I absolutely love straight razors, unfortunately through the years (I'm over 60)my hands have begun to shake, I've transitioned to the rex ambassador and love them equally as well. I find using a straight razor to be more of a zen experience because you definitely don't rush and you concentrate at the task at hand and everything else for a short period of time gets blocked out. Hopefully this helps.
It's true, it's more of a nice experience than it is entirely practical. There's just something about the whole process that is so unique, engaging and satisfying. From lathering up your own shaving cream in a bowl with a brush, to applying it with the brush, to stropping, to honing with a wet stone and obviously the shave itself of a singular cold sharp blade easily cutting through your hair but smoothly gliding across the skin, and then my favorite part of soaking my hands in a nice aftershave and giving my skin a good rub to moisturize it and, if I want to do the opposite, get an amazing slight burn before the skin feels cool, smooth and I have no other word to describe it other than "new".
I will say, the cool factor is no joke. I had more confidence when i learned to use this and that confidence was with me all the time. My wife would walk in and from the corner of my eye I'd see her looking. I'd just smirk to myself. There is something inherently masculine about it. No guard, safety bar or protection of any kind. Its like a motorcycle.
Very true, I can jump higher, run faster and make love twice as long. But seriously, if you’re a man that feels you need more manly things in your life, the cool factor is real. Fix something in your house or on your vehicle, learn to shine your own boots, care for your leather, they’re all very rewarding for the soul.
#5 is not a myth, lol. Once you start getting into classic wet shaving it's over, you will keep buying new razors, new soaps, new brushes and so on, but that's what hobbies are for, right?)
I started off WetShaving with a Shavette so using that on and off over the years really made the transition that much easier. Still a learning curve though. I still needed to learn everything there is to know about straight razors. I had to lean to hone and everything. After a year my straight shaving and honing skills REALLY improved! I can put an edge on anything! Give me something dull and my Naniwa SuperStones will bring it back to life!!!! 💈😁🤙🏻💈 _Mike 🌹
I had this buddy in the navy that would shave with a straight razor because he read about it in a book on how to be a gentleman. He would talk about that book all the time and bought fancy shoes, because it said in the book you should otherwise go barefoot "citing religious reasons" rather than wear bad/poor quality shoes. He would shave with a straight razor every morning on a moving, rocking destroyer, this was not a large, steady ship. And never use an aftershave with alcohol, because alcohol can dry out your skin, and make you look older. After seeing him shave seriously every day like that for about 2 years and never severely cut himself, I would never be nervous about it on dry ground. Im gonna buy a cheapo razor just to try it, I cant believe I'm still not a gentleman after all these years.
Great video. I taught myself how to use a straight a few years ago and it has morphed into a passion of mine. I started collecting vintage and modern razors and now have 20 in my collection. Love taking the time to lather up and shave the old fashion way. Sometimes I do a single pass and when I really want to get serious I’ll do a second and third pass. Thanks again for sharing.
They effectively do last forever. They don't necessarily need to be maintained to last forever, just to be used consistently forever. I bought a straight razor from the 1850s (for 25 bucks) which hadn't been used in a very long time. I honed it up, hit it with a strop, and it shaves just as well as it would have 175 years ago. If it can be used after 175 years of neglect following a little honing, then I'd say it effectively lasts forever. Also I'd say that the fact that you can grab antique straight razors for 25 bucks lends even more credence to the fact that it's inexpensive. No need to buy an expensive one. You're going to need sharpening stones and a strop anyway, so grab a cool antique straight razor, a strop, and some sharpening stones, and restore it. All that will cost around just as much as a modern decent quality straight razor alone. Plus you'll have a razor older than your grandparents.
It really is true that traditional safety razors are much cheaper than the overpriced patented multiblade razors, and a straight razor that you can maintain with no extra cost after the initial investment is even cheaper. But there is a real risk, because the comfort and quality of the shave is so much better and much more fun; that you will turn shaving into a hobby and spend a lot more on fancy soaps, brushes, stands for the razors (plural because they all look cool), and your youtube feed will be full of shaving videos like this... 😅 (But even if it becomes an expensive hobby; at least you're not creating tons of unrecyclable waste like multi blade cartridges does.)
There is a bit of a learning curve - for about the first month of straight razor shaving I looked like the loser in a knife fight. You very quickly reach a stage where nicks and cuts are extremely rare. The key is taking your time, especially when starting out - don't make your first attempt on the morning when you are running late for a job interview.
All very well said Matt! After eight months I converted to japanese Kamisoris, do my own honing and have made my own strop and shaving oil. Long story short: You´re right - it can be done!
Yeah I absolutely hate when ppl try to jump right into it when they don’t even know how to strop: they buy some razor online that doesn’t even have an edge on it, and they wonder why it’s not working!! I watched videos for months until I knew I was ready! I watched every video out there about the different parts of the razor, the different types, the history of straight razors, so many honing videos, different types of stones and how they’re different. I did all this….then kept watching them and asking questions to people who’ve had years of experience like Anthony and Dr Matt. Glen on the SRP group helped me out a lot too.
It's expensive! ''nah it well set you back 120 dollars and pay you dividends over a year'' Also to maintain it you need to fork over a few thousand dollars for a stone.
