Shaving with a straight razor, my 2 cents.

[eichh]

I got it a little over a month ago as a kit from 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.

[metallimonster]

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.   

[CowboyBeebop]

All that sounds really involved.  Who's got the time (says the man slacking off at work and posting on the DMF)?

[Bick]

Or leave it to a professional! 

[tcspeedfreak]

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

[Capo]

I really enjoy the barbershop straight balde shave experience.

[moto-zen]

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 and www.badgerandblade.com check 'em out.

[Popeye the Sailor]

I think a hot lather machine would go well with a straight razor. Anyone use one?

[eichh]

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.

[moto-zen]

Its best to be well informed when putting a surgical tool to your face.

THAT is worth remembering!

[He Man]

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

[nateqwik]

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.

[zarn02]

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.

[mitt]

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

[ZLTFUL]

Or leave it to a professional! 

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.