[ARCHIVED THREAD] - first time using a straight razor (Page 1 of 2)
Posted: 3/28/2013 6:02:10 AM EDT
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So the other morning was my first time using a straight razor, I had about ten minutes to shave including time for the learning curve.... There was far more blood than I'd like to see ,but most of it was because I hadn't shaved like I should and I get bumps if I don't shave 2 - 3 times a week. I like the straight razor though it was nice a lot faster than using a mach3 no clogged blades and one pass was good with nice edges on my mustache and beard.
I bought a cheap razor from a beauty supply store the Spilo Magic Razor, I didn't want to be out of too much money if I didn't like it ,and I wasn't sure if I had the courage to go through with it. Plus I'm not sure if I want to be sharpening a razor as a newbie and I don't know if the benefit of doing so is worth the trouble. Any tips on how to get the best shave, do you use soap ,or shaving cream, hot towels etc??? |
| I switch between soap and cream. I shave after a hot shower. I've been using a straight for several months and haven't gotten down the technique yet. I still have to follow up with a safety razor after to clean up all the spots I missed. I have really thick facial hair and require multiple passes to get a smooth shave. Using a straight requires both a time and financial investment. It will take time to get the technique down. |
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Dibs on guns! 
Was thinking about a straight razor myself... I did get the worse cut I've ever gotten shaving, when I did my neck. But I pulled my skin tight and kept going it wasn't that bad, bled for about an hour maybe a little more.  
...and, Fuck Jim Carrey... |
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Hard to believe you used a straight razor in under ten minutes. Seriously.
Mine is honed sharp, stropped until it sings. Still a bitch to get through my tough whiskers even after a hot shower and lathered soap. No way I can do it in 10. 20 minutes is much more likely for me. Then again, I ain't bleeding like a stuck pig. On the road, I stick to a DE razor, however. |
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I'd love to shave with a straight razor but it seems like an awful lot of trouble compared to a simple safety razor (I use Israeli made Personna blades and RazoRock shaving soap and sometimes Neutrogena sensitive skin gel). I'm not worried about cutting myself. I personally ALWAYS shave after a hot shower. Waiting any period of time after that gives me razor burn.
DE safety razor is just so inexpensive and convenient. A good straight razor costs money and requires maintenance and ain't nobody got time for that. It does seem cool and gentlemanly though. |
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I just tried sharpened one of my staights with lapping films.... wooooo that's sharp. So sharp I cut myself twice the moment the blade touched skin, no pressure. Scary sharp. Weren't deep at all (kinda papercut like, just a little bloodier).
I'm putting them down for a few days and sticking with my trusty Gillette NEW with feather blades. That razor has never done me wrong. |
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I've never understood arfcom's fascination with straight razors. Twenty minutes to shave? You've got to be kidding. It's something that is enjoyable and fun so taking your time enhances your experience. That being said I can get a very close two pass shave in under 5 min. |
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Disposible blade straights are much less forgiving than real straights FWI. Good soap is important and taking time also. I like to take the time to warm my face up with a hot towel, relax and wake up. If I'm in a hurry I use a safety razor. What kind of soap do you use |
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Disposible blade straights are much less forgiving than real straights FWI. Good soap is important and taking time also. I like to take the time to warm my face up with a hot towel, relax and wake up. If I'm in a hurry I use a safety razor. What kind of soap do you use Mitchell's Wool Fat |
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Disposible blade straights are much less forgiving than real straights FWI. Good soap is important and taking time also. I like to take the time to warm my face up with a hot towel, relax and wake up. If I'm in a hurry I use a safety razor. What kind of soap do you use Mitchell's Wool Fat Good stuff, best soap I've used to date. Not much of a smell which is a negative to some but it produces a quality lather that I haven't experienced with other soaps even the vaulted Tabac. It's hard and lasts a long, long time to boot. I have my grandfather's old straight razor but I'll be damned if I'm going to use it on myself. |
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I've never understood arfcom's fascination with straight razors. Twenty minutes to shave? You've got to be kidding. I do take longer edging the beard and 'stache. I'm not a pro at it so it can take me 20 minutes total. Neck is usually pretty quick. Keep in mind, I strop, lather, apply a shaving oil, apply soap, stretch, shave, then edge. Then clean all my equipment. 20 minutes is entirely reasonable to me. Then again, I'm never in a hurry when I do it. Speaking of soaps, I ordered some a few weeks ago and forgot about it and they haven't come in. I just can't remember where I ordered it from.
