Thread: Interested in Straight Razors

It never hurts to read the FAQ: Will shaving with a straight razor save me money?. I would argue that this calculation can be optimised by replacing the professional honing service with a cheap blade maintenance tool (barber's hone, balsa strop). But realistically, I have never spent more money on shaving than in the last four years. That said, I have never achieved results even remotely resembling those I get from straight razors, and the luxury is unsurpassed. Shaving for me has turned from a chore to a zen exercise, and lots and lots of fun.

Regards,
Robin

yeah, it doesn't seem like its going to be cheaper just more enjoyable I guess. Im really close to getting one. Just a few last questions answered and I think I;m going to hit that "order" button for my first razor.

Is it possible to use the same straight razor blade everyday for shaving? Or does it take wayyy too long each morning? So i guess my question is of...

1. durability of the blade and ability to use it day after day and
2. length of time it takes to complete a shave using a straight razor.

Ive seen in some threads that it woudl be good to have more than one blade, but I dont really have the funds at this point to be getting more than one blade.
I know for a fact that at first it is going to take me much longer to get a good shave but after I get decently good at it, how long will it take if I do it in the morning before work?

I'm a person who spends a lot on hobbies, while the other side of me is trying to be practical. With straight shaving, it seems to be both. You can enjoy it as both as a hobby and a necessity. One way or another I need to shave. Either spending money on disposables blades/cartridges or spending money on electric razor replacements. I also enjoy knives, the techniques of a sharp edge, the techniques of the shave, the skill, the art of the shave, and the ritual.

I've probably spent more on electrics and disposables. And I think straight razors are more of an investment that do not devalue (just look at the vintages or classified).

For me to win the argument with my girl, I just ask her to add up all she spends on makeup, skincare, hair products, brushes, handbags, purses, accessories, perfumes, salon visits, magazines, etc. With all that added up, this is cheaper in the long run.

Jake

Originally Posted by snakyjake

I'm a person who spends a lot on hobbies, while the other side of me is trying to be practical. With straight shaving, it seems to be both. You can enjoy it as both as a hobby and a necessity. One way or another I need to shave. Either spending money on disposables blades/cartridges or spending money on electric razor replacements. I also enjoy knives, the techniques of a sharp edge, the techniques of the shave, the skill, the art of the shave, and the ritual.

I've probably spent more on electrics and disposables. And I think straight razors are more of an investment that do not devalue (just look at the vintages or classified).

For me to win the argument with my girl, I just ask her to add up all she spends on makeup, skincare, hair products, brushes, handbags, purses, accessories, perfumes, salon visits, magazines, etc. With all that added up, this is cheaper in the long run.

Jake

like your statement about being practical; it reminds me of myself. Like I've said, you can make it as cheap or as expensive as you'd want it to be. As far as honing goes, you can purchase an inexpensive barber hone for touch ups every few months or so. Unless you want to get into honing one day, the barber's hone between 10k-16k grit should maintain your edge nicely. Straight razor shaving should be something that needs no explanation to your girlfriend....but I can understand that it still does anyway! haha

Originally Posted by aznaod7

yeah, it doesn't seem like its going to be cheaper just more enjoyable I guess. Im really close to getting one. Just a few last questions answered and I think I;m going to hit that "order" button for my first razor.

Is it possible to use the same straight razor blade everyday for shaving? Or does it take wayyy too long each morning? So i guess my question is of...

1. durability of the blade and ability to use it day after day and
2. length of time it takes to complete a shave using a straight razor.

Ive seen in some threads that it woudl be good to have more than one blade, but I dont really have the funds at this point to be getting more than one blade.
I know for a fact that at first it is going to take me much longer to get a good shave but after I get decently good at it, how long will it take if I do it in the morning before work?

I shave with the same blade every day.
I have more than one straight razor, but I have a favorite, and it recieves prime attention. My first straight was a Dovo, as well. My current favorite shaver is my Dovo Bismarck. You can use the same blade every day, so long as you make sure to strop it properly before (not after) every shave. Hone it when you see small, visible chips missing from the very edge of the blade evrey few months or so (depending on how nice you are to your razors and how often you shave with them).

When I first started shaving, it took me 35-40 minutes to shave my face twice. I shave twice every morning now in about 10-15 minutes when I'm feeling a bit cramped for time, and have been without a nick for months. You'll be fine with one key item that is priceless: experience. It's really not as intimidating as it sounds.

The amazing thing is, straight razor shaving can be as expensive or as inexpensive as you would like to make it. The thing is, once you start buying all of the different scented soaps, scented aftershaves, various strops, diffrerent razors....it is hard to stop! Feel free to ask me if you have some more questions. i'm not expert at all, but have been shaving with them for about 6 months, and couldn't be happier.

Originally Posted by aznaod7

I know for a fact that at first it is going to take me much longer to get a good shave but after I get decently good at it, how long will it take if I do it in the morning before work?

If (and that is a big if while you are still learning) to maintain the blade properly, you can use it daily without any problems. In a squeeze, I can do a three pass shave in less than ten minutes, but find that if I am in such a hurry, a DE is the safer and easier option. Like I said previously, why not get cheap DE from a supermarket and try that first. Good preparation is essential for both kinds of shaving, anyway.