Driving a stick shift not a good comparison when my dad would go to the crackhouse every 15 minutes he had a stick shift and I told him if he went out in five minutes I’m fucking leaving him and I was like seven or eight years old I had a clutch dirtbike so I knew how to operate the clutch. He wasn’t out in five or 10 minutes. I left his ass there didn’t grind the gear on the way home. Still hard to back. I’m up though. cause I’ve never really drove them a handful of times but I’ve never had a problem
I use a Shavette type, but not the standard double-edge blades. It has a disposable blade that is about as long as the arm. What I love about it, aside from the really close shave, it cleans thoroughly and quickly. If you're using an expensive handle razor like a "Gillette Skin Guard", or something similar, hair is clogging between the tiny blades, and it's a bitch to clean, which you have to do to keep shaving. With a straight razor, you run it under hot water, or wipe it with toilet paper...its completely clean and ready to work. Those disposable handle-style blade refills are expensive...especially if you have to shave every day.
Great vid Matt! One suggestion- All you need is an 8k and 12k stone to maintain your edge once the bevel is set professionally. Heck, I just maintain my razors on a 75$ Coticule. I think you misspoke saying you will spend thousands on stones haha.
I completely agree. But if you're just a little like me and end up quite enjoying the honing you're likely going to go down the rabbit hole and indeed spend a lot on stones.
10. You’ll be cool hahaha 🤣 well, it’s not often that shaving habits are a topic. But, I was at the airport Paris Charles de Gaulle. I had my shavette in the cabin luggage. Already in the liquid bag as I know chances are high that it will be checkt for blades. But this time the security was kind of clueless. Asking another security guy. They all kind of like kids seeing that for the first time. One of them “what is that” and I am like “ my razor but there is no blade in it” him “but how…” and I “like a knife, but with a remove able razor blade” … clearly that was a show. And other people stared too. If I was cool - I don’t know. But it was a show indeed.
I dislike throw away plastic razors. It contributes to so much garbage, either in landfills or in our waterways. I currently use a metal safety razor to shave. There’s no plastic garbage to throw away and that’s a good thing. The razors are also 100% recyclable. Currently, I’m watching UA-cam videos to learn how to shave with a straight razor. Using a straight razor to shave is very masculine. It’s unique because most men don’t use a straight razor, they buy disposable razors. Shaving with a straight razor is damn sexy as well as long as you know how to wield it.!
I love that the third paragraph on the "Why straight razor?" article on the local shaving webshop is: "It's fun, and your wife or partner will think you're crazy. " 😂 Which to be fair is probably true
Wait, what did you say about golf? “You just keep getting better and better”?? Pfffffft. I will say this: a bad slice in golf is better than a bad slice in straight razor shaving.
The maintenance is legit the toughest part for me. Have a straight but haven't committed yet due to the honing aspect. I really want to learn honing but it's a real commitment I can't make yet.
It's not like they need to be honed every 5 minutes. i know people that get about 60 shaves with just stropping between shaves and if you have a couple of razors - one in use and one not, then that's months or years of shaving. Unless you drop the blade or bang it on a faucet and damage the edge, then you're golden! When you finally do have to touch it to a stone, you only have to give it a refresh, so an 8k and 12k - say 15 laps on each will restore it - takes no time. Buy two strops, because the first one will suffer some abuse as you learn. Or a cheap one and a better one. Stropping your razor is vital to it's survival more than your honing skills. T
It's not all that bad, all I have is the Naniwa 3k-8k combination stone, then I go to a 50k pasted strop. I've restored 3 vintage razors with this method, and shaved with them, with great success. Takes some patience though, especially setting the bevel on the 3k.
I have been using straight razor for 2 years. I found a new old stock stone made In maybe 1920 for touch up on the straight razor. It really works for me.
11:00. That is not true. I' ve been straight shaving for over 30 years. All you need is 4 stones. 1000,3000,8000 and a 12000. They cost me 150 euros. My strop is homemade. My blades are all vintage Solingen. They can be bought for 20 euros . It is cheap.
If nothing else, owning a straight razor will teach you “a lot “ about sharpening steel implements. Once you can successfully sharpen your straight razor well enough to shave with, sharpening a pocket knife will seem like child's play. Your wife will ban you from sharpening the kitchen knives out of fear..lol. I once honed up a Buck knife out of curiosity ( and I don’t recommend you try this..) and then was able to give myself a fair shave with it…carefully! Great 👍 video for those of us who love our straights. Cheers from Nova Scotia.
i was really impressed with how easy removing chippings from some razors was. trying to remove chippings from unknown kitchen or outdoor knives seem like a major pain, fixing up regularly used kitchen knives isn't hard though.
I'd shaved with a DE for several years and someone sent me a pack of 100 SE blades and a shavette, so I tried it. Like I told CBD, I looked like Ric Flair after a cage match when I was done. But, instead of giving up, I ordered a decent straight, and gave it another shot. Not even a weeper, and a pretty good shave. I was hooked! Still looking for that BBS shave, and I'm over 100, but now it's that enjoyment of shaving that keeps me at it. As for the cool factor, I don't know, I've always been one of the "uncool", so how would I know? Great list Matt!
Purchased a shavette and it gives a close shave. Not much closer than a DE. I can't see the practicality of using it other than getting nicks and weepers. I mean it is cool but my Konsul shaves almost as close and I don't get the cuts under my nose and such. However, the shavette is top notch on my neck. Skin there is sensitive to anything I use. Will be using the shavette for my neck only. It's good to have multiple tools in your arsenal.
