What To Look For
Blade quality is the most important factor to look for in a straight razor. Inferior brands of straight razor utilize soft carbon steels, which dull quicker and are harder to sharpen. Look for razors made with quality high-carbon steel with blades at least 5/8 of an inch in length. The razor should be well-balanced and free of nicks and cracks in the blade. According to Men's Flair, barbers recommend purchasing a concave-ground straight razor over a wedge type razor due to the superior control concave blades provide.
Common Pitfalls
Shaving with a straight razor requires a completely different technique than modern disposable razors. You will need to allow time to learn how to shave properly with your straight razor before you can expect superior shaves. Research the proper use of a straight razor before your first shave and consider completing your first shave on a weekend. Nicks and cuts are common for the first few shaves, but with improvement in technique, you can expect to achieve your closest shaves ever with minimal irritation.
Where To Buy
Men's Flair recommends you purchase your first straight razor in person. Buying in person will allow you to see firsthand the differences in quality between straight razor brands, what to look for in a quality razor and help you decide on the perfect size and blade type for your needs. If there are no straight razor sellers in your locale, buying online is your next option. Websites like ClassicShaving.com provide a large selection of straight razors and have the expertise to help you with questions and concerns through email or phone conversations.
Cost
Dovo, Thiers-Issard and Boker are highly regarded straight razor brands and produce some of the best straight razors currently available. Entry-level blades from these makers start in the low $100 range. You can expect to receive a quality blade mated to an attractive plastic handle in this price range. As the price increases, you can expect the same quality blade matched with exotic handle materials and blade decorations. These higher-end blades range in price from $200 to $500, but can easily top $1000 depending on the materials and craftsmanship involved.
Accessories
Straight razors require some specialized accessories if you are looking for the ultimate shave. You will need to purchase a strop to sharpen your straight razor before each shave, providing you the best possible shave every morning. Purchasing a quality shaving brush and shaving soap will complement your straight razor well; the lather produced by this combination is superior to canned shaving creams and gels.
