Straight razor

[greatnessinc]

I'm very interested in getting and maintaining a Straight razor, not sure where to start though.

[Lynchy]

What do you already know about it?

There is a pretty steep learning curve.

Have a look at Whipped Dog for a "sight unseen" razor and "poor mans strop kit"

It's a pretty cheap way to get started.

Or you could look at getting a shavette to see if you like it?

As I don't personally use a Straight someone with more experience will hopefully give you some more pointers!

[greatnessinc]

I don't know a whole lot about it, just that a properly maintained blade should last years and will give a shave closer than anything.
I like to challenge myself sometimes, so learning the art of Straight razor shaving appeals to me.

[Lynchy]

Cool,

There are a couple of forums that should help your journey other than here:

Straight razor place
And Badger and Blade

That should be some light reading to get you started.

[Sir Harry]

I have a Fromm straight razor from Sally's Beauty Supply that I used while deployed three years ago. It is still in very good condition, though I have not used it since around Christmas 2011 due to my addiction to the DE razor and the ATX. The razor handle cost about $10 and one razor is provided, you can by a 5 pack of replacement razors for about $5. Good Luck!

[baldjoeg]

Be sure to check out the Badger and Blade website. There is a lot of material there to get you started. I want to learn to use a straight razor myself but am taking it slow. I have been getting better using a double edge razor to get me on the right path. I gave myself a good double edge razor shave this morning and fortunately had no nicks this time. I am making progress.

[greatnessinc]

The idea of getting a shave so close that I don't have to shave daily appeals to me, that's my goal.

[SincereSoprano]

Any movement on this? I just use a disposable now but am very interested in either DE but even more into Straight Razor.

[greatnessinc]

I'm fully entrenched in the DE foxhole so learning SR will have to wait.

[Blitzed]

First, buy into the fact that there is a distinct learning curve to using a straight razor if you are new to the art. Second, before you spend some considerable monies, buy one with an insertable blade from Amazon.com or similar. Third...it took me several months and about three rolls of toilet paper (to make those "bandages" that are the true mark of anyone using any sort of sharp blade on their face) but ultimately, I can now do it whilst watching the Wall Street Journal or CBS This Morning. That's on my face. Your head presents a whole new set of challenges the greatest of which is shaving the back of your head. (Think of the great Ginger Rogers who once said, when asked if her part of dancing with Fred Astaire was "easy", "I do just what he does only backwards and in heels". ) I'm sure there many men, some called "barbers" who have mastered this but before I have to open a charge account at my local ER, I'll pass. That's a small downside. Here's an upside you may not have thought about; Having a straight razor adjacent to your bowl with a mug, brush and really fine shaving soap marks you has having the balls to do this sort of thing. I have no statistics but the group of men who routinely use a straight razor is probably not large. Other guys noting this when they use your Gents Room will have a new appreciation for your motor skills and envy you your perfectly smooth pate. I realize you have a beard but...sacrifice it as part of that learning curve I mentioned. And keep several rolls of toilet paper at the ready....(Go to YouTube for a whole flock of tutorials on how to use a straight razor, none of which discuss using it on your head. I find that significant. )