Great video but I disagree on price of stones and strops quality uncut leather can be bought and cut diy and lapping film is a vary affordable option for committed newbies and a shapton pro collection can be bought for $240 with 1k- 12k on amazon
Omg I drive a stick and a motorcycle and I straight razor shave….. is this a lifestyle some people choose and others just stay far away from?? I never thought of it like that!! 😆
Hey Matt👍 Pretty much spot on I'd say, I gave up Straight Razor use because of the exact things you talk about. Maintenance and time being the two biggies. Cost of the razor is subjective of course but it's all about the romance bro... Thanks Matt. Enjoy!
It took me 3 times less time to learn to use a straight razor than an open-comb DE razor. I believe I didn't cut myself the first time I tried it. There were buckets of blood with my R41, Yaqis or my Fatips the first month of use. That being said, I prefer the shavette: less maintenance, lighter, easier to maneuver and reach places and finally, it is sharper.
I gotta say, if you cut your ear off shaving, thats your own fault, cutting an ear off is hard cause of all the hard muscles, also I got a shavette, is that easier or is it just like a normal straight razor? Also im using this to shave my head for my mohawk, is this something you dont recommend for a newbie?
What about for #11 You don’t need a huge meat cleaver of a razor to start with - something compact and bijou is perfectly good to learn with… 😉 #12 Learn to stroke your strop properly - faster and longer isn’t always better to win the race 🐇 🐢 👍🏻
Great video Matt! However, I have to take exception to your spending thousands of dollars on honing stones. I refresh and hone my razors using lapping films. I can get a full progression with 25 sheets per micron grit for under 100 dollars and it will last me for decades. I get great edges and I laugh at all the straight shavers that use stones. It's unfortunate that lapping films are not encouraged to sharpen razors because it it were, then maybe more shavers would get into straight shaving.
i largely agree with you on the lapping film and it's rarely mentioned in shaving videos and the same thing goes for pasted balsa strops which are also great for upkeep and cheap. i have a few stones, but they are convexed in two directions, which you cannot do with lapping film, but you can with balsa. T
What an amusing video! I really enjoyed it. Just a little hint: [7:18] The name of the company you mentioned is pronounced "Böker" instead of "Boker". 🙂
QUESTION! I just got my first Stainless Steel straight last week. A J.A Henckel 72 checkered Friodur and someone on one of the groups told me not to oil it cause the imprint could “fall right off”. And “the oil can get underneath the design”. Fact or myth?
Here to let people know if the saying of thousands of dollars on stones is alittle high unless you are buying ceramic stones for all levels you won’t approach thousands of dollars. For great results get a bundled kit of stones for 1000, 3000, 6000, 8000. Then a good thing from there get a flattened piece of glass and then get special sandpaper that goes into the 10,000 and up. Very cost effective and works excellent.
GREAT video, and a much needed primer on using a straight razor. You almost lost me (and the rest of us) at 1:10, where you casually mention that "...chances are you won't need STITCHES..." Whoa bud, I'm just looking for a hobby, not an excuse to visit my local EMERGENCY room! 😲🤕😄🤣😂✌
Great video. So much good info here. I've been SR shaving for about 6 years now and I still can't get BBS all over my face. Cheeks yes, the rest, not so much. I usually do a 2 pass WTG and XTG. One area I can't go ATG with a SR is my upper lip. Geo Fat Boy calls it "The Fools Pass." And yes, I sometimes use a DE or a cart for light buffing and touch-up. No shame in this as everyone's beard, skin type and facial contours are unique.
To age myself, my first shave was a safety razor ( surprised there’s a 🪒 built in!) and I can’t guess how much money I have saved! Now that I’m retired from the military and retired from industry as well, and I don’t have to shave, I enjoy a shave! The sound, the closeness,… and, as long as I don’t think about my ex-wife, it’s even safe to shave m throat!😂 Ciao!
I hated using cartridge blades so stopped shaving. About 6 months ago I started on a double edge razor and really enjoyed the times when I did shave (still like to do it occasionally). Just got a shavette and I have no doubt in another 6 months I'll go all in on a straight. Double and shavettes themselves are infinitely cheaper than cartridges
@@RazorEmporium the cloth came in yesterday and worked even better than expected. I didn't realize quite how dirty my razor was. How would you recommend cleaning around the hinge?
Hell I just use a shavette. I know it’s not the same but for my needs it’s great. I paid like $20 for that, an brush and a dish so I have already saved a ton of money because the blades are CHEAP. If you don’t wanna go for the true straight razor due to cost then start with the shavette. It’s cheap, you get a fresh blade every time so you know it’s not gonna pull and as you said, once you know how to use it after a couple months practice it’ll deliver a WICKED close shave.
I shaved with a multi blade cartridge razor for decades before switching to a DE then a shavette a few months ago. I was forever suffering with grown hairs when using the cartridge but have not had one since switching. Recently purchased a Dovo straight razor and yes, there was a bit of a learning curve but it does an amazing job on my face and neck. Still using a DE on my head (like my scalp attached thanks). Yes, it’s going to need a hone from time to time but I was a tool and die maker for over 30 years and as for the English car analogy, I also own an old MGB😉
tried a straight razor once. and wife bumped my arm accidentally while shaving. enough to say went back to de shaving. faster . better. safer. and don't have to worry about getting bumped into while shaving. still keep the straight . like to strop it. and keep a fine edge on it. but that is about it. just use it now to clear arm hair when someone gets a cut and need to clean the area. so the band aid don't stick to any hairs when removing. if you use a jewels stone and strop. you should not have any problems keeping it" ahem" razor sharp
The most expensive thing about shaving with a straight razor is not the razor but the sharpening stones to maintain it. But it is worth it. There is just something cool about sharpening your own razor and the entire process of the shave.
