Thread: Do I Even Need a Straight?

_fabio,

Cost? $205.94 + shippping.

A lot of it (shaving w/ straight) comes down to personal preference. Many people find that it's easier on their skin to use a straight w/ thick lathers. Or they simply like the feeling of doing something the old way. Even those with little facial hair probably get a closer shave w/ a straight than they would with a disposable. There are tons of reasons why straights are better than anything in the world. (well not EVERYTHING I guess)

As far as what you should expect to pay, it's all over the board man! I got a great quality Geneva 5/8 Spike, shave-ready, for $30. Many people like to purchase the high end Dovos which cost anywhere $100+. The point is to find something that YOU LIKE, and that fits you. Watch the B/S/T. There's good deals there all the time.

EDIT: LOL, slow typing again! This time Jordan beat me... GRR

Hi, I'm very new to shaving with an open/straight/cut throat razor too.
There are actually a couple of pleasures to be had from this type of shaving. The first being the "wet shave", nice old fashioned high quality soaps, hot towels or face cloths. pre-shave oils. a little face massage maybe!, then lather up some soap with a brush made from a badgers chest hair, applied to your face to make your hair stand on end. Then there is the hardware!! You could choose a "cheap" vintage blade hand made by a guy long dead, neglected by a couple of generations of throwaway people, polished and brought back to life/service by yourself and a guy who knows how to hone a lump of pig-iron into one of the sharpest blades you'll ever see or feel. Or buy a new one either a very well made blade, a custom work of art or one of Maestro Livi's excellent regrounds.
Then try to throw it all together and have a clean, fresh set of chops a baby would envy, without cutting yourself too badly.
I've enjoyed it, and I haven't tried a custom yet!
Try it, it is an experience worth at least trying.
best wishes Marcus

My pleasure.

Originally Posted by Bruce

_fabio,

Cost? $205.94 + shippping.

You want him to shave with a romance cover model?

Welcome to the SRP!

Lots of good advice here so far. Just one main thing to remember is to have your razor both honed and shave tested.
The only real test is the shave test.

Keep us posted on how it goes for you.