I got it a little over a month ago as a kit from http://www.excaliburcutlery.com/straightrazors.php?m=product_detail&p=1380 (http://www.excaliburcutlery.com/straightrazors.php?m=product_detail&p=1380) it wasn't quite shave ready so I got a set of hones from Norton. Its a 4 piece set with 220,1000,4000 and 8000 grit stones I have a bunch of knives that could also use some honing. A few laps on the 8000 and about 50 swipes on the strop and that thing was like a scalpel. It took about 2 weeks for my skin to adjust and not get razor burn and for me to learn never ever bring it to your face at a 90 degree angle. Any way a few members mentioned before they were interested in trying it so heres my 2 cents. First, it takes a while to learn so go slow. Second, there will be blood, think of it as a red check on your homework because you did something wrong. Third, buy quality I researched for a good month and read many reviews until I chose this set. It takes a few more minutes than using a Mach 3 or other razor and when done properly you do get an amazing shave plus it will last a lifetime. All in all im happy with it and the results.
I have been thinking about making the switch too. My GF got me a gift card for a hot shave at a very upscale barber and I am going to go see if I like it. Thanks for the info. [thumbsup]
All that sounds really involved. Who's got the time (says the man slacking off at work and posting on the DMF)?
Or leave it to a professional! ;D
it really does feel great, i dont do it my self nor will i ever, too shakey, but the barbershop that i go to uses a straight blade and there is nothing like it
I really enjoy the barbershop straight balde shave experience.
I've been using an old "double edge" razor for about a year now. I've got the whole badger brush and soap bowl setup. i would eventually like to step up to a straight razor. I'm glad to hear that you enjoy it. I've found a couple of shaving related forums that are a good source of info and products. www.shavemyface (http://www.shavemyface) and www.badgerandblade.com (http://www.badgerandblade.com) check 'em out.
I think a hot lather machine would go well with a straight razor. Anyone use one?
I use the ol school cream that comes in a tub with a badger brush. I don't use a bowl to mix it, I usually wet the brush with hot water swirl it in the tub and create the lather directly on my face just to save a few minutes. A hot lather machine does sound nice Ive yet to try one myself . Ive been to a few of those forums and have found allot of great information and tips. Its best to be well informed when putting a surgical tool to your face.
Quote from: eichh on January 08, 2009, 02:48:20 PM
Its best to be well informed when putting a surgical tool to your face.
THAT is worth remembering! [thumbsup]
A straight razor feels so good against the skin. I wish i could use one. I have a fetish with sharp objects and i could never use one unless someone did it for me. id try to slit my own throat. lol
When it comes to shaving, I'm old school all the way. My safety razor was made in 1951. Still works perfectly. I only use a silver tip badger hair shaving brush and a mug with shave soap. Found my razor on eBay by the way. Oh yeah, you can get Israeli made titanium coated double edge blades on eBay for next to nothing. Bought a pack of 500 a few years back and still have PLENTY left. My $0.02.
i just jumped off the mach 3 bandwagon, after expressing interest and being gifted a pair of vintage gillette safety razors.
25 years old, and had to finally learn how to actually make a lather, use a brush, etc...
have to say though, i'm favorably impressed.
i'd also like to give straight razors a go someday.
Quote from: zarn02 on January 09, 2009, 03:09:00 AM
i just jumped off the mach 3 bandwagon, after expressing interest and being gifted a pair of vintage gillette safety razors.
+1
New razors suck. My razor (when I am not growing a beard) - Schick injector
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2321/2250367824_6eb3177321.jpg?v=0)
Quote from: Bick on January 08, 2009, 10:25:24 AM
Or leave it to a professional! ;D
More sage advice from our fatherly figure, Bick.
Every once in a while I spring for one at my old barber shop (I shave my head now so no need for barber shops otherwise). And the old guy there has the hands of a surgeon when shaving. Me...not so much.
I wonder how many drunks have slit their throats shaving while intoxicated??
I don't like the idea starting out on a Dirty Harry note....(Do you feel lucky, punk?)
I don't trust myself with a straight razor. I cut myself too often with a "safety" razor.
My .02 - having used four blade and triple blades, I see absolutely no reason you would want to use more than two. The more blades, the more resistance you get. Four blades on a few days stubble is like dragging sandpaper over your face, constantly pulling on the skin and protesting every inch of the way. On top of that you still need to do several swipes to get it smooth and the results are identical to a standard razor. I can't believe people have been sucked in by these gimmicky things. I stick to disposable Gilettes and I am perfectly happy with them.
