Thread: How do I use a straight razor?

My personal experience is that the DE blades are much thinner than the straight razor blades. So, the DE blade closer cut the hairs in the epidermis than the blade of straights. From this you might be feeling, that it was closer shave, but the skin is more irritated than after straight shaving.

Thanks for the great advice. I'm a little apprehensive but I think I'll give it a try! I'll let you know how my journey goes... I'm glad I joined this forum.

Another question, Which is the best brand to use?

Originally Posted by mbeckner

Thanks for the great advice. I'm a little apprehensive but I think I'll give it a try! I'll let you know how my journey goes... I'm glad I joined this forum.

Another question, Which is the best brand to use?

Look at the razors to avoid section of the wiki, dont buy those ones, for new razors there are only a few decent manufacturers, dovo, ralph aust, theirs issard, revisor are the main ones that spring to mind that get consistently good reviews. I only own vintage razors so cant pass comment directly.
My advice would be to not spend too much on the first razor you buy for various reasons: you may not stick with it, you may not like the razor and want to try a different size or grind.
Whatever you get be it new or vintage buy from someone reputable who will supply it shave ready.
All the best ed

Chicks dig guys who shave with cut throats...... no seriously...they do . As far as new Razors go. Dovo are most common going from low to high in price. You can get a good razor for about $ 100.00 . Semogue and Omega make good quality boar brushes that are quite nice for beginners and won't break the bank. Straight Razor Designs has an excellent Strop selection and more. Your gonna love all of this...and probably so much more down the road ! Welcome to the world of "Wet shaving" !

Right now I'm alternating form my DE to straight razor. When I don't have time to take my time with the straight razor. I use my DE. The straight razor is tough. I'm still putting too much weight on it. I'll get it eventually.... a couple of cuts later.

It does take quite a while to get the "feel" for SR shaving, and "feel" is what I think applies. You can know and see what to do from any number of videos but you need repetition to develop the necessary coordination to guide the blade around your face. Start slow, you don't need to do your whole face with the straight, do the easy parts first and follow up with the DE until things start to come together.
For me it took two months before my son commented that he thought I was getting better at it. Not good mind you, just better. And I still have my DE handy.