Interested in a straight razor

[Sgtusmc]

I was looking around the net at different razors ranging in price from $400-$30, Japanese style to regular folding and still haven't figured out what would be just fine in regards to good steel and good pricing.

Anyone here a straight razor convert?

 

[Ramiel]

I recently received a straight razor from my Grandpa when he passed away and ended up at Straight Razor Place Forum trying to find out some history about it. I think they'll have any advice you may need and get you pointed in the right direction.

 

[Rob377]

I switched to a traditional straight razor about 2 years ago. It's the only way to go, as far as I'm concerned. Schick/Gilette can keep their gimmicky overpriced disposables.

I've been using a Dovo half hollow stainless. It works really well. It'll take a week's worth of growth off in one effortless swipe.

 

[Ramiel]

This is the razor I got from my grandpa. I just had it professionally sharpened and honed and returned to me with a really nice sleeve case. Other than the edge I had it left untouched because I really liked the patina it developed over the years.
It's a Theo A. Kochs "Lucifer" straight razor. It dates back to as early as 1888. It could very well be my great grandpas. If I decide to shave again this will be the one to do it

 

[fst aslp]

i use a safety razon and have been for the past few months. the quality and lack of irritation is unbelievable! I highly recommend. Although expensive, check out art of shaving.

 

[Bennettjh]

I've been using an electric lately. It's not really close enough for me. I had much better results with manual but I don't know if I could use straight razor, isn't it real easy to cut yourself?

 

[perry]

I'm too clumsy for a straight razor; I just use a double edge safety razor and badger brush and have been for almost 7 years now.. I'd recommend you check out General Straight Razor Talk for straight razors, and the rest of the site for shaving talk in general. Very friendly group of gentlemen.

If you're careful and take your time, you'll be ok with a straight. If you're clumsy and impatient, then the DE safety razors may be a better choice. Actually, I'd probably be ok with a straight razor, it's just that I'm not too interested in the sharpening and honing and stropping (a hobby in itself, for some) -- much easier to just plop in a new blade.

http://www.vintagebladesllc.com/ is a good site to check out.

 

[moosehead]

I've been kicking it around for a few years, but I haven't been able to bring myself to buy one yet.

 

[tatters]

I use a straight in conjunction with one of two Gillette adjustable safety razors. One from 1959 and one from 1962. Prep, good cream, good brush, a good razor and a great blade. Very difficult to beat it.
I wasn't sure I would stick with the straight, so I bought an inexpensive one that you use disposable double edge blades and break them in half. Works great, and I'll probably lay out some real cash on a real straight one of these days.

straightrazor place That's the ticket.

 

[bwframe]

 

[Sgtusmc]

This is the razor I got from my grandpa. I just had it professionally sharpened and honed and returned to me with a really nice sleeve case. Other than the edge I had it left untouched because I really liked the patina it developed over the years.
It's a Theo A. Kochs "Lucifer" straight razor. It dates back to as early as 1888. It could very well be my great grandpas. If I decide to shave again this will be the one to do it

That is an awesome looking beauty!

Since I got my Spyderco sharpening system, tackling the honing duties of a straight razor sounds like a pleasant thing. I'm out of knives around here to sharpen. lol! Paying for disposables just keeps adding up over time when I could be using a self honed straight razor. I need to purchase a strop anyway for my other knives.

 

[Sgtusmc]

you're still buying blades with those

 

[MCgrease08]

Shaving is for chumps. man up and grow a beard.

 

[Rob377]

That is an awesome looking beauty!

Since I got my Spyderco sharpening system, tackling the honing duties of a straight razor sounds like a pleasant thing. I'm out of knives around here to sharpen. lol! Paying for disposables just keeps adding up over time when I could be using a self honed straight razor. I need to purchase a strop anyway for my other knives.

The Spydie system is great for knives. Not so much for a straight razor. I have a norton 4000/8000 stone, and a 120000 stone for the razor.

 

[churchmouse]

My grand dad had 2 straight razors, stone and leather strop. He also had the soap cup and brush. I enjoyed watching him shave (10 yrs. old) as the process was really something.

 

[Gabriel]

I've been kicking it around for a few years, but I haven't been able to bring myself to buy one yet.

Same here. It's mostly because I'm certain I would sever my head off.