I am actually in the process of coverting to a DE razor. The wife got me a badger brush and some cream for xmas, and I bought a razor and blades from ye olde internet. It's taking a little getting used to, but I really do enjoy the process. I'm not into the straight razor though. Had a pro shave once at an old school barber and it left my face burning for days. Luckily, the shave was good enough that I didn't have to shave again for 2 days.
I have the triple curse of thick hair, neck hair and thin skin. I used a straight razor for a few years, but in the end it wasn't worth it. For me at least, YMMV.
Having said that, I still stick by the badger brush and shaving mug. Way better than modern foams and gels.
I've been using a DE Safety razor for a few years now. I love it. I've got 2. One is a classic adjustable "fat-boy" and the other is a newer Merkur (I think, it's been a while). I've got a couple hundred blades left from a large order and some from a sampler order I picked up through either shavemyface or badgerandblade.
I've got a few brushes. All badger. Some nicer than others. I've got a couple cups and bowls. But, haven't found one I really like yet.
Looked into a straight razor. But, I didn't feel like dealing with it. It does take a bit longer to shave every morning. I still do it in the shower as it's the hottest water and most comfortable/least messy solution. When I shave underway, it's still just a Mach 3. I tried the DE. But, it was too much stuff to lug to and from the shower/sink. And, not very practical for the use.
+1 Mach 3 in the shower.
I have tried a number of shaving systems/Razors/foams/gels and I always broke out in a rash, even went and had a well respected barber give me a shave with a straight razor, still no good.
But after much experimentation I found a high quality shaving oil and a Mach 3 razor give me the smoothest result with no rash.
I think most of it is down to the Shaving oil, this stuff has made shaving so much better and no annoying rash!
I am curious is anyone else using a shaving oil?
How did honing the razor go?
I used to shave with a straight razor whenever I was home. I bought a regular straight razor, and a disposable blade straight razor to learn on. I never made the switch because I wasn't sure I could hone it properly. Kinda odd, I'll trust myself to put a straight razor edge against my face, but not to sharpen one.
If you think it's relatively easy, I might just have to order some norton stones, hone my blade and get to shaving this months old beard.
I went to an old school barber for a shave once, I think it was in Boston. It was the worst shave I've ever had. Some spots were raw and bloody while others spots still had stubble, at least he didn't slice me. I hope you guys have better experiences than I did.
I've tried quite a few different shave soaps and creams, my favorite so far is http://www.nancyboy.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=1_14 (http://www.nancyboy.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=1_14). A hot lather machine would rule.
R2 its not difficult at all here are some videos showing how to do it, if you go to this first link click on the lower video box for a demonstration the others just talk about razors.
http://www.straightrazorplace.com/srpwiki/index.php/The_World_of_Straight_Razor_Shaving_%28DVD%29 (http://www.straightrazorplace.com/srpwiki/index.php/The_World_of_Straight_Razor_Shaving_%28DVD%29)
If your razor is in decent shape (no nicks) but needs fine tuning you would just need 8,000 or a 12,000 grit stone and a strop with a linen side and a leather side. Or here is a link to Lynn Abrams website hes a pro and offers a honing service thats very reasonable.
http://www.classicshaving.com/catalog/item/578215/526771.htm (http://www.classicshaving.com/catalog/item/578215/526771.htm)
Heres a link on how to strop.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=liKYctpdjC4&feature=related (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=liKYctpdjC4&feature=related)
I've always thought of getting a straight razor just never done it. May go to a safety razor first though.
I shave my head with the Mach3 and am pleased with the results. Tried one of those funky razors that wraps around your fingers and only ended up having to walk around with my head covered in pieces of toilet paper hidden by a beanie.
Has anyone been shaving their head with a safety razor? How do you like it?
Quote from: Mojo S2R on January 16, 2009, 09:46:12 AM
I've always thought of getting a straight razor just never done it. May go to a safety razor first though.
I shave my head with the Mach3 and am pleased with the results. Tried one of those funky razors that wraps around your fingers and only ended up having to walk around with my head covered in pieces of toilet paper hidden by a beanie.
Has anyone been shaving their head with a safety razor? How do you like it?
I have a friend who does it and describes it as "combing off (his) hair".
Eichh, thanks for the links. I've got a new one, and I some old ones from my grandpa. I totally for got about sending them to Lynn Abrams for honing. Maybe I'll send one in to get a feel of how a properly sharpened razor should be, then try some myself.