The Handlebar Club Forum

Anyone here shave with a straight razor? I just started a couple of months ago and really enjoy it. I was a little concerned at first but once I got into the ritual, I find it very relaxing, so to speak.

I've never tried the straight razor. However, I have been using a badger brush and shaving soap since 1994. I actually look forward to shaving that way.

Hi Guys
You might like to take a look at this forum


http://badgerandblade.com/vb/index.php

Martin

Here's my setup. What do you guys use?

I am as I type bidding on 2 straight razors on ebay. One is around 150years old the other is 80 - 100 years. Both are apparently in good nick (pun intended) and could be used to shave.
I will post a photo if I get to acquire them as they will look far more impressive than the plastic Gillette Sensor 3 that I currently use for my infrequent shaves. I also use an oil instead of soap, works really well for me but does clog the razor quickly.

Bill, you cant beat a REAL razor, im using a Charlesworth razor thats about 90 years old - it was my great gramps. It wipes the floor with any of those "off the shelf" toys. Sharpen it once or twice a month and its always in top condition ready to be used.

Here's my grooming gear:
Gillette Fusion razor (battery-powered version)
On The Go non-foaming shave gel
Oregon Wild Hair wax and brush
Conair beard trimmer and comb

I found the shave gel at Dollar Tree, of all places. It looks like at least 6 months worth of gel for a buck. I can't feel the razor or hear it gliding over the gel. I carry a tube of Wild Hair and the comb in a Wild Hair gift bag wherever I go. You just never know when you'll need a touch up.

Greetings
If you are looking for a straight razor this is a good place to check out
http://www.theinvisibleedge.co.uk/shavereadyrazors.html

Bill

Bill,
have you recently bought a straight edge razor that you regularly use? I have wanted to try one for many years and there are some nice examples on the website you suggested. My only conrern is the cost of a shave ready razor with the starter kit. I would obviously need to buy a strop but how neccersary are the other extras like a brush, mug, and creams? I am really keen to give it a go but I don't want to spend a vast some of money only to discover that I don't get on with it?
thanks in advance.
Regards
Matt

If I could jump in here. You can skip the mug. But I highly recommend a pure badger brush and shaving soap. I know they are pricey but they feel much better than any imitation brush. I don't use a straight razor, simply a 5 blade Gillette Fusion but the brush makes shaving a pleasure for me.

I use a double edge razor and a hard shaving soap not a cream. Whilst a decent (badger) brush is essential a shaving mug adds the luxury of a warm brush. With the soap lasting almost a year and the saving made on blades over those new-fangled multi blade razors. Even top quality de blades such as Feathers, Derby Extras or Israeli Personnas cost a fraction of the price of cartridges. Give it a go you'll soon be quids in.

Martin

Matt
I know what you mean about the cost of all the kit you need to maintain a straight razor once you have one. Once acquired though you shouldn't ever need to buy replacements if cared for.
I'm new to the straight razor myself and it is a skill that I do not possess yet. Putting an extremely sharp blade to your face is a bit , I haven't sliced off any facial parts yet though.
Get yourself a razor and strop, then get the other bits and pieces as you go along, it aint cheap but it is fun learning a new skill.

Also in these days of concerns about non-sustainable resources, straight razors are kinder to the planet (climbs down off soapbox)

I've heard that a straight razor is the tops for the serious face fuzz enthusiast. Are they really that necessary or is it part of the 'accoutrements'? doesn't it make it a bit tricky to go on holiday or should one have a compromise of travel kit?

I shaved with a straight razor for quite a while, but now it needs a hone and my stone is missing. Once I either find it or buy a new one I'll give it a new edge. Until then I'm using an antique safety razor, which is fine but harder to keep my beard in shape with, and not as nice on my neck.