Getting Started with a Straight Razor
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by: lwturtledove2011
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Date: Mon, 5 Dec 2011 Time: 10:32 PM
Shaving using a straight razor needn't be painful and annoying, it could be among life's small pleasures. Once you've become adept using the razor, you can begin enjoying the closest and most comfortable shaves you have ever had. You may also start experiencing the Zen aspect of straight razor shaving. Instead of rushing through your daily ritual and attempting to hack away hair on your face and skin, you can look ahead to shaving and the joy it offers you on an every day basis.
Learning how to shave using a straight razor is a large accomplishment. I'm not going to lie to you and say it isn't difficult. Yet it's not terribly difficult either. Even though some people believe it to be an "art," this was the identical shaving method employed by our great grandfathers and even our grandfathers. If they could do it right, you can too.
That said, you should not get out there and dive in head first. Like every good and worthwhile things in life, learning traditional wet shaving needs time and perseverance to learn it right and prevent errors. Naturally, you couldn't run prior to walking, and before you walked, you needed to learn to stand. It is the exact same thing with a cut throat razor. You cannot just jump right in similar to a modern cartridge based razor, nor is it as easy as a double edge razor. Of course this is the reason why open razor shaving has become extinct as a normal technique of shaving.
Below are great tips to help you get started.
It's important to Practice to Get Great
I recognize you've been told this over and over again throughout all of your life, but it is correct. Without muscle memory, we are simply stumbling around doing things haphazardly. Even though a straight razor is much more elegant compared to a knife, in the greater scheme of things, shaving your face using a straight razor is but one slight step from shaving your face with a knife. Do not believe me, look at this video clip.
http://youtu.be/yWd17wm7beI
So, if you do not want to be sorry for ever trying to start using a vintage straight razor, You might want to observe my tips.
Familiarize yourself with Your Razor
Feel how it balances in your hand. Try various grips with it. Slice the air, wave it around (safely), or even shave your arms or legs. Whatever you decide to do, just get accustomed to how it reacts. 90% of straight razor shaving is controlling the angle. If you don't control the razor, you simply won't obtain a good shave.
One of the best ways I've found to learn the right angle & holding method was to shave the rear of my hand. Carrying out that once per day for a few days taught me the way the razor worked, what angle was required to achieve a cutting action, and above all it familiarized me with the razor. Another good method is to practice the razor strokes in the air. Yet, another technique suggested to barber school students is to shave a balloon or tomato. If you utilize a balloon, you ought to think about lathering with only water as it may burst.
Now, it is a wise course of action to shave with both of your hands. Yet it is unnecessary. However, if you are able to master the non-dominant hand, you'll find it to be significantly superior, permitting you to shave tough spots a lot easier.
Each razor balances differently. This is impacted by things like blade breadth, handle components, scale design, blade design, hollowness, etc. Continue to keep trying various grips on the razor to obtain the the one that works for you. Keep in mind, it is your razor, not mine. You'll be able to shave with it however you want. Or, you could utilize a cleaver much like the guy previously mentioned. I ought to note at this moment that you will use another grip for shaving ATG. So learn a minimum of two grips for your razor.
About the Author
Straight razor shaving is one of life's small pleasures. Yet, it's not for the faint of heart or the uncommitted. You will need dedication and practice to master properly. But once acquired, you can begin to relish shaving as opposed to fearing it. For more information on how to shave using a straight razor or if your interested in where to find a professional razor sharpening service visit ASharperRazor.com.
