anyone shave with a straight razor?

[jefehbk]

Getcha one of these Boker Damascus razors.

It's a bargain at $1,299!

http://www.boker.de/us/straight-razor/140600DAM.html

that is crazy nuts...$1300 for a razor? I could never justify to myself spending that much to shave my face.

[CJ]

I can sense someone is doing the math to prove you already do.

[Wicked SVO]

I didn't think Pollocks could grow facial hair?

Sadly, I've been trying since the 9th grade

How much of a badass does shaving make you feel with one of those? Also, do you have any brands you can recommend? I was looking at Dovo, but damn that's a lot of initial cost, looks like they start around $180.

CJ, once you overcome the initial sticker shock, it's well worth it IMO. I started with the simple cheap straight razors with the cartridge inserts, just to get a feel for it, and to see if I even wanted to pursue it. I invested in an oatmeal shave soap that I usually get from Barclay Crocker, unless I happen to find it cheaper elsewhere. That and a wooden shaving bowl. I didn't mind incurring the small cost on that, as it truly is all in the prep. Once I got the hang of shaving with the cartridge straights, and I enjoyed it, I graduated to a Bocote Wood handle straight razor, and MAN, can you tell the difference in shave, it's also a little more forgiving than the cartridges. And a hanging strop for about $60.

After investing in those and comparing to what i "would" have paid for many boxes of Gillette Sensors Excels/Mach's, I came out ahead. I do get lazy at times and just opt for my cheapo cartridge straight, but it's only when I'm rushing. For the most part, I dry shave if it's not too terribly long.

No badassery at all, lol, I just kind of got used to it and can't see myself using a plastic handled razor to shave. Now if i broke out a sandstone rock and my Spyderco to shave, then that's a different story lol


-k

[Tannerm]

I went to Sally beauty supply near my casa and found a $13 safety razor and some razors. The razors were 10 for like $5... Definately cost saving vs mach 3-4-5-infinity. So I got home with some barbosol shaving cream and aftershave (Kroger didn't have any shaving brushes or shave soap bars). I lathered up while my razor soaked in hot water.

After I was covered in shaving cream I began my virgin voyage of safety razors. I let the weight of the razor do the "cutting" as I guided with my hand. It was surprisingly easy. I nicked myself a few times. I basically did a quick all over job, rinsed, face, then reapplied the barbosol and shaved a second time. This time more accurately.

It was a great shave. Close and just as easy as my mach. Apparently u can get about 5-10 shaves outa a blade before replacing. It seams like this may be more cost effective. I would definitely give this a shot guys. Takes skill. I will definitely speed thigs up after a few trial and error sessions.

Make sure u keep ur face wet and moist. I reapplied the barbosol because it became dry.

[jefehbk]

anybody know of an old school barber near carrollton area that still gives shaves with straight razors? I remember my grandpa getting one every saturday when i was a kid at the local barber in east texas.

i might as well try to experience it once to see what the hoopla is all about.

[onemeangixxer7502]

I went to Sally beauty supply near my casa and found a $13 safety razor and some razors. The razors were 10 for like $5... Definately cost saving vs mach 3-4-5-infinity. So I got home with some barbosol shaving cream and aftershave (Kroger didn't have any shaving brushes or shave soap bars). I lathered up while my razor soaked in hot water.

After I was covered in shaving cream I began my virgin voyage of safety razors. I let the weight of the razor do the "cutting" as I guided with my hand. It was surprisingly easy. I nicked myself a few times. I basically did a quick all over job, rinsed, face, then reapplied the barbosol and shaved a second time. This time more accurately.

It was a great shave. Close and just as easy as my mach. Apparently u can get about 5-10 shaves outa a blade before replacing. It seams like this may be more cost effective. I would definitely give this a shot guys. Takes skill. I will definitely speed thigs up after a few trial and error sessions.

Make sure u keep ur face wet and moist. I reapplied the barbosol because it became dry.

use the jean trick to sharpen!

[Wicked SVO]

Make sure u keep ur face wet and moist. I reapplied the barbosol because it became dry.

