Does anyone shave with a straight razor?

[eichh]

I was going to purchase one but they run from $16 to $900. All the ones I looked at said they had a high carbon content, what could make the differance of 800 dollars aside from a fancy handle? Any suggestions or recomended brands from someone with experience would be appreciated.

[Super T.I.B]

I was going to purchase one but they run from $16 to $900. All the ones I looked at said they had a high carbon content, what could make the differance of 800 dollars aside from a fancy handle? Any suggestions or recomended brands from someone with experience would be appreciated.

Any reason why you want to shave with a cut-throat?

Seems more of a hassle to me. 

Are they supposed to shave any closer than ordinary blades?

[the_Journeyman]

Can't help with your questions, but I'll add:  I did until I could longer keep a sharp enough blade on my straight razor.  Very very good shave 

JM

[JohnnyDucati]

Hmmm, never shaved with one personally, but . . .

Long time ago, I used to get my hair cut by a gal who used a straight razor (to cut the hair).

I don't know what I liked better - the fact that I would get a great hair cut, or the fact that she was drop-dead gorgeous, and really nice (but married, too, dang it).

A couple of times I got the shave to go with it, just for fun.  Man, that were some good shaves.   

[El Matador]

I've been dying to get the whole kit. A razor, a strop and the soap brush.

I remember my grandfather used to do it and I always loved to watch him shave.  You can get some good starters for not so much.

check this place out: http://www.straightrazorplace.com/

It has all the info you might need.

[eichh]

Thanks for the link, it seems that once you break the $300 range for a kit its more for looks. My grandfather also used to use one, its a little slower than a normal razor but the shave is suppose to be far better. And what better way to learn patience than to run a straight razor accross your face.

[Mother]

I do






5 little straight razorblades all lined up in a row in this nifty little plastic holder...

[jdubbs32584]

I do






5 little straight razorblades all lined up in a row in this nifty little plastic holder...

You're still using my razor?!?!?! Get your own damnit!!!

[Speedbag]

I do

5 little straight razorblades all lined up in a row in this nifty little plastic holder...

+1

I've thought about getting a straight razor many times. But I'm so damned incoherent in the morning sometimes that I'd probably end up killing myself by accident.

[Mother]

+1

I've thought about getting a straight razor many times. But I'm so damned incoherent in the morning sometimes that I'd probably end up killing myself by accident.

I +1 your +1

holding a knife to my throat every norning doesn't seem to be a good idea

[Mother]

You're still using my razor?!?!?! Get your own damnit!!!

you need some new blades...

[jdubbs32584]

I +1 your +1

holding a knife to my throat every norning doesn't seem to be a good idea

better get used to it... 

you need some new blades...

well, i'm sure you looked good shaving with a pink razor 

[triangleforge]

I have occasionally -- first was when I was doing some blacksmithing out at a big Civil War re-enactment and it seemed like the thing to do. Well, the thing to do was NOT shave, but I digress.

It does give a really close shave, though it does result in more nicks & scratches if you're in a hurry or not really paying close attention to what you're doing.  It's also a lot more fussy -- you've got to take the time to let the lather really soften up your beard, you've GOT to keep the blade sharp, and, no surprise, you've really got to pay attention when you're shaving around appendages like ears & nose. Unless you're prone to muscle spasms, really opening up an artery isn't much of a danger, though the frisson of that little hint of risk is a good way to wake up in the morning! 

As for finding a razor & gear, you might also try barber supply shops, where things will be a LOT less expensive than the one you found -- a quick google found this: http://www.appletonbarbersupply.com/store/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=37&cat=Shaving+Supplies which has razors from $40-80 (including disposable blade ones), strops, etc. You might also try Ebay -- my razor is a very nice old Claus from probably around 1930 that was left over from my grandparents general store in the Yakima Valley. It's new (or was, before i used it!), in the box, and when I wondered about its worth I checked Ebay and discovered that they're going for really cheap -- $5-$15 in nice, usable condition. Old tool steel holds a really, really nice edge, so a few decades are a good thing in a blade.

Have fun!

[KnightofNi]

i'm interested to know how this works out for you.

i hate shaving, that's a big reason i have the beard.

I +1 your +1

holding a knife to my throat every norning doesn't seem to be a good idea

why not? too much of a temptation?  
just make sure you dont' use it the mornign after a bender.

[Mother]

well, i'm sure you looked good shaving with a pink razor 

actually it's red and orange...

why not? too much of a temptation?  

Don't judge me..