Thread: Women and Straight Razors

Do women use straight razors?

I told my girlfriend that I had bough a straight razor. She thought I had lost it. Last night I showed it to her. I can tell when she's thinking, and as she held it, she was. She loves everything antique. She asked a few questions, the answers to which I did not know. I haven't yet used mine. I did tell that when women began shaving during the Roaring 20's, I was sure that they used there husbands', fathers', brothers' straight razors. She shaves only her legs, underarms, and bikini line. So if I were to buy a straight razor for her, what would be a good way to go?

Is there a difference in straight razor designs for men and women? In other words, if I let her try straight razor shaving with mine, would it matter?

BTW, I love Solingen Boker everything. I would probably look at Boker first.

So far, this is just a thought. I wouldn't want to buy her a straight razor and accessories if she'll use it under the novelty period and file it under dead life experiences.

Another BTW, she doesn't wax. She said that a waxing salon charges about 70 hard-earned US bucks for legs, bikini line, and underarms. And it can be painful. She's been using Fusion for ten years. She does like convenience of cartridge shaving which is why I am hesitant to invest $$$ in something she might use a few times. However, I do know that she loves antiques (which probably explains when she's kept me around).

I just use one of my razors in rotation. You shave her legs for her and where ever else she wants. Good practice for you and who knows where it will lead. She may show her gratitude in an intimate way.

Hi bouschie,

Thanks for the advice. However, I haven't used my straight razor yet. Hence, I wouldn't even think about trying it anywhere on her. Were I to try without knowing what the heck I'm doing, it might lead to my going to hospital were I to accidentally cut her and she has ready access to a hard, blunt object. Hence, it might be a better idea were she do shave herself.

BTW, is there a tutorial on straight razor shaving for women?

Yes,women do use straight razors. Until recently the SRP forums had a lady's section.But a few sophomoric members could not refrain from posting there and it had to be removed. IMHO, I would suggest you gain experience in the basics of shaving and blade maintainance yourself before introducing straights to your girlfriend. A good vintage double edged razor would be more fitting for her.

At one point in time, there was a separate area of the forum dedicated to women shaving w/ straights. I do believe you can find them using the search bar.

If she doesn't use her straight, you can use it. It might be best if you are the guinea pig first and can help her avoid problems.

Check the library. I know there is a women's section in forums. At least there used to be.

You tubing.

https://www.youtube.com/user/SharpShaving/videos

I 2nd the comment that a DE would be better for her. It has the convenience of a cartridge but is a better shave if she uses it correctly. I bought one for my wife after I started SR shaving and understood the proper wet shave process.
I also 2nd the comment that you use your SR to shave her legs. I started shaving my wife's legs after I got reasonably comfortable using an SR. Lots of territory to get extra practice, not tough beard hair and you will develop the "feel" for proper angle quickly. When it is not your own face you learn how to use little pressure too. Lots of motivation not to make a cut. She likes the "spa" treatment and gets a closer shave than she does with a DE herself. Of course she goes after shaving like a chore and those of us on this site see shaving differently.
By the way, the other payoff if you shave her legs is that she will support your shaving habit. Pretty soon she will start bringing home different soaps, start suggesting different brushes like silver tip badger, etc.

My wife uses a DE. I have a friend that uses a straight. I set her up with a regular straight and then after a bit of after discussion she decided to try a shorty and then stayed with the shorty. I have no details of her experience she shared a small amount of information but it was more general shaving stuff.

Like me, my girlfriend started shaving with a safety razor. She loves convenience of cartridge razors. However, if she got a closer shave with a straight razor, she'd probably use one.

I'll be seeing her in an hour or so. We're planning a few days' road trip. I'm thinking of bringing my brand new straight razor. According to her, what's mine is hers. If she sees it, she might just try it.

I am going to send her the above link that tutors women in the art of shaving.