The art of shaving with a straight edge razor began in the 1700s with a wooden-handled, straight-blade steel razor designed by Jean-Jacques Perrot. Later improvements, including the introduction of a curved blade and the inclusion of silver in the blade composition, helped to create the modern straight edge razor. Though there are faster and safer shaving options, you can get very close shave with a straight edge razor. Using a straight edge razor for grooming and shaving requires practice, attention to detail and adherence to safety procedures.
Preparation
Step 1
Fill a sink with water as hot as you can stand it. The hotter the water, the greater softening effect it will have and the easier it will be to shave facial hair. As you fill the sink with hot water, also fill your shaving mug and put your shave brush in the mug or bowl to give it time to soften.
Step 2
Wash your face with soap and water to remove skin oils and facilitate water penetration, then rinse well with hot water.
Step 3
Soak a washcloth in the hot water, wring it out and place it over your face for 2 to 4 minutes.
Lather
Step 1
Dump the water from your shave mug and shake the brush to remove excess water.
Step 2
Place a dab of shave cream the size of an almond on the tip of your shave brush and create a bubbly lather by stirring the brush in a circular motion inside the mug. Add a drop or two of water, if necessary, to ensure you have enough lather to cover the area you want to shave.
Step 3
Brush and work the lather into your face by running the shave brush in a circular motion to cover the area you want to shave or groom. Make sure you have a thick layer of cream covering the area and you have no exposed skin.
Shave
Step 1
Open the razor so the handle is pointing up and the blade is pointing down. Hold the razor in your left or right hand, depending on which is your dominant hand. Your thumb goes under the shank; your index, middle and ring fingers go over the shank; and your pinky finger hooks around the handle.
Step 2
Lift and stretch the skin using your free hand to provide a smooth surface for your razor. Place the razor against your face in a 30- to 90-degree angle. Remove shaving cream and rinse the straight edge blade after each shaving swipe.
Step 3
Shave using a scraping motion and following the hair growth pattern, in the following order: side burns, cheekbones, the sides and middle of your neck, upper and lower lip and then your chin. Lather and repeat if you want a closer shave.
Finish
Step 1
Rinse your face with cold water and pat dry.
Step 2
Apply an astringent or low-alcohol aftershave and face lotion to protect your face and prevent irritation.
Step 3
Rinse your straight edge razor and brush, then allow to fully dry before and putting away.
Things You'll Need
- Shaving mug
- Shave brush
- Washcloth
- Shaving cream for brush application
- Straight edge razor
- Astringent/aftershave
- Face lotion
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