Thread: Str8s for Young Shavers?

I haven't seen this discussed anywhere, so I thought I would get your opinions on it.

What about using a str8 to teach a new young shaver? I have a 13-year-old that is ready for his first lessons. I am concerned about the danger of a str8 in his hands, but then again, that is what our grandfathers learned on and they survived, plus, it would start him off on the right foot.

What do you guys think? Any experiences or thoughts?

Thanks,
stats

I really can't offer much here, as I only have a 1 yr old daughter. However, I don't think it would be a bad thing for him to learn on a straight. I might be a good idea for him to practice strokes/angle/holding position on a very dull blade. Then once he has those down, he can go for the shave-sharp razor. Of course, he'll have to understand (and no doubt you'll explain) that they are EXTREMELY sharp and should be handled with respect...or else you'll lob off a toe or something.

Interesting question!

I would say when he gets his first decent slice across his cheek and explains truthfully to his peers that he got the cut shaving with a straight razor he could be virtually guaranteed that none of his rivals would mess wif him!

Boy I wish I would have thought of that at that age! Anyone have a time machine that goes back 25 years?

Chris L

Eh... Well ok here come my thoughts. They are not mature enough.

Straights are very dangerous and when people were using them at the turn of the century they had already been forced to grow up and start working from a very young age. Life expectancies were in the early to mid 50's then too so there wasn't any of this coddle the kid till they are 22 crap. When you hit puberty you were a man. You should be cause you were working the fields at 8.

Today, kids are not responsible until much later. Teen suicide rates are super high with 20% of kids contemplating suicide at one time or another. Additionally they will want to do stupid things like take it to school to show their friends or "play" with it.

Add to that the fact that this takes alot of skill and a 13 year olds face is very soft and fair unlike ours and I think that while your kid is probably a well adjusted kid free of the serious problems mentioned above, it might not be the best route for him physically. May I suggest you start with a DE and keep an eye on the extra blades until you know that he is acting responsibly with it. These still need the habits that a straight does like good angle and soft touch but is less likely to cause major problems is a childish idea gets into his mind. Lord knows I did some dumb stuff =>

I first shaved with a little plastic razor and still had burns and cuts and little bits of toilet paper on my face. I would say that a boy's skin is probably too sensitive and and all that for him to use a straight.
Secondly, do you want a boy in throes of puberty having access to something so dangerous? I mean, I'm 22 and clearly remember the terrors of 6-12 grade and plenty of early morning angry shaves, or early morning I-have-12-seconds-to-get-ready type of shaves.

Being 22, I often still question whether I am responsible enough for a straight razor. I say wait until he is done with high school and get him a nice one as a graduation gift, that way it has a double meaning. He'll appreciate the effort.

I think it depends on wether your son is interested in using a straight razor , or not . If he wants to try a straight , let him watch you shave a few times before he tries it himself . I think that if you let him use one of your razors , and supervise him until you're sure he knows what he's doing , it would be safe . I started teaching my daughter how to use , and clean firearms when she was 13 . It was always under my supervision , and she never had access to the guns , unless I was there .

I can see good arguments on both side. I think what it comes down to is the individual child. I've known some very mature young teenagers and I've known thirty year olds who are still in the throws of adoescence. Only you know your son's maturity level. Maybe it's something you do with him on weekends for a while and lock up the razor on school days. Dave had a great question. Is he interested in using a straight razor? If it becomes something like forced piano lessons, he may never touch a straigth again in his life.

I think if you told your wife about your little idea she'd hit you over the head with a rolling pin.

I agree a 13 year old is too young. Maybe at 15 depending on the kid.

If you think he can handle it--let him go. It would be a good bonding experience and show him that you trust him.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

I think if you told your wife about your little idea she'd hit you over the head with a rolling pin.

I agree a 13 year old is too young. Maybe at 15 depending on the kid.

You make a good point , Bigspendur . Now ,that I think about it , maybe 16 .