My neighbor in Miami use to be barber, he use to tell kids who swarmed. Do move or I might cut your ear off. He had plastic ear to scare kids cover in red ink. Show the fake ear worked.
I used to work in a cutlery store and I would sell straight razors to marines to take out into the field because a disposable bic razors would give a rough shave when shaving dry that was back in the 90's.
Excellent video probably further away from buying a straight razor now in the short run but in the long run, probably more likely. good business model to get people to invest in something that’s difficult.
I use a shavet, mostly because I don't have the proper stones, as well as an old school safety, and even mug and brush, our small town had an actual Barbershop. He actually used a shaper without a gard, not a true shavet. Shavete's are a very cheap way to get into the game. Mine, and others I got, were only $5, NOS, at a thrift shop that had a whole jar of them, just gathering dust. P.S. I have no idea the proper way to spell it, sorry to any that get upset over bad grammar.😔
When I go to the barbershop, he is still using disposable blade straight razor around my ear and my neck. He has a good control on his hands and blades . It requires certain age factor.
my family actually got history with a straight razor my great grandpa was a barber and a man owed him some money and refused to pay it so my great grandpa slit his stomach open 😬
Thanks Matt, nice one! thinking maybe trying a shavette to get an idea of what it is like. Love the Double Edge Safety razors but heck, nothing ventured, nothing gained.
#11: Bigger is Better. If I got an 8/8" blade it's easier to use than anything smaller. Not true - the narrower blades can be more agile, more effective in maneuverability, balance, and handling (confident grip and control).
Lmao - worth watching just for the amazing dad joke, “drive a straight razor instead.” 🤣🤣 I’d also add Myth #11 could be “you need the biggest, heaviest grind available.” Not so! You may well develop preferences, but a sharp, keen edge will work for most situations. I do prefer quarter hollows and wedges for the way they feel, but I can get a nice shave from even the most hollow-ground razors, or even a dinky little 5/8” or smaller blade. 👍🏻
This is really something of a hobby for those who as he said want to master it or for a professional, not so much for convenience. I understand why the saftey razor was born, it gives you the best of both worlds. Still very cool.
i know a straight razor isn't for me with the stropping every use and honing as well, but i am seriously looking into using a shavette, i've been wet shaving all my adult life (i'm 51) and using DE razors the last 2, i have a nice collection of merkurs and edwin jaggers which i take very good care of, love your channel matt
The stropping (and especially the honing) is what keeps me from investing in straight razors. I love shaving with a DE though. Using a Rex Ambassador as my to go to razor.
9. it could probably be one of the most affordable alternatives in the long run. but with a dozen of whetstone and half a dozen of straight razors i don't really know.
Nice explanation, but I'd like to know if you can get comparable results XTG on the neck with a straight razor as with a safety razor (or even a cartridge).
I absolutely love straight razors, unfortunately through the years (I'm over 60)my hands have begun to shake, I've transitioned to the rex ambassador and love them equally as well. I find using a straight razor to be more of a zen experience because you definitely don't rush and you concentrate at the task at hand and everything else for a short period of time gets blocked out. Hopefully this helps.
It takes someone with great wisdom to equate shaving with a straight edge with zen meditation. I really enjoyed your comment, thank you!
It's true, it's more of a nice experience than it is entirely practical. There's just something about the whole process that is so unique, engaging and satisfying. From lathering up your own shaving cream in a bowl with a brush, to applying it with the brush, to stropping, to honing with a wet stone and obviously the shave itself of a singular cold sharp blade easily cutting through your hair but smoothly gliding across the skin, and then my favorite part of soaking my hands in a nice aftershave and giving my skin a good rub to moisturize it and, if I want to do the opposite, get an amazing slight burn before the skin feels cool, smooth and I have no other word to describe it other than "new".
I will say, the cool factor is no joke. I had more confidence when i learned to use this and that confidence was with me all the time. My wife would walk in and from the corner of my eye I'd see her looking. I'd just smirk to myself. There is something inherently masculine about it. No guard, safety bar or protection of any kind. Its like a motorcycle.
Very true, I can jump higher, run faster and make love twice as long.
But seriously, if you’re a man that feels you need more manly things in your life, the cool factor is real. Fix something in your house or on your vehicle, learn to shine your own boots, care for your leather, they’re all very rewarding for the soul.
👍
Why is this cool? To me the metal safety razors with replacable blades are cool.
This is just unnecessary risk.
@maxz69 why are motorcycles cool? Why are explosions cool? "Badassery" man.
Every man needs basic skills in the manly arts, like straight razor shaving, making a martini, grilling a steak or tying a bow tie.
So true!! I’ll add, chop wood, talk construction, negotiate car purchases.
And cutting and lighting a cigar
I can do all but straight razor but had safety for years. Upgrading now!
Driving a stick-shift.
Martinis 😂
#5 is not a myth, lol. Once you start getting into classic wet shaving it's over, you will keep buying new razors, new soaps, new brushes and so on, but that's what hobbies are for, right?)
