Thread: is the straight razor for me?

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

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

Hi Jesse. Welcome to SRP.

To be perfectly honest, you are the only person that knows whether or not straights are the best option for you. They (along with the requisite skills to master them) do provide the best tool for the job, but they also require discipline, patience, and persistence. If you are drawn to traditional wetshaving, you might try a double edge razor.

Trust me, the straight razor is by far the best tool for the job IMHO, but a DE isn't a bad alternative. They are also a good gateway into the world of straight razors as well.

Best regards,

You sound like a prime canidate to me, but it sounds like you have a couple years wait until you can see for yourself. I also had terrible razor burn with the cartridge razors even to the point I though I had sensitive skin. Since switching to str8s I dont get razor burn most shaves, it does take some time to get to that point, until you relax on your technique and the burn comes back to remind you not to do that anymore.
You might be able to find a middle ground with your parents and get a double edge, that way you can work on your pre-shave prep, for that matter you might just use str8 type soaps with your cartridges and practice that way. If you incorporate mapping hair growth into your cartridge shave your shaves will probably get a little less irritating. Since moving to str8s I found that the spots where cartridges were especially irritating my hair grew in different directions and I bet if I would have switched my shaving direction with the cartridges they might have been better shaves. That knowledge is for not with me now since I never see myself going back to cartridges, but it might help you until you are able to make the switch yourself. Spend some time in the wiki and browsing the forum then when the time comes you will be fully prepared.

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.