Thread: New guy: Are straight razors for me?

Hi guys

My name is Marc-Antoine but people just call me Marco.

I'm a college student (Metallurgy/Materials engineering) from Quebec city.

I really am into knives too, so I understand things about steel and sharpening.


I bought a bulk of razor blades a few years ago in a closeout and am about to run out. I was considering straight razors but I don't know if it's for me. I tried to find a barber shop but they don't use straight razors anymore around here.

I'm just not sure my skin will like it. It's very sensitive. I don't tan I burn. Also, it seems like my face didn't get the memo that I'm not a teenager anymore and keeps giving me some acne, not a lot but enough so I cut myself while shaving. I almost always cut myself under my chin too, looks like my jawbone did not evolved for shaving, almost looks like a W. I have a sensitive light skin and some strong dark facial hair, so electric razors are not really effective, they get my skin to burn and it doesn't look like I got shaved at all. If I shave with a blade before I go to a bar, it will itch when I get back.

I'm sure I'm not the only one in this situation, but will my skin get used a straight razor blade?



As for the material, I was planning to get an Entry level razor here, a good leather strop and eventually a better sharpening stone (that would also be used for my Japanese kitchen knife).

Is a 1000/4000 stone enough for a razor?

Thanks



EDIT: What a crappy first post, I got in the wrong section. Sorry about that.

You'll want a finer finish than 4,000 grit. A lot of shavers are using 12,000 and up for sharp edges.

I hope you find what you are looking for

No worries about the forum. I moved your thread.

It is generally accepted that a 1000 / 4000 grit stone is insufficient. To get good shaves you need a 4000 / 8000 stone.
Many of us have finer stones than that, which are usually referred to as finishing stones, but they are not necessary for the purpose of getting a good shave.

I too have a very sensitive skin. I used to get razor burn all the time with my mach 3 blades. With a straight I don't have that problem anymore. Thought admittedly, there is a learning curve, but being here and asking for advice can shorten that.
The last time I shaved with my straight before finding SRP was bad. My neighbors probably heard me screaming when I splashed aftershave on my face .

Good soap / cream is important. People with sensitive skin often are allergic to a lot of them.
The best I've found yet is Taylor of Old Bond Street shaving cream which does not trigger allergic reactions.

Stropping, lathering, shaving technique, the edge of your razor... they all have to be decent in order make it worthwhile. But after a couple of months you will get the hang of it, and you may never want to go back.

Originally Posted by cybrok

Hi guys

My name is Marc-Antoine but people just call me Marco.

I'm a college student (Metallurgy/Materials engineering) from Quebec city.

I really am into knives too, so I understand things about steel and sharpening.


I bought a bulk of razor blades a few years ago in a closeout and am about to run out. I was considering straight razors but I don't know if it's for me. I tried to find a barber shop but they don't use straight razors anymore around here.

I'm just not sure my skin will like it. It's very sensitive. I don't tan I burn. Also, it seems like my face didn't get the memo that I'm not a teenager anymore and keeps giving me some acne, not a lot but enough so I cut myself while shaving. I almost always cut myself under my chin too, looks like my jawbone did not evolved for shaving, almost looks like a W. I have a sensitive light skin and some strong dark facial hair, so electric razors are not really effective, they get my skin to burn and it doesn't look like I got shaved at all. If I shave with a blade before I go to a bar, it will itch when I get back.

I'm sure I'm not the only one in this situation, but will my skin get used a straight razor blade?



As for the material, I was planning to get an Entry level razor here, a good leather strop and eventually a better sharpening stone (that would also be used for my Japanese kitchen knife).

Is a 1000/4000 stone enough for a razor?

Thanks



EDIT: What a crappy first post, I got in the wrong section. Sorry about that.

It sounds as if you have the same skin type I have. Really sensitive. My first few attempts at shaving with a straight resulted in razor burn, but I started using Nivea a/s balm, and that helped tremendously. I now use C.O. Bigelow Bay Rum a/s balm and just tried Truefitt & Hill's a/s balm and both work quite well. I shave maybe every 3 days, unless for a special occasion. IE doctors appointment, dinner out etc.

The learning curve isn't too steep, just remember your shaving angles and you'll do fine.

I find that, although the straight razor has a more aggressive action on my sensitive, problem skin, it's actually much healthier to get such a close shave with the exfoliating action. I say, send that razor out to a honemeister and find out for yourself.

X

Welcome Marco!

Unfortunately, only you can answer the question. I don't find a straight razor irritates my skin, but that is me.

You might consider purchase of a razor in the BST forum. Bill has some fine razors, but he sells out very quickly when some are posted. I have one of his restorations and he is a fine craftsman. You might spend less on a shave ready straight from another member. There are several in Canada.

Might be helpful if you could give us an idea of what type of razor and shave routine you currently are using.

People here are more than willing to help.

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

Originally Posted by Hawkeye5

Might be helpful if you could give us an idea of what type of razor and shave routine you currently are using.

I don't shave often enough Once or twice a week most of the time. I usually have to trim before I get a blade on it. If I shave more it will be with my electrical razor.

My bladed is a Schick Xtreme3 and the electrical is a Remington dual foil shaver (don't remember the model).

I use nivea lotion as an aftershave and Gilette Series Gel. (I will move to soap if I get a straight razor)

Dude, put a "WTB Starter Razor" post in the Buy/Sell/Trade forum. Some of the honemeisters there can probably hook you up with honed "shave-ready" for less $ than retail sites.

*Edit: Kenrup has Double Arrow start-up kits for $65.

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.