You Want to Try Using a Straight Razor - So What Are You Afraid of?

by: beverly.kirylo.dovostraightrazors

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I know, you're afraid you're going to cut your head clean off, or at least give yourself a scar that makes you look like Dr. Evil. It doesn't help that straight razors are also called "cutthroat razors" or that the wider blades (7/8" or 8/8") are affectionately called "lip-loppers" by those who use them. It doesn't help that websites promoting straights talk about how they're as sharp as surgical scalpels, or show you how they can cut a hair lengthwise like they used to do in Bugs Bunny cartoons.

It really doesn't help that most men that I've talked to were never properly taught how to shave. It seems like all the women I've asked tell me their mother (or mother figure) showed them how to apply makeup, how to use feminine hygiene products, and how to shave. But not men; we seem to learn by watching our fathers or our friends, but aren't actually walked through the process. I believe that's why shaving has become a 5-minute race with canned foam and a safety razor, instead of the luxurious, brush and soap and warm lather experience that it used to be.

If you're nervous about giving straights a try - don't be. The real bottom line is that if you treat your razor like you would any knife (or gun); that is with care and a lot of respect, chances are you won't damage yourself permanently, let alone kill yourself. And if you learn how to properly use a straight razor, which includes proper shave preparation and proper straight razor care, the worst you'll ever do to yourself is a bad nick, just like you can with a safety razor if you're careless.

Proper shave prep includes the use of a good shave soap or cream, a brush to work that soap into your pores, and lots and lots of water. This will allow the straight razor to glide over your skin instead of getting caught up on something and digging in. Proper straight razor technique includes keeping your razor sharp, keeping the blade at a 30 degree angle to your skin, always pulling the razor perpendicular to the blade (i.e. no "slicing" motion with the blade), and never forcing the blade or pushing it against the skin to try to get a closer shave (always allow the weight of the blade itself do the cutting).

The nuances of this process is too much for one article, but there are a ton of resources online to help you learn about and see proper wet shaving preparation and technique; such as YouTube and Dovo straight razors.

Rick Stowe has been using straight razors and double-edged razors for about 5 years now, and he'll never go back to cartridges! You can't get a more comfortable and luxurious shave than with a well-honed straight edge.

Article Source: Authentic Articles

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Richard W Stowe

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