I started off WetShaving with a Shavette so using that on and off over the years really made the transition that much easier. Still a learning curve though. I still needed to learn everything there is to know about straight razors. I had to lean to hone and everything. After a year my straight shaving and honing skills REALLY improved! I can put an edge on anything! Give me something dull and my Naniwa SuperStones will bring it back to life!!!!
💈😁🤙🏻💈
_Mike 🌹
Grandpa's ashes are in the mail!
T
I thought old-fashioned safety razor shaving was masculine until I started using a shavette. It is the ultimate in manliness!
I had this buddy in the navy that would shave with a straight razor because he read about it in a book on how to be a gentleman. He would talk about that book all the time and bought fancy shoes, because it said in the book you should otherwise go barefoot "citing religious reasons" rather than wear bad/poor quality shoes. He would shave with a straight razor every morning on a moving, rocking destroyer, this was not a large, steady ship. And never use an aftershave with alcohol, because alcohol can dry out your skin, and make you look older. After seeing him shave seriously every day like that for about 2 years and never severely cut himself, I would never be nervous about it on dry ground. Im gonna buy a cheapo razor just to try it, I cant believe I'm still not a gentleman after all these years.
Great video. I taught myself how to use a straight a few years ago and it has morphed into a passion of mine. I started collecting vintage and modern razors and now have 20 in my collection. Love taking the time to lather up and shave the old fashion way. Sometimes I do a single pass and when I really want to get serious I’ll do a second and third pass. Thanks again for sharing.
They effectively do last forever. They don't necessarily need to be maintained to last forever, just to be used consistently forever. I bought a straight razor from the 1850s (for 25 bucks) which hadn't been used in a very long time. I honed it up, hit it with a strop, and it shaves just as well as it would have 175 years ago. If it can be used after 175 years of neglect following a little honing, then I'd say it effectively lasts forever.
Also I'd say that the fact that you can grab antique straight razors for 25 bucks lends even more credence to the fact that it's inexpensive. No need to buy an expensive one. You're going to need sharpening stones and a strop anyway, so grab a cool antique straight razor, a strop, and some sharpening stones, and restore it. All that will cost around just as much as a modern decent quality straight razor alone. Plus you'll have a razor older than your grandparents.
It really is true that traditional safety razors are much cheaper than the overpriced patented multiblade razors, and a straight razor that you can maintain with no extra cost after the initial investment is even cheaper.
But there is a real risk, because the comfort and quality of the shave is so much better and much more fun; that you will turn shaving into a hobby and spend a lot more on fancy soaps, brushes, stands for the razors (plural because they all look cool), and your youtube feed will be full of shaving videos like this... 😅
(But even if it becomes an expensive hobby; at least you're not creating tons of unrecyclable waste like multi blade cartridges does.)
There is a bit of a learning curve - for about the first month of straight razor shaving I looked like the loser in a knife fight. You very quickly reach a stage where nicks and cuts are extremely rare. The key is taking your time, especially when starting out - don't make your first attempt on the morning when you are running late for a job interview.
I think "Skyfall" has been for straight razor shaving, what "The Queens Gambit" has been for playing chess.
All very well said Matt! After eight months I converted to japanese Kamisoris, do my own honing and have made my own strop and shaving oil. Long story short: You´re right - it can be done!
Yeah I absolutely hate when ppl try to jump right into it when they don’t even know how to strop: they buy some razor online that doesn’t even have an edge on it, and they wonder why it’s not working!! I watched videos for months until I knew I was ready! I watched every video out there about the different parts of the razor, the different types, the history of straight razors, so many honing videos, different types of stones and how they’re different. I did all this….then kept watching them and asking questions to people who’ve had years of experience like Anthony and Dr Matt. Glen on the SRP group helped me out a lot too.
Number 11: If Chuck Norris uses a straight razor the straight razor will bleed.
It's expensive!
''nah it well set you back 120 dollars and pay you dividends over a year''
Also to maintain it you need to fork over a few thousand dollars for a stone.
Or pay a company $40 once a year
Driving a stick shift not a good comparison when my dad would go to the crackhouse every 15 minutes he had a stick shift and I told him if he went out in five minutes I’m fucking leaving him and I was like seven or eight years old I had a clutch dirtbike so I knew how to operate the clutch. He wasn’t out in five or 10 minutes. I left his ass there didn’t grind the gear on the way home. Still hard to back. I’m up though. cause I’ve never really drove them a handful of times but I’ve never had a problem
I use a Shavette type, but not the standard double-edge blades. It has a disposable blade that is about as long as the arm. What I love about it, aside from the really close shave, it cleans thoroughly and quickly. If you're using an expensive handle razor like a "Gillette Skin Guard", or something similar, hair is clogging between the tiny blades, and it's a bitch to clean, which you have to do to keep shaving. With a straight razor, you run it under hot water, or wipe it with toilet paper...its completely clean and ready to work. Those disposable handle-style blade refills are expensive...especially if you have to shave every day.
Great vid Matt! One suggestion- All you need is an 8k and 12k stone to maintain your edge once the bevel is set professionally. Heck, I just maintain my razors on a 75$ Coticule. I think you misspoke saying you will spend thousands on stones haha.
I completely agree. But if you're just a little like me and end up quite enjoying the honing you're likely going to go down the rabbit hole and indeed spend a lot on stones.
A strop and paste is more than enough, and really better than stones for maintaining the factory geometry as you aren't taking as much material away.
