Man has been shaving his facial hair for centuries; since not long after our days as caveman roaming the plains hunting Wooly Mammoths and Sabre-Toothed Tigers!
Most men under 50 have never used anything but a disposable multi-blade and/or electric shaver on their faces – and it’s a crying shame. The long lost art of shaving one’s face used to be a masterful skill that was passed down from father to son.
In days gone by, dear old dad would set aside several mornings of their time to teach their son or sons how to strop a straight razor to get an ultra-sharp edge on it, to get a thick soapy lather prepared using a barber brush to lubricate and protect their face, and finally: how to manipulate the razor on their face to painstakingly scrape the stubble from every contour for an unbeatable shave.
By comparison, there isn’t really any instruction needed to use modern disposables, nor does a young man need his dad to tell him how to run an electric over their face.
Straight Razor Revival
Straight razors and traditional double edge safety razors are making a comeback. Concerns about the plastic that’s wasted with disposables, the unwarranted expense involved, and the desire to get the best shave possible are all driving this movement.
Take a moment to learn more about the benefits of adopting this centuries-old tradition into your morning shaving routine, what to look for before laying down your money, and some really quality and affordable products you should definitely look into.
Just think of the money you’ll save, how much smoother and healthier your face will look. The benefits far outweigh the time needed to master this skill!
Top 5 Straight Razors
#1 |
Parker SR1 Stainless Steel Straight Edge Razor | More Info |
#2 |
Parker SRW Stainless Steel Straight Edge Barber Razor | More Info |
#3 |
Dovo Blue Shavette Satin Finish Straight Razor | More Info |
#4 |
Feather SS Japanese Straight Razor | More Info |
#5 |
WSP Traditional Straight Razor | More Info |
Benefits of Using a Straight Razor
1. Better Shave
A single blade razor gives you the ability to shave much closer to the skin, without having to make 4 or 5 passes over the same area to catch all the stubble. This results in a closer shave. Once you learn how to hold the razor at a proper angle, you’ll find you can actually control just how smooth and perfect the end result is quite easily.
2. Healthier Skin
A multi-blade razor or electric shaver causes way more irritation to your skin, due to excessive exfoliation. A straight razor will only scrape the uppermost layer of skin off, once you gain experience and learn how to shave the different contours on your face properly
3. Makes Shaving Fun
The meticulous process of prepping your face with pre-shave oil (optional), getting your lather together, stropping the blade (if applicable), and then the focus required to carefully shave your face are not only relaxing; but also make for a rewarding experience, giving you a feeling of a job well done!
4. One-Time Purchase
This applies to fixed blade straight razors that require stropping with each use. You buy the razor once, and with proper care they’ll last for the rest of your life in most cases. Even if you’re buying a straight edge that requires blade replacement every shave or few, you’ll still pay pennies on the dollar for replacement blades compared to disposables.
5. Less Waste
It’s frightening to imagine just how much plastic, stainless steel, and aluminum goes to garbage dumps all over the world each and every day. These waste products cannot be recycled. A straight razor is a reusable resource. Even when considering a product that requires blade replacement, the impact on the environment is practically nil compared to disposable products.
What to Look for When Buying a Straight Razor
1. Craftsmanship
Look for the big names with a reputation behind them. Companies like Dovo have been around for over a century and quality is never compromised. You get what you pay for.
2. Stainless
Stainless is the only way to go. The $5 and $10 cheapos from Ebay are made with cheap steel and non-coated copper and brass, making for a short life and a breeding ground for bacteria.
3. Is Blade Replacement Required?
If you’re just getting started, and not sure you’ll enjoy shaving with a straight edge, it might be prudent to consider going with a shaver that takes replacement single or double edge blades. Another consideration is that stropping isn’t for everyone. Many enjoy shaving with a straight razor, but don’t like the extra time and care required to strop the blade before each shave.
4. Folding/Non-Folding
This is a matter of convenience and personal preference. A folding design can make it easier to adjust the feel and angle of the blade while shaving different areas of your face, and will protect the blade when not in use.
Straight Razor Reviews
#1.Parker SR1 Stainless Steel Straight Edge Razor
Where to buy: Amazon
You won’t find a more affordable way to start shaving with a cut throat razor. The Parker SR1 costs just a little over $20, and is made with 100% stainless steel. It takes ½ inch replacement blades (single or a half double blade). This blade has a great weight and the blade locks in place when folded.
#2.Parker SRW Stainless Steel Straight Edge Barber Razor
Where to buy: Amazon
The SRW is a better-balanced, heavier-weighted blade than the SR1 shown above, which is why the price is slightly elevated. Like the SR1, the SRW takes ½ inch single or double replacement blades. It’s made entirely of stainless steel, and as a bonus, you’ll get 100 replacement Super Shark blades with your purchase.
#3.Dovo Blue Shavette Satin Finish Straight Razor
Where to buy: Amazon
Dovo is considered the brand to beat when it comes to traditional shaving products. Made in Solingen, Germany, birthplace of the world’s finest quality blades, the Shavette is an entry-priced product that takes replacement blades. While this is a plastic shaver, with aluminum blade carriers, the great thing about the Shavette is that it comes with three carrier length options, designed to accommodate any double, or single-edged barbershop replacement blade. Keep in mind that this product is plastic, and thus very lightweight compared to a stainless.
#4.Feather SS Japanese Straight Razor
Where to buy: Amazon
The SS is a non-folding razor made in Japan. It has a really refined look, and as you can imagine by the price, it’s 100% stainless steel. When you get up into this price-range for a straight razor that takes replacement blades, you’ll find the ease-of-use, cleaning, and blade replacement all get much easier. This sleek razor has a rounded top edge to minimize cuts, and a spring-loaded blade holder – simply pinch the carrier and the blade falls right out. This unit is made for professional use, so it can be autoclaved or boiled in water to disinfect, without damaging the finely-crafted black handle.
#5.WSP Traditional Straight Razor
Where to buy: Amazon
This stainless blade from Practise is for those of you who’re prepared to strop your own blade, yet don’t want to step up to the plate with a $200+ German-made Dovo just yet. This Practise blade will last just as long as more expensive blades and comes with a forgiving 3” x 6/8” blade head. It’s a folder, with a plastic handle. You won’t get getting an ivory or oak handle in this price-range, but the value’s definitely there. Don’t forget to buy a strop (viewed here).
Closing Thoughts
Whichever straight razor you choose, make sure you’re prepared to learn how to use it properly. Watch the video shown above, and perhaps do a search and watch a few more until you feel comfortable with the process. If you’re buying a strop-style blade, definitely watch some stropping tutorials too.
Disclaimer:
There is a learning curve with straight razors. They don’t call them “cut throat razors” for nothing. You will get cut initially, but injury can be minimized or avoided by being patient and watching the video at the end of this page.
Best of luck!
