Straight Razors

Straight Razors

How To Use A Straight Razor

To be most effective, a straight razor must be kept extremely sharp. The edge is delicate, and inexpert use may bend or fold over the razor's edge.

To unfold and straighten the microscopic sharp edge, one must strop theblade on a leather Razor Strop before every use. The blade must also be sharpened periodically by honing with a razor hone.

Strops prepared with pastes containing fine grit are also used for honing but are not recommended for the inexperienced user as they can easily rake off the edge. Some strops have a linen or canvas back embedded with a fine abrasive used to maintain a sharp edge before final polishing with the leather side.

A face's worth of Thick Hair may require multiple stroppings for one shave, but ablade is usually honed only two or three times a year.

Occasional regrinding by a professional may be required to restore a badly worn or damaged edge.

Experienced straight razor aficionados often advocate stropping after each shave and allowing the blade to recover its edge for several days before reuse. Historically this necessitated a collection of several razors sometimes sold in a sets for a week's use.

Shaving Soap in a cup is traditionally lathered and applied using a rotating in-and-out motion of a Shaving Brush, usually made of boar or badger bristles, though modern barbers are usually required by law to use other methods.

The shave is completed using as few strokes as possible, honing sparingly if at all. A second shave with another razor in an alternate direction against the beard yields an extremely close shave, at the risk of producing ingrown hairs.

Rinsing with cold water constricts minor abrasions or cuts, followed by patting dry (not rubbing) and an astringent or aftershave lotion.

More serious nicks can be attended with direct pressure for perhaps a minute with a styptic pencil. A light steady touch is most effective at providing a close shave, preserving the edge and avoiding cuts.

In the heyday of straight Razor Shaving, wealthy users maintained a weekly "rotation" of seven razors to reduce wear on any one piece. Straight razors were often sold in special boxes of seven labeled for the days of the week. However, many users owned only one razor.

About the Author

At the Straight Razor Collector you will find the latest contemporary, antique and vintage straight razors for you to collect, restore and enjoy.

Straight Razor Stropping