The uncontrollable desire to spend the grocery money on razors. It’s an itch you can’t scratch! Therapy may be required.
Corn Pop had a straight razor, and he was a bad dude.
🤣
10. You’ll be cool hahaha 🤣 well, it’s not often that shaving habits are a topic. But, I was at the airport Paris Charles de Gaulle. I had my shavette in the cabin luggage. Already in the liquid bag as I know chances are high that it will be checkt for blades. But this time the security was kind of clueless. Asking another security guy. They all kind of like kids seeing that for the first time. One of them “what is that” and I am like “ my razor but there is no blade in it” him “but how…” and I “like a knife, but with a remove able razor blade” … clearly that was a show. And other people stared too. If I was cool - I don’t know. But it was a show indeed.
Only in the movies you cut your ears or throat
You forgot number 11 if you’re able to use a straight razor, you’re an automatic dentist as well
I dislike throw away plastic razors. It contributes to so much garbage, either in landfills or in our waterways. I currently use a metal safety razor to shave. There’s no plastic garbage to throw away and that’s a good thing. The razors are also 100% recyclable.
Currently, I’m watching UA-cam videos to learn how to shave with a straight razor. Using a straight razor to shave is very masculine. It’s unique because most men don’t use a straight razor, they buy disposable razors. Shaving with a straight razor is damn sexy as well as long as you know how to wield it.!
I love that the third paragraph on the "Why straight razor?" article on the local shaving webshop is:
"It's fun, and your wife or partner will think you're crazy. "
😂
Which to be fair is probably true
Wait, what did you say about golf? “You just keep getting better and better”?? Pfffffft.
I will say this: a bad slice in golf is better than a bad slice in straight razor shaving.
Thank God, I’m a master sharpener and my great grandpa left me all his stones or they were passed down
Public transportation overwhelmingly is cheaper than even just maintaining & fueling a car so would not agree with that example...
Tip:instead of spending 150$ on a straight razor get a turkish style shavette cost only like 2.50$ and you can see if you enjoy using that
lapping film on flat glass changed the game, for $30 I can get them near perfect as a human can get
The maintenance is legit the toughest part for me. Have a straight but haven't committed yet due to the honing aspect. I really want to learn honing but it's a real commitment I can't make yet.
It's not like they need to be honed every 5 minutes. i know people that get about 60 shaves with just stropping between shaves and if you have a couple of razors - one in use and one not, then that's months or years of shaving. Unless you drop the blade or bang it on a faucet and damage the edge, then you're golden!
When you finally do have to touch it to a stone, you only have to give it a refresh, so an 8k and 12k - say 15 laps on each will restore it - takes no time.
Buy two strops, because the first one will suffer some abuse as you learn. Or a cheap one and a better one. Stropping your razor is vital to it's survival more than your honing skills.
T
It's not all that bad, all I have is the Naniwa 3k-8k combination stone, then I go to a 50k pasted strop. I've restored 3 vintage razors with this method, and shaved with them, with great success. Takes some patience though, especially setting the bevel on the 3k.
FEW HUNDRED BUCKS!? i think ill buy some boots instead
I have been using straight razor for 2 years. I found a new old stock stone made In maybe 1920 for touch up on the straight razor. It really works for me.
How long does it take a beginner to shave a medium beard off the old fashioned way with no training wheels?
I want to make the jump. Tried to use it, but not managed to actually cut the beard.
11:00.
That is not true.
I' ve been straight shaving for over 30 years.
All you need is 4 stones.
1000,3000,8000 and a 12000.
They cost me 150 euros.
My strop is homemade.
My blades are all vintage Solingen.
They can be bought for 20 euros .
It is cheap.
Thanks for sharing 🙏
If nothing else, owning a straight razor will teach you “a lot “ about sharpening steel implements. Once you can successfully sharpen your straight razor well enough to shave with, sharpening a pocket knife will seem like child's play. Your wife will ban you from sharpening the kitchen knives out of fear..lol. I once honed up a Buck knife out of curiosity ( and I don’t recommend you try this..) and then was able to give myself a fair shave with it…carefully! Great 👍 video for those of us who love our straights. Cheers from Nova Scotia.
i was really impressed with how easy removing chippings from some razors was.
trying to remove chippings from unknown kitchen or outdoor knives seem like a major pain, fixing up regularly used kitchen knives isn't hard though.
13:15 not going to lie but learning how to code is fun if you love how code works
Barbers in Rast Europe doing excellent job.
I'd shaved with a DE for several years and someone sent me a pack of 100 SE blades and a shavette, so I tried it. Like I told CBD, I looked like Ric Flair after a cage match when I was done. But, instead of giving up, I ordered a decent straight, and gave it another shot. Not even a weeper, and a pretty good shave. I was hooked! Still looking for that BBS shave, and I'm over 100, but now it's that enjoyment of shaving that keeps me at it. As for the cool factor, I don't know, I've always been one of the "uncool", so how would I know? Great list Matt!
Purchased a shavette and it gives a close shave. Not much closer than a DE. I can't see the practicality of using it other than getting nicks and weepers. I mean it is cool but my Konsul shaves almost as close and I don't get the cuts under my nose and such. However, the shavette is top notch on my neck. Skin there is sensitive to anything I use. Will be using the shavette for my neck only. It's good to have multiple tools in your arsenal.
