Buying a Straight Razor

[Zouji]

Thinking about getting a straight razor.

Been reading through this sites wiki.
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They have a lot of info. I was wondering if any of ya'll use or have ever used a straight razor? Also how hard is it to really get used to shaving with one? I don't have to worry about shaving above the mouth since I have a goatee + mustache.

[Slamz]

In case of emergency, like the power goes out for two months, I'm growing a beard.

[Thudz]

In case of emergency, like the power goes out for two months, I'm growing a beard.

I already have a nice thick Taliban beard going. Drop me in the middle of Afgan and I'd blend right in.

[Diggles]

In case of emergency, like the power goes out for two months, I'm growing a beard.

I already have a nice thick Taliban beard going. Drop me in the middle of Afgan and I'd blend right in.

You could use that to conceal some of your handguns, or least some spare ammo

[Thudz]

In case of emergency, like the power goes out for two months, I'm growing a beard.

I already have a nice thick Taliban beard going. Drop me in the middle of Afgan and I'd blend right in.

You could use that to conceal some of your handguns, or least some spare ammo

I use it to clip on grenades.

[grizzle]

Zouj, have you ever shaved with a razor like that before? If not, I'd suggest maybe starting out with a safety razor until you get the hang of it.

Also, believe it or not, the most important aspect of that kind of shaving is the brush. Beyond that, the soap/lather, how to apply it, etc. - The Wet Shave.

Research it a bit before you jump in so you know what you are getting into. Good info here:
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Good How To videos:
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(start with this one): <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjhIy9rgWQU">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjhIy9rgWQU</a><!-- m -->

Buying your shaving gear:
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<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://westcoastshaving.com/">http://westcoastshaving.com/</a><!-- m -->


And for a little humor, a test to take to decide whether you are a Straight Razor or Safety Razor kinda guy:
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[Vanraw]

I have only one think to say.

WHY?

Gillette mach3 here.

I always made fun of them adding more and more razors, and then my wife bought one of these on accident, so I used it. All I can say is wow, never had a closer shave.

And I dont work for them!

[Kakarat]

Gillette mach 3 here as well. Find your right shaving gel/foam and go from there. Best time to shave with a blade is right after a shower so the hairs cut easier.

[Moristans]

I have a cleft chin. Getting a Mach 3 in between the buttcheeks on my chin is damn near impossible.

[Fafrd13]

You will not only have to learn to shave with it , you will have to learn how to sharpen it. I have seen people slice a razor stop in half in 1 fell swoop. Also , straight razors do not nick you, they can lay you open very fast( don't try it hung over) Like they say the learning curve is steep but it can also be very messy.

Good luck if you try it

Faf

[grizzle]

I have only one think to say.

WHY?

For me, it was because the "latest and greatest" razors now have rubber guards that keep me from being able to shave the hair under my nose. To compensate for this, they added a thin blunt blade on the back side of the razor that scrapes under my nose, but doesn't shave anything. And with 5 or however many blades they now have, my face still gets a crappy shave. The gels strip wears off after three shaves, the blades get dull after five shaves, and the blade replacements cost $15 for a 3-pack.

I finally got sick of it and started looking into straight razors. I had completely forgotten about the safety razor until I began researching the straight, so I picked up my new shaving gear (good quality brush, good soap, razor and blades) and have started there. Eventually I'll move into the straight razor for the face, but will keep the safety for shaving the ole noggin'.

It takes a bit longer to shave, but well worth it, both in the final shave and the economy of it. Not sure if this will make sense, but I feel like I'm actually accomplishing something when I shave, like I'm keeping an old tradition alive. And the chicks seem to dig it when they stay over. I guess it's a manly man thing or something. Whatever floats their boat - I won't argue.

[Jakensama]

Reminds me of the onion:

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[Thudz]

When I shave I've always dry shaved. I rarely shave anymore I rather just trim with shears and keep the neck and cheeks clean.

[Diggles]

Remmington Titanium Microscreen Electric, 24 dollars at walmart...then again I dont have any facial hair. Some of you hairy bastards would have to use it like 4 times a day to stop buildup, before it got too long/thick..kinda like cutting the grass.

This 24 dollar one does a better job than 70 dollar Braun.

