If you are looking to ditch your cartridge razor routine in favor of getting a classic barber shave in your own bathroom, then you’re not alone. The world’s best barbers always keep a straight razor in their arsenal in order to maintain the detailed lines along a gent’s neck and beard. As beards have grown in popularity over recent years, so too have straight razors. Not only does a straight razor look much better on your sink than a disposable piece of plastic, it will also provide a much smoother shave once you have refined the skill. In this article we’ll detail the benefits of using a straight razor and a step-by-step for how to master the art of the straight razor shave.
A straight razor is a long blade set in a handle that folds open and closed. Straight razors were invented in 17th-century England and were the primary tool for manual (as opposed to electric) shaving until the rise of the “safety razor” in the mid 20th century. However, recently straight razors have been making a big comeback, and for good reason. They offer many benefits and advantages, including:
Learning how to properly use a straight razor will allow you to reap all the benefits mentioned above. The learning curve is steeper than that of a safety razor, of course, but it’s like riding a bike: once you know how to do it, you never forget.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to using a straight razor:
If you still have questions about what to look for in a straight razor or how to use one, don’t hesitate to ask one of our grooming experts.