How to shave with a straight razor part 1 - equipment

This is the first in a 2 part series on how to shave with a straight razor. You can get a lot of this stuff from: http://www.vintagebladesllc.com/

Category:

Education

Tags:

• straight
• razor
• shave
• shaving
• ben
• how
• to
• tutorial
• howto
• man
• manly
• blade

[amarr1]

Can't you use shaving cream?

[shaykai]

@amarr1 Yes you can but I find that shaving cream leaves a thin film that is hard to get off the blade.

[Takkun5656]

How well does a this razor work on your balls? not joking.

[shaykai]

@Takkun5656 I haven't done that yet, it would make me a bit nervous haha.

[maanvol]

I did not understand what the function of the leather is.

[shaykai]

@maanvol The function of the leather strop is to re-align the edge of the blade which gets warped and bent from cutting the hairs.

[cayoka]

lol u could grow a beard just preparing to shave

[shaykai]

@Torahboy1 Nope sorry. Particular about my appearance because I'm slightly vain, I am fit because I train Boxing and Jiu-Jitsu, and I have a cute laugh because...? I don't know haha. It's just how I laugh!

[iamkevinthecanadian]

@domenicocusumano Yes you can, in fact many people recommend three passes for a shave that is still perfect into the night. (maybe only a couple of invisible stubbles) One with, the second across, and the third against the grain. The three passes are also exfoliating and help keep your complexion.

[iamkevinthecanadian]

@wazaman0021 No, that would wear out the blade way too much. You should sharpen at most once a month although once a year is probably a better number. This is what the strop is for, it "touches up" the blade while only removing a little (if any) material. Once you get used to it you can tell when the blade needs sharpening based on the feel of the shave and stropping.

[jxrst9]

I would love to try one of these, but am afraid of putting gashes in my face.

[drankfromtoilet]

Learn before you post...

[Shangas]

@NoNsToPuH Some sort of sharpening stone is necessary. The strop keeps the edge smooth. It doesn't actually sharpen it.

[Shangas]

@FineBowl The strop smooths the blade-edge after each shave. If you didn't strop your razor, the edge just gets rougher and rougher and rougher until you're basically shaving your face with a cheese-grater. Not a comfortable feeling. Stropping maintains the edge and gives you a comfortable shave until the blade itself is just too dull to shave anymore and must be resharpened.

[yetiamchosen]

Good video. I understand that you're not gay, but I think you should at least try being bi. You would do well. If you need someone to teach you, totally hit me up. I will jump on that grenade sir.

[DrBobDeYoung]

Thanks alot for this. I got a set-up for Christmas, also with the idea that it's nice to have a reusable shaver (goin' 'green' and all that). When a Barber does it ya' just can't see what he's up to. Given the potential for self-mutilation, I REALLY appreciate the time you took to put this together-Thanks again Bro!

[Niqbal87]

@Takkun5656 sounds like your intent on giving yourself a vasectomy lol

[q28s1]

@NoNsToPuH The nicer blade you get the less a water stone becomes necessary. My blade and strap was $400 and taken care of properly it won't need be to sharpened for 40 years.