Thread: is the straight razor for me?

Originally Posted by jesseblues

Hi everyone!

I have been wanting to try a straight for a little while now because my gilette razors give me allot of razor burn and it really is annoying! It also feels like it digs in my skin instead of just gliding over it... even when I put no pressure at all. So I was thinking of trying out a straight to see how it works out and since I'm only 16 my parents won't let me have one because it is too dangerous! I can understand that it is dangerous but with enough practice and care I'm pretty sure it won't be more dangerous then you make it. So is the straight razor the best option for me or is there something else I could try?

Thanks

Since you are 16 and your parents have already said no to a str8
we should focus on the non blade parts of shaving.

For most of us it is not the blade that gives us a rash... thus
I would gently hint that you to try some good shaving soaps and creams
and an inexpensive boar brush. In the US look at a starter kit for
about $10 (brush, bowel, soap) at a CVS pharmacy or Walmart.

Once you have a brush, bowel and basic soap-- you can
shop for and try any of a gazillion fine shaving soaps and creams.

The cornerstone of a good shave is skin prep, lather and sanitation.
These are all things we must master no mater which blade we select.
Skin prep and lather are likely the cause of your uncomfortable
shave, so lets start there. Find the wiki articles to get a start.....

BTW: There are a lot of different inexpensive shavers out there.
The most often overlooked one is often the least expensive.
Look for the yellow "BiC 1 SENSITIVE (CLASSIC SENSITIVE)"
single-blade shaver for sensitive skin. I keep some handy
for the days when yesterdays shave was terrible and my
faces is like a strawberry. Not too common anymore unless
my SO gifts me a shaving soap or goo that smells good to her
but is in all other ways terrible.

The hidden value is that this BiC may be the last toss-able with a
single blade. As such it shaves like many other single blade
razors (Double Edge, str8). There is a wide enough mouth to
make rinsing the stubble and keeping the blade clean easy too.

The double and triple blade blades do not work
for me. They give me razor burn.....

Pfft. Cutting veggies with a kitchen knife is dangerous. So are most sports. Lots of things in life are dangerous. But I note that I have yet to read of anyone here seriously hurting them selves. I personally have gotten *way* worse cuts from disposable razors than from a straight.

But, oh well. It's your parent's call at the end of the day.

As others have mentioned, at the very least, you can start adopting proper shave prep. Start trying out shave brushes and soaps/creams, instead of that foam-in-a-can stuff.

I know that for me, the shaving foam in a can *significantly* contributes to my skin irritation. It's got a lot of chemicals in it that aren't so nice on some people's skin.

Also making sure your beard is conditioned, and your skin is moist and hydrated before you begin makes a world of difference.

As far as razors... how about seeing if they'll go for a compromise?

Maybe they'd let you get a safety razor, or "DE." Because it doesn't pull the skin the way modern cartridge razors do, that might also be more comfortable for you, and since the blade is held in the head of the razor, rather than being completely un-encased, it is "safer" (or at least, if you cut yourself, it's not going to be as deep).

Maybe they'd go for that. Give it a shot.

Originally Posted by MistressNomad

As far as razors... how about seeing if they'll go for a compromise?

Maybe they'd let you get a safety razor, or "DE." Because it doesn't pull the skin the way modern cartridge razors do, that might also be more comfortable for you, and since the blade is held in the head of the razor, rather than being completely un-encased, it is "safer" (or at least, if you cut yourself, it's not going to be as deep).

Maybe they'd go for that. Give it a shot.

I think this is a very good suggestion. First off, I can attest to the smoothness and closeness of a DE compared to the cartridge or "throw away" razors. Though I later moved to straights, I still have my TTO (twist to open) Gillette (Fat Boy adjustable) and will probably never get rid of it. Weishe makes a very mild TTO for $15 or so and can be had on many on-line vendors. There are other vendors (some on other DE related forums such as Badger and Blade or the Shave Den or Shave My Face) who sell the Weishe (or restored Older Gillettes or Parkers) with a starter brush and a selection of different blades. Merkur I have found are too agressive shavers for my tastes FWIW. That is where I would start if I were 16 with parents that (in their eyes) feel they are justifiably concerned for your safety. (as a grandpa, I can say sh*t like that!)


Meanwhile,work on shaving prep. Getting a good lathe up with soap and brush. (stay away from the canned goo. There is enough chemical propelants in it to make any tree hugger shudder). There is a vast amount of shaving information on all the forums. Good luck with your journey. I am sure that someday, we will see your post on your first straight razor shave, that I'm fairly certain of......

Jesse,

Even the DE razor may be off limits. I wouldn't spend much time worrying about it though. I agree with looking into a good brush and some soap and creams first.

