A straight razor, sometimes referred to as a "cut-throat" razor, is actually quite safe to use. One is unlikely to do much damage to oneself because one shaves with the blade at a thirty-degree angle to the skin instead of a perpendicular angle, which is required for most deep cuts.
Of course, shaving with straight razor blades is very much different from shaving with normal razors because a straight razor is held differently and shaped differently. Straight razors used to be the main tool a man used to shave himself with - however, over the years safety razors have become much more common and popular as they are safer and more comfortable to use.
Straight razor blades can be of different kinds, shapes, sizes and degrees of sharpness. The profile of the square (also called the spike or the sharp-point) is straight and narrows to a very sharp point that is perpendicular to the cutting edge. This is a very efficient straight razor blade but it requires some skill and experience in handling because its sharpness results in it being quite prone to piercing the skin. It is very useful for shaving small areas of the skin.
The French point has an edge that is shaped like a very sharp quarter circle that ends in a sharp point much like the square straight razor blades; the difference between the two is the visual curve and nothing else. The semicircular profile of the round point type of straight razor blades means that these straight razor blades do not have any sharp points. The round point straight razor blades are not as accurate as the other two kinds of blades but make up for their relatively lower concern for safety. Beginners should stick to round point straight razor blades as they minimize the risk of cutting oneself.
The straight razor shave requires a great deal of practice. One should hold the razor carefully at the shank and against the shoulder for a good grip and always angle the blade at thirty-degrees against the skin for a smooth shave. These blades give a quick shave and make you feel good about yourself. One should never make the mistake of hurrying these shaves, however, as even though one is unlikely to make very deep cuts with these blades, one can hurt oneself quite easily if one is not careful because the long straight blade is open and unprotected.
Straight razor blades are made of stainless steal or high-carbon steel. Stainless steel does not rust but it is very difficult to sharpen. It is worth the extra maintenance effort keeping a high-carbon steel blade because although you might have to constantly keep removing rust with a scrub pad or very fine steel wool, you will never want for that perfect smooth sharp quick razor shave.
The straight razor gives the closest shave of them all - no hi-tech safety blade or disposable blade will ever come close to the clean shave that a straight razor gives - because this means having to compromise on safety.