Newer isn’t always better. The invention of the disposable blade razor made shaving much more convenient, but disposable plastic razors took the art of shaving a giant step backward. A rise in the popularity of old-fashioned masculinity has brought a renewed interest in straight razor shaving. Although using straight razors takes a bit of practice, a straight razor shave is smoother and lasts longer.
Step 1
Run warm water over your shaving brush. Badger-bristle brushes are best for this, as they are softer and last much longer than other kinds. Get the brush wet, and then shake off the excess water.
Step 2
Whip the brush gently around in a pot of shaving soap, until you have worked up a thick lather. This will be much thicker than regular canned shaving cream.
Step 3
Brush the shaving soap lather onto all of the parts of your face that you intend to shave.
Step 4
Strop your razor before each use. Secure one end of the razor strop to a doorknob or sturdy towel rack. Hold the free end in your left hand if you are right-handed, and vice versa. Draw the blade back and forth over the strop, flipping it so the sharp edge is facing away from you as you pull it toward you, and facing you as you push it away. Work smoothly at it for two to three minutes.
Step 5
Apply a second layer of shaving soap, right over the first one. Straight razors are incredibly sharp, so the more lubrication between the blade and your face, the better.
Step 6
Hold the razor lightly in your dominant hand and stretch your skin a bit with the other. Position the blade at a 30-degree angle to your skin and glide it in the opposite direction of your whiskers’ growth. Don’t dig or scoop or press too hard. Just let the sharpness of the blade do the work. Do the rest of your face, rinsing the razor blade between strokes.
Step 7
Rinse off any excess lather and blood--until you get the hang of straight razor shaving, there will be blood--and apply an aftershave containing alcohol.
Step 8
Spot treat any still-bleeding accidents with a styptic pencil.
Tips and Warnings
- Save money by purchasing used your first straight razor at an antique shop or thrift stores, making sure that the blade is in perfect condition.
- Never move a straight razor blade lengthwise across your face.
Things You'll Need
- Shaving brush, preferable badger-bristle
- Warm water
- Shaving soap
- Razor strop
- Aftershave (optional)
- Styptic pencil (optional)
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