learn how to shave with a straight edge razor

I used the Dovo Shavette (straight razor with replaceable blades) that I bought and I must say that I liked it a lot. I could call this goal complete since I have shaved twice with the razor and with no incidents, but I would like to wait until I get a real straight razor, learn to hone it, and shave with it in a short amount of time before I call this goal completed.

After much thought as to what straight razor to purchase. I decided to buy a straight razor with a replaceable blade. I am still going to get a real straight razor, but I just don’t have the funds at this moment to be able to afford such a luxury. Therefore I decided to buy the DOVO Shavette, it uses half of a double edged razor that can be bought for 15 cents or less. I figure that this will save me some money (for the razor I want to buy) and I will be able to start learning how to shave with a straight razor.

- GAME ON -

I had this goal in mind for quite a while, but I always put it in the back of the closet. Now I am bringing it out and I will do it. I think that I will start with a cheaper straight razor and then after I am more comfortable I will upgrade into something nice. I spend a ton of money on disposable razors as it is, and I think that this will save me some money. Also the shave with a straight razor is closer and can be more controlled than shaving with a disposable.

I have shaved quite a few times with my straight razors. I really have to figure out how to maintain my blades and work on my technique. I’d mark this as done, but I want to shave with my straight at least once a week, if not daily.

It is just too easy to use the double-edge safety that I have ignored my goal. I will get back into it.

First off, newer doesn’t always mean better or superior. Sometimes things are more popular because of marketing and ease of use. Learning to shave with a straight definately took me some time to perfect, but it is time well spent. I find the shave to be much smoother than that of a traditional multiblade. Now compared with a double edge the shaves are close, the straight is just more fun. With a multi-blade all you do is pop on a cartridge and go at it. This is why they are so popular, but don’t let that lead you to believe that they are by any means better.

Um, yeah the straight razor shave. I learned to do it to cut down on my environmental impact. For that reason it’s worth it. That’s where it ends. It takes a long time and is not quite that comfortable. Constantly sharpening your razor is also a bit of work. All in all, it was a good experience, but I don’t necessarily suggest it. It does make you feel a bit like a cowboy though…

BTW I use “wilkinsen sword” type razors now, all you have to toss is the steel blade, no plastic.

I figured, if the barber can do it, then so can I! I just bought a blade and use an aloe based shaving cream. Might invest in a brush, mug, lather kit soon but gillette aloe seems to be working fine now. Honing and stropping is a bit of a pain but it gets the job done well.

I always get nervous when I’m about to shave the stash, haha.

I have been slipping lately with this goal. I don’t make the time at night to shave or hone my razors, and I just end up doing a quick job with the double edge safety razor. I really need to get back into working on this.

I bought a Tosuke razor from a guy on the straight razor forum. I am going to hone it up and learn to shave with it. I really like the look of the razor and hope it will be one of my prized razors shortly. If you don’t know what a Tosuke is, it is in my profile picture, or you can find it with a Google search. It is a traditional Japanese straight razor.

I am thinking maybe I should get a pasted paddle strop. I am still working on my honing, but I think the paddle would help me keep my edge on the razors I do get sharp so I don’t have to worry about them as much. I can then use the hones and any other restoration tools to get the razors shave ready and then keep them there for a long time with the paddle strop. Just a thought as of right now though.