straight razor shaving

[The patriot]

does anyone here use one?

I'm thinking on trying it. The prices on the refills are getting out of hand, and the straights are supposed to give a superior shave.

 

[kenny61]

Never tried one. There are a few people I know who I wish would start using one. You are not on the list...

 

[SHobbs]

I have thought about it myself.

 

[Adventure Bob]

Im an avid wet shaver. You may not want to jump straight to a straight. I would suggest you start with a safety razor. Refills are cheap and you dont have to do as much to the blade to get a consistant shave. There are straights with disposable blades, but I generally prefer the safety for everyday shaving. Occasionaly on a weekend when Im not trying to get to work half awake, I'll pull out a straight and shave. Don't believe the hype you'll see on most of the retail sites: you can start wet shaving for about $50 and then the refills and soap are cheap. I pay about . 10 a blade and a blade last a week for the safety razor. A good boars hair brush will set you back $10 to $15. You do not a $150 rare russian boars hair to get a good lather. I would also suggest that you start with shave creams that are for a brush vs the block soaps. Its easier to get a really great lather from the creams. They're a paste about the consistancy of toothpaste. You whip them with the brush and warm water just like a bar soap.

 

[JLandry]

Patriot,



I bought a nice straight razor about 15 years ago for the exact reason you're thinking about... the out of control prices on refills!



I found that while it's possible to get a great shave with a straight razor, it takes a lot of extra time for the actual shaving and it requires lots of dedication to maintain the blade.



Besides the straight razor you'll need a good quality hard stone to periodically touch up the blade and a strop for keeping it sharp between stonings. You can research all this online.



But if you have the time and patience and don't mind the learning curve at first (expect some razor burn and nicks), you'll get a good feeling of accomplishment and you'll be sticking it to the disposable refill manufacturers.



After using my straight razor for a few months, I understood why all the alternatives were invented... frankly it's just a pain in the a** to shave with one on a day to day basis.



Instead, you might want to consider investing in a good electric rechargeable razor. I bought a reasonably priced Norelco Quadra-Action model maybe 8 years ago at Costco and I couldn't be happier with it. It's never needed new blades even with daily use... it's just as sharp as day one. I only have to charge it about every other week and it reaches full charge in a couple of hours. I like the fact that I save water by using it... great when dry camping.



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But just like a straight razor, an electric razor takes getting used to. To get it to glide over your face smoothly, I found the Remington Face Saver powder cakes available at Wal-Mart are wonderful.



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Good luck,



John L.

 

[seafish]

Before I got a good norelco rechargeable, I used a straight safety razor with the plain jane stainless double sided refills, which are still relatively cheap and last about 2 shaves per side. I would use a boar bristle shaving brush, and whatever soap I preferrred to use. It worked great for years, but the norelco is just more convenient for a quick shave. If I don't shave for over 5 days, then I go back to the strait safety razor. Get a nice heavy, adjustable handle for the blades, then take your time. Check this one out... Merkur 33C Classic Safety Razor [33C] - $25. 00 : West Coast Shaving, Double Edge Blade Sampler Packs

 

[The patriot]

Thanks for the replies guys.

I have tried several electric razors. Some were $100+. One or two were under $50. None gave the shave I'd like..... and I spent time on them so I'd "get used to them". I got a drawer full of them. #@$%!

I'm currently using the Gillette Fusion. It's OK, but refills are like $45 in costco!!!! Granted, it's like 15 refills... ...

I purchased a nice old straight on fleabay. It'll need to be honed. I will not do this myself as I understand you can easily ruin beyond repair a good straight this way. It costs about $15 to have it done by a pro.

With how often I shave I'll probibally need to send it out once or twice a year.

I will need to get a strop and some strop paste.

I shaved with shave soap and a boar (cheaper then badger) brush tonight. Even the Gillette which is on about 5 shaves gave a great shave with this small change.

I've shaved with a safety razor & bar soap while growing up. I think I used a paintbrush. :-laf

 

[Bill Lins]

I shave with a safety razor while taking a shower, and use shampoo instead of shaving cream. I get a good, close shave & the blades seem to last forever- give it a try!

 

[Adventure Bob]

I get about a weeks worth of shaving from a safety blade. I think how much you get will be determined by your beard and skin type. If you have wiskers like a brillo pad and baby soft skin, you'll have to change blades more often than folks with baby hair and sun leathered skin.

While I do have to admit wet shaving takes more time than the can and a bic, It's a very zen like morning ritual. If your the type that hits the snooze button 3 times then rushses off to work, eats in the car and drinks bad coffe at work, wet shaving may not be for you. Its very much a throwback to a slower way of doing things. As I get older I appreciate good things done well, more and more. Not that Im starting to sound like my grandad, but he may have been on to something.

 

[The patriot]

Even though in theory I should have all the time in the world, I still find I'm rushing most of the time. :{