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I've been shaving with straights for about six years now. I started with a DOVO, and ended up buying several on ebay and learning to sharpen them my self. Now It takes longer for me to prepare to shave that it does to shave.
Observations: It's harder to cut your self than you think. It's easier to cut yourself than you think. The slightest side ways motion results in a cut, not painful and heals fast, but bleeds bad. Use a good shaving soap or cream. I like Tabac soap, and the wife likes the smell. A good sharp razor will cut you less than a dull one. (don't ask why, I don't know) If your interested in straight shaving, check out straightrazorplace.com nice folks and good information. |
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You guys are hardcore... I'm going to stick with my old Mach III for the time being, as I don't grow enough facial hair to warrant dying of tetanus or amputating my upper lip while learning to use the damn thing. Just get a DE My $3.50 razor How hard is it to shave with one of these? A straight razor scares the shit out of me. |
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Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: You guys are hardcore... I'm going to stick with my old Mach III for the time being, as I don't grow enough facial hair to warrant dying of tetanus or amputating my upper lip while learning to use the damn thing. Just get a DE My $3.50 razor How hard is it to shave with one of these? A straight razor scares the shit out of me. not hard at all but you may have to make a second pass. Check out badgerandblade.com the arfcom of shaving |
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I think they're pretty neat, but they don't interest me due to maintenance needs.
I like my merkur 34c with Wilkinson swords. Been using this combo for a year and 3 months. Easily paid for itself in 3-4 months. I'm convinced the DE safety razor is a step forward over the high- priced disposables (mach3, mach 8, etc.). |
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I would imagine OP still likes to tune cars that use points and a condenser too? Question is why? I do like old cars.... I always liked going to barber shops that used hot shaving cream and straight razors, it feels good when you go out side and the wind hits your face, that fresh shaved feeling last way longer, straighter lines, better looking facial hair. I've tried the Shick tracers.., Gillette Mach's.. , and electric shavers never been happy with any of that, gets annoying and I've really been trying to get the straight razor feeling without the straight razor. I really enjoyed shaving this morning, by the way. |
| I use a Dovo or a Farney's, Proraso soap and aftershave, and make sure you have an alum block. Someone already said straighrazorplace.com I would second that. I always go with the grain, across the grain then against the grain. This is after a shower. I would also suggest getting a DE as sometimes you need to shave fast. A few other things I would suggest are Osage rub aftershave (really tingles) bay rum, sandalwood aftershave, |
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There is this new invention called an Electric Razor, its amazing..... Have used the same electric for 18 years, still has the original blades. Those of us with whiskers like small hardwood trees don't have much success with electric razors.  QFT...if I use an electric razor I get a shitty shave and it hurts like hell. Also I had to replace my blades and foil every 3 months and thats the main reason I switched to DE shaving then straight razors. |
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While we are on the subject of shaving. What does everybody use for aftershave? So many I dont even know where to start. For good deal look at anything made by Pinaud, personal I love their clubman. However I just bought some Floid Blue and it is amazing but a little pricey. Next on my list is a lime scented aftershave. |
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There is this new invention called an Electric Razor, its amazing..... Have used the same electric for 18 years, still has the original blades. Those of us with whiskers like small hardwood trees don't have much success with electric razors. The best electric for me is a "cheap" Norelco triple head plug in, I swear you could do yard work with it. I have tried the newer models and they just don't cut it....literally. |
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While we are on the subject of shaving. What does everybody use for aftershave? Musgo Real Alt Innsbruck Everyman Jack from Target Every now and then, if I just want a massive amount of menthol, old school Aqua Velva. Not the new shit in the plastic bottles, but some of the old formula in glass. Glad I stocked up. |
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Was giving a box of stuff from a friends grand father and there was a straight razor in with it.
Can anyone tell me about it (sorry i cant post pics at the moment) it has a black plastic? handle and is marked W.H. MORLEY & SONS CLOVER BRAND GERMANY and a 4 leaf clover it also has a notch on the end of the blade thanks and sorry for the hijack |