How To Shave With A Straight Razor

By Author: Bob Smith
Total Articles: 211
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Many men have grown up with the memory of seeing their grandfather or great grandfather shave with a straight razor. Shaving with a straight razor has become an almost legionary event usually told through folk stories, but the barbershop shave provides the opportunity for men to still experience the feel and closeness of a real straight razor. Moreover, for the men who want to learn how to shave with a straight razor, it is not as hard as most men might think to use a straight razor.
Regarding shaving with a straight razor, there are several important steps concerning the process, which include:
1. Take a shower to prepare the face for the shave, or use hot soaked towels for the same effect. This preparation is important because it allows a close and nick-free shave. In addition, the hot water prevents razor drag and allows the facial hair to soften below the skin's surface area.
2. Apply pre-shave oil. This moisturizes the skin; helps decrease drag and can act as an antiseptic.
3. Apply a highly alkaline formula shaving cream with a high-end shaving brush. Wipe any extra cream away with a hot towel. ...
... This will continue the pore opening and moisturizing process.
4. If the razor slightly pulls on the skin or is dull, the razor should be honed.
5. Strop the straight razor. Stropping is a technique utilized to maintain the edge of a straight razor and should be done each time a straight razor is used to shave.
6. Start the shaving process. The skin should be pulled tight as the straight razor is applied, but only use the amount of pressure actually needed to remove the facial hair.
7. After the shave is completed, the face should be rinsed very well with either warm or cold water. In addition, a face wash or a natural aftershave balm can be used.
One of the great traditions of the barbershop is the barbershop shave. While many men come to the barbershop for the full barbershop shave experience, some men want to learn how to do a traditional shave at home, which requires a straight razor. The use of a straight razor should never be done without carefully utilizing the instrument. However, once the shaving technique is learned, many men enjoy the use of a straight razor for the special feeling it provides regarding a traditional shave.