Originally Posted by
Java
I'm no expert as I only have a year and a half or so of straight razor experience under my belt. I can tell you a couple of things I learned the hard way. One is that a razor can be the sharpest thing you've ever handled, and still not be sharp enough to get a baby smooth shave from. Having it sharpened by the best will make it that sharp, but it won't be any more dangerous than it is now. If you've learned to handle it safely the way it is, you've no need to worry about it being a little sharper.
Another thing I learned is that you really can't get a great shave without stretching the skin. Lord knows I tried for a long time. With a cartridge or a safety razor, the bar (or comb) stretch the skin ahead of the blade(s) for you. You're not having to stretch it, but it is being stretched.
The third thing I wanted to say;I'm just more than a little paranoid about it. Not only have I never used a straight razor in the shower, but even in front of the sink each time I lather-up, I dry my hands on a towel before I pick-up the razor. Rinse, re-lather, dry my hands, pick-up the razor, shave, repeat. I don't want to drop that razor. For the same reason, never fry bacon while naked.............(I did learn that the hard way)........
