Thread: New guy: Are straight razors for me?

First off I don't think 1000/4000 will cut it. I normally use 4000/8000 and finish on a spyderco UF ( appx 12000). Straight razor shaving is for ALL skin types, but not for all personality types. I too have very sensitive skin, which is the biggest reason for me to use straight razors. I first started over 7 years ago, and once I stopped cutting myself up realized that by using a straight I had eliminated my adult acne problem. Over the years I've gone back to cartridge razors for short periods of time and each time my acne returns. There is no doubt in my mind that straights have given me much healthier skin. The only problem for me was just learning how to use it. I would suggest giving it a try. If your skin is as sensitive as mine though I would make some recomendations for you. Don't use any soaps or creams containing lime, menthol or bay rum. These are irritating to us sensitive skin guys. Get your razor honed by a honemiester (can find plenty of them on this site) it will set a benchmark for you in honing yourself. Start slow with cheeks and WTG passes only until your ready to try XTG and trickier chin and neck areas. Get a good strop, brush and cream/soap. I swear by CF preshave. Its pricey but for sensetive skin it just can't be beat. And lastly take your time. Expect nicks and cuts and razorburn while your learning. All these will pass as your skill increases.

Good luck,

Patrick

First, welcome. I guess I'll just repeat what everybody before said.

Originally Posted by psdarby

Straight razor shaving is for ALL skin types, but not for all personality types.

That's an excellent way to put it - since you're into knives it looks like it may be for you. I think the main differences with the disposable razors is that you have a single blade, with a lot better control. That seems a big plus as far as how your skin responds to shaving. I mean a 3pass shave is still 3 passes of a blade over your skin, while your current razor does that on each pass. Also with a straight you'll quickly learn to use very light pressure or else you'll be punished, which your skin will definitely like.
I would say ditch the gel right away - get a shaving soap/cream and a brush - that should improve your shave no matter what you use to cut the whiskers with. Even the most basic shaving soap should be better for your skin than what is in the can, but I'd say spend the $5 and really nice soap from say the Gentlemen's Quarters - talk to colleen for suggestions since your skin is sensitive. Some of the essential/fragrance oils are known to be irritants.

As others have suggested don't hone your first razor yourself - get that done by somebody who knows what a straight razor should be - you want to learn to hone but that's completely different topic.

Good luck.

Just a word of warning: while colleens soap is good stuff, it caused significant discomfort for my skin. On the second pass it stung like hell. This is not exclusive to colleens soaps. I've had lots of soap that I couldn't use. The worse one was wilkinson shaving soap.

Colleen also makes special hypo-allergenic soap that have a different composition, so I think it would be best to ask her about the difference between soaps if you have a sensitive skin.

Originally Posted by Bruno

Just a word of warning: while colleens soap is good stuff, it caused significant discomfort for my skin. On the second pass it stung like hell. This is not exclusive to colleens soaps. I've had lots of soap that I couldn't use. The worse one was wilkinson shaving soap.

Colleen also makes special hypo-allergenic soap that have a different composition, so I think it would be best to ask her about the difference between soaps if you have a sensitive skin.

Her shaving creams are heavenly though.

Hydrogen Peroxide is really good at getting rid of acne. I am a newbie with sensitive skin (and a thick fast growing beard) also. I am still learning the ropes.

Thanks to all for th welcome and infos.

I think I'll move to shaving soap now, even before I buy a straight. Just to get my skin used to it, and see wich one of the 2 brands in drugstores fits me the most. I remember seeing some Proraso.

A few more questions about razors. For knives, you start to get something decent around 60$, is it about the same for razors? I'm looking for a beginner straight, but also something I will be able to use for a LONG time. I don't care if it has scratches, don't look that great or are restored. I have a few knives that are seconds because of cosmetic flaws but they still are as good as the "normal" ones.

Same thing for a strop, I'll use it on my knives too so I want something decent.

As for the stones, what's the difference between 4000 and 8000 grit for the result? And if I get a honed razor, how long with around 3 shaves a week before I need a stone?

thanks

Originally Posted by cybrok

As for the stones, what's the difference between 4000 and 8000 grit for the result?

4000 grit probably won't give you much of a shave on its own, but it should be plenty sharp to shave your arms 8000 is the coursest grit I have been able to get a shave from

Originally Posted by cybrok

I remember seeing some Proraso.

I have sensitive skin and do not have a problem with Proraso but some folks with sensitive skin do experience problems. YMMV