Great video but I disagree on price of stones and strops quality uncut leather can be bought and cut diy and lapping film is a vary affordable option for committed newbies and a shapton pro collection can be bought for $240 with 1k- 12k on amazon
Omg I drive a stick and a motorcycle and I straight razor shave….. is this a lifestyle some people choose and others just stay far away from?? I never thought of it like that!! 😆
Hey Matt👍 Pretty much spot on I'd say, I gave up Straight Razor use because of the exact things you talk about. Maintenance and time being the two biggies. Cost of the razor is subjective of course but it's all about the romance bro... Thanks Matt. Enjoy!
It took me 3 times less time to learn to use a straight razor than an open-comb DE razor. I believe I didn't cut myself the first time I tried it. There were buckets of blood with my R41, Yaqis or my Fatips the first month of use. That being said, I prefer the shavette: less maintenance, lighter, easier to maneuver and reach places and finally, it is sharper.
Checked out at “faceturbating” wtf
Shaving foam on a ballon shave it off without popping
I gotta say, if you cut your ear off shaving, thats your own fault, cutting an ear off is hard cause of all the hard muscles, also I got a shavette, is that easier or is it just like a normal straight razor?
Also im using this to shave my head for my mohawk, is this something you dont recommend for a newbie?
If you got it under control, sounds like it's perfectly suitable
In my case I found it easier to use a straight razor over a shavette. The weight and size of the blade had a better balance than my parker sr1.
What about for #11 You don’t need a huge meat cleaver of a razor to start with - something compact and bijou is perfectly good to learn with… 😉
#12 Learn to stroke your strop properly - faster and longer isn’t always better to win the race 🐇 🐢 👍🏻
Is it possible that this just isn't a good idea for some of us period due to having sensitive skin no matter how careful we try to be?
Correct
"Faceturbateing" made my day because that's what I do more often than I should.
My daughter and son just got me a straight razor. The razor it's self was 310.00. thanks for the info. I want to learn before I start using it.
which shiavette would u recommend for a low price and as safe ass possible?
The ones we sell
Great video Matt! However, I have to take exception to your spending thousands of dollars on honing stones. I refresh and hone my razors using lapping films. I can get a full progression with 25 sheets per micron grit for under 100 dollars and it will last me for decades. I get great edges and I laugh at all the straight shavers that use stones. It's unfortunate that lapping films are not encouraged to sharpen razors because it it were, then maybe more shavers would get into straight shaving.
i largely agree with you on the lapping film and it's rarely mentioned in shaving videos and the same thing goes for pasted balsa strops which are also great for upkeep and cheap. i have a few stones, but they are convexed in two directions, which you cannot do with lapping film, but you can with balsa.
T
Straight razors are cool as hell, but I’ll stick to my DE and SE razors lol
What an amusing video! I really enjoyed it. Just a little hint: [7:18] The name of the company you mentioned is pronounced "Böker" instead of "Boker". 🙂
Thanks for the info!
@@RazorEmporium 😊😊😊
QUESTION! I just got my first Stainless Steel straight last week. A J.A Henckel 72 checkered Friodur and someone on one of the groups told me not to oil it cause the imprint could “fall right off”. And “the oil can get underneath the design”.
Fact or myth?
Not sure
Here to let people know if the saying of thousands of dollars on stones is alittle high unless you are buying ceramic stones for all levels you won’t approach thousands of dollars. For great results get a bundled kit of stones for 1000, 3000, 6000, 8000. Then a good thing from there get a flattened piece of glass and then get special sandpaper that goes into the 10,000 and up. Very cost effective and works excellent.
great suggestion
Those video shows a lot of blood.
GREAT video, and a much needed primer on using a straight razor. You almost lost me (and the rest of us) at 1:10, where you casually mention that "...chances are you won't need STITCHES..."
Whoa bud, I'm just looking for a hobby, not an excuse to visit my local EMERGENCY room! 😲🤕😄🤣😂✌
I was all in till the end. I can't really afford to get any cooler😆
Lol 😅
Great video. So much good info here. I've been SR shaving for about 6 years now and I still can't get BBS all over my face. Cheeks yes, the rest, not so much. I usually do a 2 pass WTG and XTG. One area I can't go ATG with a SR is my upper lip. Geo Fat Boy calls it "The Fools Pass." And yes, I sometimes use a DE or a cart for light buffing and touch-up. No shame in this as everyone's beard, skin type and facial contours are unique.
To age myself, my first shave was a safety razor ( surprised there’s a 🪒 built in!) and I can’t guess how much money I have saved! Now that I’m retired from the military and retired from industry as well, and I don’t have to shave, I enjoy a shave! The sound, the closeness,… and, as long as I don’t think about my ex-wife, it’s even safe to shave m throat!😂 Ciao!
I love #5 about cost. Wet shavers save so much money and never buy more than 1 razor.
I hated using cartridge blades so stopped shaving. About 6 months ago I started on a double edge razor and really enjoyed the times when I did shave (still like to do it occasionally). Just got a shavette and I have no doubt in another 6 months I'll go all in on a straight.
Double and shavettes themselves are infinitely cheaper than cartridges
Is straight razor too much strong for sensitive skin?
No
As far as the maintenance my SR takes, what can I do about the dark spots the blade picked up when I first started using it?
Our polishing cloth.
@@RazorEmporium the cloth came in yesterday and worked even better than expected. I didn't realize quite how dirty my razor was. How would you recommend cleaning around the hinge?
