What You Need to Start Shaving Like a Man - Straight Razor Equipment

Straight razor shaving is the oldest form of shaving. While the open razor has undergone many transformations over the millennia, the principal has remained the same. From bronze, to crudely fashioned steel knives, to the modern hollow ground cut throat razor pioneered in the late 1800's, it has made an indelible dent in human history. The modern straight razor is still being used today. Even though it was under attack for most of the latter half of the 20th century, the open razor is making a comeback amongst a select few men and women who have rediscovered the joys of cut throat razor shaving.

 The reasons for the switch are many. For most people, they want a closer and irritation free shave. Perhaps they suffered from razor bumps. Some men desire the self-sufficiency a straight razor can provide. Such men take up the art for the sole reason of being able to sharpen their own razor themselves. Other men do it for the manliness aspect. It is undeniable that open razor shaving is the manliest way to shave.

Still others do it to save the environment. It is undeniable that using a cut throat razor produces much less waste than any other method; close to zero in fact. Whatever the reason, you can expect close and comfortable shaves if you master the art of the cut throat razor. Yet, there are so many products out there and they're pretty expensive.

Which ones are truly necessary and which ones are just optional? This article will guide you through what is absolutely needed, what is helpful, and what is just for luxury. Let's start with the razor. The most obvious requirement. Yet, not so obvious as to which one to buy. Modern makers include Dovo, Thiers Issard, and Wacker. Boker and Revisor have also started up production again. Also, there are custom makers and semi-custom makers.

The list can go on and on. Finally, there are vintage razors to be had from a song to hundreds of dollars. There's no escaping it, you need a straight razor. If you want a new one, buy from one of the mentioned makers. Purchase the razor that you like the look of; most of them are pretty similar. Stay away from square points, you don't want to poke your cheek with a pointy tip. Stay away from blades larger than 6/8" in width, any larger and they become unwieldy.

Only buy a new razor made in the USA, Germany, or France. The absolute minimalist setup is of course, just the cut throat razor. You can conceivably continue to use the canned shaving cream, although that's not recommended. Plus, you won't receive the full benefit of switching. That said, you do need a strop if you want to do more than just try a straight razor for a couple of shaves. If you don't strop your razor, you can expect your razor to go dull in about a week or two. If you can't afford a strop or are interested in a cheaper alternative, there are a few guides out there.

 You need a strop. There's not much getting around the fact. A strop is only a piece of leather though, so you can make your own. You don't want to purchase the finest strop made in the beginning. You're very likely to nick the strop learning how to strop. You will want a badger/boar/horsehair brush and soap. Straight razor shaving is part of traditional wet-shaving.

Not using a badger brush and hard soap is just doing it half-way. Plus, the traditional soaps are infinitely better and cheaper than canned goo. You may want some first aid items. Nicks while shaving are a fact of life. Even after over a decade of straight razor shaving, I still nick myself if I'm not concentrating. It's no worse than a cartridge, but it happens.

First aid consists of a styptic pencil and liquid band-aid or a moleskin. You may also want to look into an alum block. And that is it. If you want to be self-sufficient and put in the time necessary to learn yet another new skill, you can purchase a hone to keep your razor sharp. Or, you could do what most people do and send their razor out for sharpening. The cost is $10-$25. Truly a bargain at $10 considering you have to spend thousands of hours to become truly proficient at honing and spend hundreds to thousands of dollars to purchase the same equipment the pros use.