Care & Use of a Straight Razor

Overview

Using a straight razor takes a lot of practice. Be sure to take your time in learning the proper use of a straight razor. Although you can purchase the cheapest blade you can find, most enthusiasts are partial to the high-carbon steel blades. Straight razors are collectors' items as much as they are used for shaving. Taking proper care of the razor is important regardless of the type or quality of the blade.

Step 1

Apply lather to your face. Using a cream is self-explanatory, but using a lathering bar takes a little work. Place the lathering bar into a shaving mug. Dip the brush into warm water. Swirl the brush over the shaving bar till you reach a thick creamy lather. Spread the lather evenly over your face. It is a good idea to let the lather sit for several moments to let the lather soften the beard hairs. While you are waiting go to Step 2.

Step 2

Strop the razor, which helps to keep the blade sharp. Place the razor on the leather strop and, applying even pressure, pull the razor toward you, blade facing away from you. Turn the razor over and run the razor along the strop away from you, blade facing toward you. The technique is "strop-flip-strop-flip." Do this for a couple of minutes while your lather is softening up your facial hairs.

Step 3

Lather your face with lather or shaving cream. Much of the lather applied earlier is gone now and needs to be reapplied.

Step 4

Shave. This is not as simple as it sounds. The first couple of times you decide to use a straight razor, it is a good idea to only shave your sideburns. Get used to the razor and how it cuts. Don't immediately start cutting around the neck area. So, at first, shave the sideburns with the straight razor, and use your normal razor for the rest of the shave.

Hold the razor at a 30-degree angle to the surface of the skin when shaving. Shave in the direction of the hair's growth. Apply a third coat of lather and shave in the direction against the hair's growth.

Step 5

Use the styptic pencil or powder for the small nicks you will accumulate and the small bandages for the larger nicks. Apply the antiseptic toner to remove excess soap and lather from your face, and then apply the skin cream to help prevent the skin from becoming too dry.

Step 6

Apply mineral oil to the razor for storing. This will help prevent rust and aid in keeping the blade clean.