Straight razors are the fixed sharp blade razors which were the most common razor for men till the 1950's when high-tech safety razors come to people's fancy. They say- 'nothing was more masculine than knowing how to shave with a straight razor'. Straight razor shaving is an art which has to be mastered or else it will clean off your head. Straight razor shaving is a dangerous game which has to be carefully done in order to avoid any cuts and bruises.
Mastering the art of straight razor shaving gives you the advantage of a smoother shave than any other modern razors. But mastering this art is the challenge. Straight razor shaving can be scary for the first time, but taking up the challenge and going forward to lean it is what the task is.
Stropping and honing can also be difficult for the first few attempts. Patience and concentration is what you need to do this task. Straight razor shaving is the reason why high tech safety razors have come for the rescue. But people are again slowly going back in time and bringing forward this unique method of shaving.
Here are some tips as to how you should do your straight razor shaving.
- The blade of the razor always has to be stropped before you start shaving. And if you have dense facial hair, stropping has to be done in between shaving too. For this a piece of leather is compulsory with white linen. Now with the white linen up you can strop the blade 10 times on one side and another 10 times on the white linen.
- After stropping the blade on the linen, turn to the leather side and strop the blade in the opposite direction of the strokes in linen. This will make your blade ready for the job.
- Taking a hot shower before you shave is always recommended. In this way the hot steam will open up your pores and this will give you a closer shave.
- Forget the shaving cream and go for something more traditional. Use the brush and cream. First soak the bush in hot water and allow it to fully get drenched. Now dip the brush into the soap or cream a bit and twirl it to make lather. Now apply this lather on your face using a circling movement.
- Now stretch your skin or the area you are about to shave. Hold the razor at a 20 degree angle and shave. Do not shave as if you hold a knife to slice. Never use a 90 degree angle to do a straight razor shaving.
- Begin shaving in the direction of the hair growth, make 6 short strokes and then make a long stroke with your blade. Remember to be slow and patient.
- After shaving, lather your face once again and shave sideways to ensure smooth surface.
Remember that no one is perfect in the first attempt of this art. Therefore it is from your mistakes you get a practice on how you should be doing it.