I had the same issue initially, which is why I switched to the oatmeal lather soap.

anybody know of an old school barber near carrollton area that still gives shaves with straight razors? I remember my grandpa getting one every saturday when i was a kid at the local barber in east texas.

i might as well try to experience it once to see what the hoopla is all about.

Not many still do it for health code reasons IIRC, you can still find some hole in the wall ones, but openely, Barber shops kind of shy away from it as , 1. some don't have the skill, and, 2. health code/reasons.

-k

[idrivea4banger]

Lol @ the Geor comments.

Screw shaving.

[CJ]

Sadly, I've been trying since the 9th grade




CJ, once you overcome the initial sticker shock, it's well worth it IMO. I started with the simple cheap straight razors with the cartridge inserts, just to get a feel for it, and to see if I even wanted to pursue it. I invested in an oatmeal shave soap that I usually get from Barclay Crocker, unless I happen to find it cheaper elsewhere. That and a wooden shaving bowl. I didn't mind incurring the small cost on that, as it truly is all in the prep. Once I got the hang of shaving with the cartridge straights, and I enjoyed it, I graduated to a Bocote Wood handle straight razor, and MAN, can you tell the difference in shave, it's also a little more forgiving than the cartridges. And a hanging strop for about $60.

After investing in those and comparing to what i "would" have paid for many boxes of Gillette Sensors Excels/Mach's, I came out ahead. I do get lazy at times and just opt for my cheapo cartridge straight, but it's only when I'm rushing. For the most part, I dry shave if it's not too terribly long.

No badassery at all, lol, I just kind of got used to it and can't see myself using a plastic handled razor to shave. Now if i broke out a sandstone rock and my Spyderco to shave, then that's a different story lol


-k

How long do you have to work the leather to keep in sharp? Is it a daily thing, or whenever it needs it kind of thing?

[Wicked SVO]

I *used* to do it daily, when i first started with my Bocote, but as I learned what I could get away with, in terms of length/periods between shaves, I became lax with it and only did it when I knew I was going to have the time to shave and not rush it. Sometimes the night before. It stays pretty damn sharp, which is why the better straight razors fetch a premium price.

Also forgot to mention, a lather brush, a basic Black Badger brush will do, with a cheap stand to keep it dry/preserved after shaves.

-k

[KBScobravert]

I'd like to. Had a straight razor shave in China on my wedding day, and it was the closest, smoothest shave I've ever had. Didn't have to shave again for a week...

I tell ya, though, there's nothing more nerve-racking than being 11,000 miles away from home with some crazy looking Chinese broad holding a straight razor to your face and not being able to speak a god damned word of the native language to her.

The baber shop on base is ran by Afghans who will straight razor you. Takes a lot of faith to let an Afghan put a straight razor blade on your throat.

[SS Junk]

My barber used to, but it appears to be outlawed now. Nothing better than a hot towel and straight razor shave.

[UserX]

I'd like to. Had a straight razor shave in China on my wedding day, and it was the closest, smoothest shave I've ever had. Didn't have to shave again for a week...

I tell ya, though, there's nothing more nerve-racking than being 11,000 miles away from home with some crazy looking Chinese broad holding a straight razor to your face and not being able to speak a god damned word of the native language to her.

I did the same in Vietnam, but waited until after the wedding. I'm glad I did, because homeboy jacked my shit up! Never again. He said he had never seen facial hair as thick as mine, and that it grows in different directions. It took him forever and I got rash like a bitch. My Mach III works just fine.

[Probie]

Bump. Kinda wanting to try it out..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ccdQe1FNWc&feature=youtube_gdata_player

[Tannerm]

Ok update on my safety razor experience! My wife's parents for xmas got me a really nice safety razor to replace my sally beauty supply chinsy razor. This one is heavy and solid. I don't recall the brand. Any who it came with shark blades. Best Ive tried so far. This is def a higher quality razor. I haven't cut myself yet or caused razor burn. Its head angle is spot on. I'll go find it when I get home and post up.

I don't use shave soap or a brush. I did find those items a few days after my first post at walmart. I just use barbosol.