Wouldn't it be easier to just buy a shavette and save money on a strop?
For some people yes
Hell I just use a shavette. I know it’s not the same but for my needs it’s great. I paid like $20 for that, an brush and a dish so I have already saved a ton of money because the blades are CHEAP.
If you don’t wanna go for the true straight razor due to cost then start with the shavette. It’s cheap, you get a fresh blade every time so you know it’s not gonna pull and as you said, once you know how to use it after a couple months practice it’ll deliver a WICKED close shave.
I shaved with a multi blade cartridge razor for decades before switching to a DE then a shavette a few months ago. I was forever suffering with grown hairs when using the cartridge but have not had one since switching. Recently purchased a Dovo straight razor and yes, there was a bit of a learning curve but it does an amazing job on my face and neck. Still using a DE on my head (like my scalp attached thanks). Yes, it’s going to need a hone from time to time but I was a tool and die maker for over 30 years and as for the English car analogy, I also own an old MGB😉
tried a straight razor once. and wife bumped my arm accidentally while shaving. enough to say went back to de shaving. faster . better. safer. and don't have to worry about getting bumped into while shaving. still keep the straight . like to strop it. and keep a fine edge on it. but that is about it. just use it now to clear arm hair when someone gets a cut and need to clean the area. so the band aid don't stick to any hairs when removing. if you use a jewels stone and strop. you should not have any problems keeping it" ahem" razor sharp
this video was so unexpectedly graphic
The most expensive thing about shaving with a straight razor is not the razor but the sharpening stones to maintain it. But it is worth it. There is just something cool about sharpening your own razor and the entire process of the shave.
Love your videos and products. Check out the Glasgow Razor Gangs/ Penny Gangs. They used straight razors frequently.
Myth #11: If you switch over to Straight Razors, you will immediately want to trash all your DEs...
My neighbor in Miami use to be barber, he use to tell kids who swarmed. Do move or I might cut your ear off.
He had plastic ear to scare kids cover in red ink.
Show the fake ear worked.
You can’t travel with them in your carryon because TSA thinks they can be used as weapons.
Ha I love the British car comparison. And yes, wet shaving in general is very much like driving a stick shift.
I used to work in a cutlery store and I would sell straight razors to marines to take out into the field because a disposable bic razors would give a rough shave when shaving dry that was back in the 90's.
Excellent video probably further away from buying a straight razor now in the short run but in the long run, probably more likely. good business model to get people to invest in something that’s difficult.
I use a shavet, mostly because I don't have the proper stones, as well as an old school safety, and even mug and brush, our small town had an actual Barbershop. He actually used a shaper without a gard, not a true shavet. Shavete's are a very cheap way to get into the game. Mine, and others I got, were only $5, NOS, at a thrift shop that had a whole jar of them, just gathering dust.
P.S. I have no idea the proper way to spell it, sorry to any that get upset over bad grammar.😔
I'm approaching my 1,000th daily SR shave, still love every minute of it and have over 50 SRs. Do you know a decent rehab for me?
When I go to the barbershop, he is still using disposable blade straight razor around my ear and my neck. He has a good control on his hands and blades . It requires certain age factor.
my family actually got history with a straight razor my great grandpa was a barber and a man owed him some money and refused to pay it so my great grandpa slit his stomach open 😬
Thanks Matt, nice one! thinking maybe trying a shavette to get an idea of what it is like. Love the Double Edge Safety razors but heck, nothing
ventured, nothing gained.
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Number 11. If I use a straight razor, over time the skin on my face will turn into leather and I'll look old 🤣
#11: Bigger is Better. If I got an 8/8" blade it's easier to use than anything smaller. Not true - the narrower blades can be more agile, more effective in maneuverability, balance, and handling (confident grip and control).
Lmao - worth watching just for the amazing dad joke, “drive a straight razor instead.” 🤣🤣 I’d also add Myth #11 could be “you need the biggest, heaviest grind available.” Not so! You may well develop preferences, but a sharp, keen edge will work for most situations. I do prefer quarter hollows and wedges for the way they feel, but I can get a nice shave from even the most hollow-ground razors, or even a dinky little 5/8” or smaller blade. 👍🏻
This is really something of a hobby for those who as he said want to master it or for a professional, not so much for convenience. I understand why the saftey razor was born, it gives you the best of both worlds. Still very cool.
i know a straight razor isn't for me with the stropping every use and honing as well, but i am seriously looking into using a shavette, i've been wet shaving all my adult life (i'm 51) and using DE razors the last 2, i have a nice collection of merkurs and edwin jaggers which i take very good care of, love your channel matt
The stropping (and especially the honing) is what keeps me from investing in straight razors. I love shaving with a DE though. Using a Rex Ambassador as my to go to razor.
9. it could probably be one of the most affordable alternatives in the long run.
but with a dozen of whetstone and half a dozen of straight razors i don't really know.
I wanted one simply to look cool. Thanks for the video. Hard pass.
What about a mini Japanese Samurai shaver? How good is the feeling
Myth number 11: Plinking the straight razor with your thumb will not tell you how sharp it is an will in fact dull the edge.
Your beard lines will be so much sharper than using just the machine.
Beginners should try everything hastily and cry about blood loss later
Nice explanation, but I'd like to know if you can get comparable results XTG on the neck with a straight razor as with a safety razor (or even a cartridge).
#10 is true. I got a straight razor and less than a week later I got promoted 😉