Thread: FAQ's

For those women who are interested in using straights (or Safety Razors) here are a few helpful FAQ's:

Q: Do I have to use a brush/soap or can the canned shave cream I normally use work?

A: While you can use the canned products that are currently out on the market, investing in a good cream/soap will go a long way towards getting a more comfortable shave. Shave creams and soaps are specially formulated for shaving and will not dry out your skin as the canned products can do. For those who aren't quite ready to use a straight or DE (double edge) razor, you can use the shaving creams/soaps with whatever razor you currently use.You might be surprised to find that your shaves are more comfortable just switching to the new products.


Q: How do you shave your legs with a straight razor? With what angle? Against the grain, or with it? If you haven't shaved your legs in a while. Can you still shave using a straight razor, or do you have to cut it down with a regular razor first?

A: Using a straight razor requires a couple of different skills.

-The first and most important is skin prep. Skin prep is getting the hair clean and softened up ready for the shave. Easiest way for prep is to just shower/bath as usual and your prep is pretty much done for you.

-The second thing is the lathering. Some people like to use bowls or scuttles to build their lather in. I do this if I am shaving out of the shower or bath. I usually lather right on my legs by loading the brush with the cream or soap and then just working it until if forms a nice dense lather.
There are some great tutorials on Utube for lathering as [/I]


Some of the ladies here shave against the grain only, but you can go with the grain and then against the grain if you want to reduce the hair down to a more manageable length before you go for a smooth finish. Using the with the grain then against the grain method is good if you haven't shaved for a while. Some of us are kinda lax about shaving during the winter months.

As for the angle, A shallow angle probably around 15 degrees, if you are going against the grain. A 20-30 degree angle, (about 1 spine width above the skin) for with the grain passes. This may depend on your hair thickness, condition also. If it is feeling like it's pulling or ripping hair, try reducing your angle. Most important is that shaving shouldn't hurt! experiment with your angles to find what works best for you.

Q: How do you manage to shave the backs of your legs? Shaving with a straight razor generally requires a specific angle, and it's tricky enough with a regular razor.

A: This pretty much comes from practice, It seems awkward at first because you can't really see what you are doing well. Using a DE or disposable razor to do the back of your legs for a while until you have it figured out is fine. Another way is to seat yourself where you can get a mirror angled so you can see better.

Q: How do you shave your underarms with a straight?

A: From Personal experience (CarrieM) I haven't found a good way to do this personally. If there are ladies who have had sucess doing this on their own hopefully they will let me know and I will update.I personally use a DE for my underarms

Q:How long does the lather from a cup/bowl of soap last normally? Will it last if you lather your legs up all at once, or should you lather as you go?

A: The lather in the cup may start to dry out or deflate, if it does just dampen your brush up a bit, or add a couple of drops of water to the bowl and whip it up again. No big deal there.Lather in sections when you first start learning to shave so the soap doesn't dry out on you. If you are lathering in sections just rinse the next area with warm water or use a warm damp towel to keep the area you will be working on next moist. Another option is to directly build the lather on your legs.

Q: Do you have to wash(rinse) your razor in between passes?

You should wash/rinse my blade off as the lather builds up on the blade. IN the shower/bath just run/swish the blade under the shower head or in the bath. (BE AWARE OF WHERE THE BLADE EDGE IS AT ALL TIME DOING THIS) If I am shaving outside the shower/bath I have a damp washcloth I wipe the blade on. You have to be really careful not to catch the edge when doing this though so you don't damage the cutting edge.

Q: : If your leg hair(or armpit hair as well) grows in a bunch of directions, do you have to shave in all those directions like you do with a regular razor, or can you shave in just one direction and have it be fine?

A: From CarrieM- "I have not found that I have a problem with going in pretty much one direction to get all of the hair, You can alter your direction to whatever one works the best for the most part."

Q: What straight razors do you suggest for legs and armpits? Where can they normally be found?

A: Suggestions for ladies would be a 4/8 or 5/8 round point one. Round points are a bit easier to manuver around the knees and ankle areas. You can get new Dovo's from several places. Check out the Vendor section for a list of Vendors that participate in the forum. or do an interenet search. Please read up on the razors not to buy section of our Wiki (insert link) Or you can purchase a vintage one from our Classified section. If you purchase one from a Vendor or on the classifieds make sure it is identified as shave ready.

Thanks, Karen!

No problem Bill Feel free to chime in with suggestions for additions/deletions/clarifications I don't normally do this type of stuff

Hi--

I'm a newbie to this site, so please pardon the dumb question--

I can't seem to find the "Razors not to buy" section of the wiki you mentioned. Any chance some kind soul could post a direct link? Thanks!

--Emily

Originally Posted by ConnecticutYankeeInCA

Hi--

I'm a newbie to this site, so please pardon the dumb question--

I can't seem to find the "Razors not to buy" section of the wiki you mentioned. Any chance some kind soul could post a direct link? Thanks!

--Emily

Hello Emily!!

Look Here;

Beginner's guide to straight razor shaving - Straight Razor Place Wiki

And there you will find this/It's under 'Choosing a Razor:
Brands of Straight Razors to avoid - Straight Razor Place Wiki

As I've often been told during my 60 years of life (There is no such thing as a 'Dumb' question) Only the question that isn't asked is 'dumb'!

Welcome from an old redneck county boy born and raised in SE Washington State USA!

Thanks Cudarunner! I really appreciate it both your answer and your friendly advice. I've never been to Washington (unless you count the airport) but I imagine it's beautiful--hopefully I'll get up there sometime.