[Hoofhurr]

I've been looking into straight razors as well. I feel like gilette is fucking me in the ass every time I buy a pack of their razors. It leaves me raw. I haven't made a purchase yet but I'm certainly going to give it a try. Usually I just leave a day or two of growth on and go for the rugged look but every once in a while I feel the need to shave for a few months to switch it up.

[Moristans]

I feel like gilette is fucking me in the ass every time I buy a pack of their razors. It leaves me raw.

Might I suggest a lube before you decide to make such a dramatic change in your lifestye like switching to a straight razor? Every relationship has it's issues. Be strong. Work it out.

[bonestomper]

i sport the goatee and have 3 safety razors i have used. Currently i use the Mach 3 also and shave the second i step out of the shower.

if you slide a safety razor to the side, it will cut the piss out of you. i only rev mine up after duck season when i am getting rid of the full beard.

what kills the sharpness of your razors is not use, it is microscopic rust that forms on the blades. if you store them upside down in a glass with just enough mineral oil to cover the blades they will last a lot longer.

i believe that is what the leather strop is for, to take off the rust. and while they say stainless steel does not rust, we are talking on the microscopic lvl that is the difference between razor sharp and not.

with the Mach 3 shaving is an unconscious event like brushing my teeth, i just do it. since you have to pay more attention with a safety razor, i have decided never to attempt a straight razor.

[Hoofhurr]

I feel like gilette is fucking me in the ass every time I buy a pack of their razors. It leaves me raw.

Might I suggest a lube before you decide to make such a dramatic change in your lifestye like switching to a straight razor? Every relationship has it's issues. Be strong. Work it out.

Are you going to suggest a gillette brand of lube with an ever increasing number of active ingredients that they will use as justification to continually upcharge me for?

[Uncle Shags]

I got my brother this razor for xmas. He says it's great. Replacement razors are a steal.

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[Dustie]

I have a 10 year old Norelco Electric Shaver that is just barely limping along. I have to twist one of the 3 internal motor prongs to "jump start" it when I begin. I use that for 3 to 4 days and then switch the the regular Gillette 2 blade razor to get an actual shave. By doing this and using the same razors for way too long, I am able to get by with about 2 or 3 10-packs of razors per year.

[Kakarat]

I can't stand electric shavers, its like I have 5 o'clock shadow after I shave. I tend to use the Mach 3 blades far past when the color wears off the indicator. They still work fine a few shaves after that. I tend to shave 1-3 times a week, I am lucky with a job that doesn't require a clean shave every day. Mind you, if I spruced up my appearance, perhaps I might get noticed a bit too

[Thudz]

I can't stand electric shavers, its like I have 5 o'clock shadow after I shave. I tend to use the Mach 3 blades far past when the color wears off the indicator. They still work fine a few shaves after that. I tend to shave 1-3 times a week, I am lucky with a job that doesn't require a clean shave every day. Mind you, if I spruced up my appearance, perhaps I might get noticed a bit too

I live in Goergia and keep a 2-3" beard year round. If I lived in the Artic like you it would be much longer. Think Warhammer Dwarf.

[Slamz]

I've been using the Braun 8585 electric for over 4 years. Definitely not as close as a blade, but I can shave in about 30 seconds, then plop it back in its self-cleaning charger and I'm done.

I am all about the lazy.

I live in Goergia and keep a 2-3" beard year round. If I lived in the Artic like you it would be much longer. Think Warhammer Dwarf.

You could braid it, maybe tie a mini-keg of beer in it.

[Venganza]

I've been looking into straight razors as well. I feel like gilette is fucking me in the ass every time I buy a pack of their razors. It leaves me raw. I haven't made a purchase yet but I'm certainly going to give it a try. Usually I just leave a day or two of growth on and go for the rugged look but every once in a while I feel the need to shave for a few months to switch it up.

Here's something i use that extends the shit out of the life of my razors. They don't dull because of use, they corrode due to moisture sitting on them.
Dry em after every use. It sounds stupid but the water causes em to go dull sooner, if you keep em dry those razor's will last weeks and weeks longer. Local cheapskate Clark Howard did a test on it and made a disposable pink razor last a year.

[Hoofhurr]

Yeah I've heard this. I might actually try this out with the mach 3 I have sitting around. I wonder if you could just blow dry it after you're done. This would be a really great idea if I had enough hair to own a blow dryer.