As a thought, my barbershop uses a new style of straight razor that has a guard on it. They run about $40. They have a circular section at the handle like a pair of scissors. Very interesting.

You might consider looking for one at a beauty supply store or on the internet.

http://www.cachebeauty.com/wholsale/razors.htm

One little thing i would like to add to the wonderfull sugestions already made, show your parents this website. Let them see the video demonstrations and let them see your excitment and enthusiasm for looking into this and wanting to learn it right.

Hello, Jesseblues:

Welcome to SRP.

If your parents say no to the straight razor for now, I suggest accepting their decision. I know I would expect that of my children were they your age.

This is what I suggest for you, with your parents' approval, of course: Begin using a brush with soap or cream for your preparation, because this is an essential part of shaving with a straight razor. It is part of the colorful ritual.

Again with your parents' approval, buy a good double edge safety razor. I am quite fond of the Edwin Jagger 89L and always recommend it. For blades, try any of the Gillette 7 O'Clock series, Derby or Personna. I use the Feather. Other double edge shavers have their own favorites. You will, too, after some experimentation.

What's most import is that the double edge will teach you some of the essential requirements you will need in the future for the straight razor.

For instance, the straight razor requires patience and extreme care. So does the double edge to its own degree. Using light pressure is important in both the straight razor and the double edge. So is mapping out the face and the direction in which the hair grows. The list goes on.

In the meantime, until you are ready for the straight razor in a few years, or whenever your parents allow it, dig into the vast information offered at SRP on straight razor shaving. Scores of shaving videos are also available on the Internet. Watch the good ones over and over again. Books are also available on the subject. Finally, if you have questions, ask them and you will have your answer in no time from SRP members.

In the end, is the straight razor for you? I believe it is — in the future. Or at least until all current variables and deterrents are resolved.

Good luck to you.

Regards,

Obie

You have had some good advice from the others.
I was already working at sixteen and I feel that my Triumph motorcycle was far more of a danger to my health than any razor. I have to admit that in those days I only needed to shave once a week.
Perhaps you could talk it through with your parents if you are keen to use a straight razor. It's certain that they are no more harmful than many of the knives in the kitchen drawer. What does your father shave with? There is no need to rush ,it's nice to see that you respect the wishes of your folks.
Good luck.

About 100 years ago most 16 year olds were shaving with a straight razor. The danger of it is HIGHLY over rated.

Yeah, thumbs up on the Weishi DE (proper spelling). Although the J.B. Williams' classic animal fat, triple-milled puck of soap and its brethren are some of the cheapest shaving soaps around it is more difficult to create the perfect lather from. I've found a cheap glycerin-based shaving soap at $3.75 a 3 ounce puck which will have acceptable longevity and far superior in slickness and cushion to the canisters of foam sold in most places. I also like the 7 AMs (bangledeshi), supermaxs (indian), dorcos (korean) and the no-name little box of israeli (which from mantic59's account are actually the personnas?) to be very good double edge razors. The indian and korean blades were twelve bucks per hundred packs.. hard to argue with a twelve cent blade with two sides! Ebay has a bad reputation on this board, and is not advisable for newbies without a clue on the purchase of straight razors, but new 100 packs of DE razors are a safe bet with known brands.

My experience with disposables and the Gillette "Sensor Excel" were difficult, razor burn prone experiences.. with standard shaving foam canisters. Get the leg-up on the shaving with the soaps/creams and a non-aggressive DE safety razor. I think the Weishi is great. I was getting reliably close shaves with it, depending on what direction I was ultimately shaving at.

I doubt the disposables are any safer than the DEs... not in my experience. The only difference for me as been heft, with the greater heft of the standard, relatively small, all-metal DEs providing a more comfortable shaving experience. The only real difference is heft (not a problem but an asset) and the widge of the shaving head, which shouldn't be a factor except for the corners of the jaw near the ears and just under the nose. Certainly not an issue with basic hand/eye coordination!

It's preposterous to think that those plastic disposable single/double bladed (not double-sided) safety razors are any safer than the double-edged safety razors. If his parents object to that without even considering it than maybe their authority shouldn't be regarded as sacrosanct, not even in a 16 year old's life.... ?

Also, since he will most likely be getting a real shaving soap it would be prudent to also get a cheap little bowl for whipping up the lather after "loading" the brush. A scuttle I believe it's called. I have a cheap melamine (plastic) little bowl for under a dollar from an Asian grocery store. I have three different shave soaps in second-hand store coffee mugs and a broken handle free tourist mug from the workplace. No reason to break the bank. The fine, luxury items can come later after a solid relationship with the daily "chore" of keratin razing has been developed.