok with the cheeks and neck but the upper lip and chin are difficult to do.

 

[96firephoenix]

Plus, if someone breaks into your house while you're shaving and you didn't bring your pistol with you, his jugular can be laid open in an instant!

haha, that would be an added bonus. but who shaves without bringing their pistol?

 

[Davegrave]

haha, that would be an added bonus. but who shaves without bringing their pistol?

Only absolute idiots.


Badger & Blade - Home

This is a good forum to read up on straight razor shaving. I haven't taken the plunge yet, mostly due to start up cost. But it's on my definite "someday" list.

 

[joslar15]

You are not crazy. I have wanted to go this route for some time. But cant find reliable information on which ones would be good quality, care and maintenance. I asked my barber and his answer was I don't know anyone that has used a straight razor since the cowboy days.

Red's downtown has a few Dovo's and others in their case along with a few different Merkur safety razors.

 

[Yukon227]

I asked my barber about this a few months ago, as he will use a straight razor on the back of the neck if I ask for it. He told me they only use disposable straight razors because they would have to sterilize a blade after every use, he said that without sterilization they run risk of spreading disease, hepatitus specifically

 

[tradertator]

After looking SMBaldwin's profile picture, I'd listen to him. Bad Ass!

 

[smbaldwin]

After looking SMBaldwin's profile picture, I'd listen to him. Bad Ass!

my poor wife.


hollow ground do give you a thinner blade but it is also weaker and will not keep an edge for as long IMHO. barbers like hollow ground because they can feel the whiskers through the blade better but you will feel them through your face. I prefer flat ground but that may just be me. everyone is correct about cost. get the best you can afford. vintage with no damage means that it was damaged and they just ground the blade down to almost nothing to get rid of the nicks. it will most likely need re sharpened by a pro. It took me 2 years to decide which razor i wanted and I'm glad i was so picky. good luck and don't rush into it. bad things happen when you rush.

 

[smbaldwin]

ohhh and rubbing alcohol will be your best friend while learning

 

[OZZY.40]

This sounds like WAY to much work. Just grow a beard!