Posted on 06/26/2014 12:28:00 PM PDT by Chasaway
I need some straight razor advice, from some straight razor veterans. I've been shaving with a safety razor, mug and brush for 12 years. I've moved to a shavette straight razor in the last 3 months.
It seems to me that moving to a pure straight razor will mean sending razors off to be honed 3-4 times per year @ around $30 per pop.
Besides the "romance" and general badass-ness of using a true straight razor, what would be the advantages/disadvantages of moving to a pure straight razor/throat cutter?
And that's CLOSE! Baby butt smooth close. I have a pretty heavy beard, but I can shave the night before and get through the next day without noticeable stubble.
I popped myself a couple of times (minor) when I first started with the shavette, but since then I can only tell when I rub the alum bar over my face or splash some Osage Orange AS on.
It takes a bit longer (being careful, you know), but with the DE or the shavette it's more of an experience than a chore.
What I'm looking for is some counsel. Besides the romance of a pure straight razor, what are the advantages of one over a shavette? Will it shave even closer? Is it enough value-added in the experience category to make up for the added effort/expense required?
Et cetera...
You probably know what I'm asking, because if you're a straight razor shaver you went through the same process.
Thanks!
C
I went down that route too.. I’m back on vibrating 16-blade razors now.
I have some thick hairs - I can kill 3 disposables in a morning. With the ridiculously expensive cartridges it costs me about $20 per season to shave.
And I’m sure that when there are 20 blades on the thing they’ll offer financing. :)
If you’re going to be a real cut throat shaver you’ve got to get into the zen of doing your own stropping and honing.
Zen...
That’s what I feel like already.
I’m thinking I’m going down a rabbit hole into more Zen-ness.
A little off the subject, but a note on sharpening.
I bought a cheap belt sander 30” belt 1” wide. I can now shave with all my good knives. A Canadian company sells all manner of Belts, 250 grit to 1200 grit to leather strop belts.
I have maybe $100 invested totally and after a little practice free-handing the edge angles is simple.
Death?
Have you ever seen Sweeney Todd?
What is the company?
No, seriously...
The first couple of times I even used a shavette my hand was shaking like I was an alky in recovery.
It was scary.
Now, not so bad.
This is off topic, but that reminded me of a funny story I read a number of years ago.
There was a debate between 2 candidates for some local office, and one of the candidates was completely bald. His opponent jokingly put his hand on the bald one's head and said, "That feels as smooth as my wife's bottom." The bald guy reached up, rubbed his own head and said, "You're right, it does."
But seriously, I think it’s cool, and I wish you the best of luck.
I just wanted to say that I am glad to hear that your razor is straight. Other orientations can create troublesome dilemmas...
LOL!!
We need more of that today.
Can’t help on this one.
I’m leaving enough blood around already from somewhere (foot, leg, arm, hand, head) about every day just from normal work around the house and I get the “Where are you bleeding now?” from the wife...
I’ll stay away from the straight razors. No sense adding to the blood loss, carpet, sheet and furniture stains.
I had difficulty shaving for years, wearing out blades and having difficulty getting the blade through the beard then I started shaving in the shower. Last thing I do before toweling off. The hot water and soaking makes all the difference. Beard comes off easily and the razors last much longer.
You are correct about honing, but I bought the stones required and do the honing myself. There are a couple of dedicated forums for straight razor shaving and there will be a bunch of good information for you there. I took it up about 6 years ago, after inheriting my great grandfather’s shaving mug. Once you get the hang of it I guarantee you, nothing else shaves as close. But, there will likely be some bleeding involved to get to that point!
Brother, you described me.
That’s one of the reasons I ask.
Somehow, I can cut myself with an anvil.
I’m amazed that I can get through as many shaves as I have without winding up anemic.
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