First Straight Razor Shave
First Straight Razor Shave
Article by Lane Taylor
Learning how to shave with a straight razor is a huge accomplishment. I’m not going to lie to you and say it isn’t difficult. However it’s not terribly difficult either. While some individuals consider it to be an “art,” this is exactly the same shaving technique employed by our great grandfathers and possibly our grandfathers. If they could do it right, you can too.
Mind you, you mustn’t decide to jump in head first. Just like all good and rewarding things in life, learning traditional wet shaving needs time and patience to learn it right and avoid blunders. Naturally, you just didn’t run before you walked, and before you walked, you needed to learn to stand. It is the same thing with a cut throat razor. You cannot just jump right in similar to a modern cartridge based razor, nor is it as simple as a DE razor. Of course that’s the reason why cut throat razor shaving has become extinct as a regular method of shaving.
Below are great tips to help you get started.
You Have to Practice to Get Great
I know you have been told this time and again throughout all of your life, but it’s correct. With out practice, we are simply stumbling around doing things haphazardly. Though a straight razor is much more sophisticated than a knife, in the greater scheme of things, shaving your face with a straight razor is but one small step from shaving using a knife. Do not believe me, check out this video clip.
http://youtu.be/yWd17wm7beI
So, unless you want to regret ever trying to use a vintage straight razor, You should observe my recommendations.
Familiarize yourself with Your Razor
Feel how it balances in your hand. Attempt a variety of grips with it. Slice the air, wave it about (securely), or perhaps shave your arms or legs. Whatever you decide to do, just become accustomed to how it reacts. 90% of straight razor shaving is manipulating the angle. If you can’t control the razor, you simply won’t get a better shave.
The best way I’ve found to learn the correct angle & holding technique was to shave the back of my hand. Executing that once every day for several days taught me the way the razor worked, what angle was necessary to achieve a cutting action, and even more importantly it familiarized me with the razor. One other good method is to practice the razor strokes in the air. Yet, another technique suggested to barber school students is to shave a balloon or tomato. If you work with a balloon, you might want to contemplate lathering with only water as it might explode.
Now, it’s a good idea to shave with both your hands. However it is not essential. But if you can get better at the non-dominant hand, you will find it to be vastly superior, letting you shave tough spots easier.
Each razor possesses its own balance point. It is affected by things such as blade girth, scale material, handle shape, blade shape, hollowness, etcetera. Keep on attempting different holds on the razor to determine the the one which works best for you. Don’t forget, it’s your razor, not mine. You can shave with it however you want. Or, you can use a cleaver similar to the chap above. I will note at this stage that you will want a separate grasp for shaving against the grain. So learn at least two grips for the razor.
About the Author
Shaving with a straight razor is truly one of life’s small pleasures. Yet, it isn’t for the faint of heart or the uncommitted. It will take commitment and practice to master properly. But once acquired, you will start to enjoy shaving your face as opposed to dreading it. For more information on shaving using a straight razor or if your interested in where to find a professional razor sharpening service visit ASharperRazor.com.
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