Recommend a good straight blade.

[CZ9shooter]

Not really weapons related, but... I just succeded in bringing my Delica4 to "light saber sharp" levels. After which I decided to give shaving a try. Went ok. Not the closest shave I've had, and one small nick, but I am happy with the results. Now I just need some practice and a real blade meant for shaving. No more spending an arm and a leg for those fancy disposable replacements.

I want a real blade that a guy sharpens himself. Not the type that have replaceable, factory made, razors. Any recommendations? I am trying not to break the bank, but if quality costs money, so be it.

 

[hso]

I did this for a while and then found that I just was too rushed to take the time to do it every day. As an investment it was a bust, but at least I didn't cut my throat learning how.



Besides having to learn to use it properly, the challenge with straight razor shaving, besides the nicks and cuts (and the blood), is the need to maintain the razor. You'll need supplies and to develop the skill to maintain the edge.

Then there's the $200 "entry fee" to purchase a reasonable quality starter straight razor (we had a thread previously about a member messing with one of the cheap "Sweeney Todd" novelty razors). That may sound expensive, but that's a one time cost that when compared to the repeated expense of disposable razors takes the price per shave down below that of disposables (if you keep up with it). Good site here to look into straight razor shaving- http://straightrazorplace.com/beginners/38137-first-straight-razor-shave-read-first.html

So, after you plunk down $200 for a razor, $100 for strop and supplies, the periodic trip to the sharpeners to get that edge restored you'll have some money invested. Now, here's the risky part - collecting straight razors! Like most things "unusual" you'll feel the urge to get a second razor, just to be practical (of course) and have a spare for when you send one off for sharpening. Then there will be the "interesting antique", then the new-fangled disposable blade one, then ... $$$. You get the picture.


Do you realllllllly want to put your foot on the slippery slope (made even slipperier by shaving soap) or just walk away from the expense associated with buying your first straight razor?

http://www.artofmanliness.com/2009/10/06/how-to-straight-razor-shave/
http://www.theartofshaving.com/razors-straight-razors/razors-straight-razors,default,sc.html

MOD NOTE: This is a straight razor discussion and no other shaving methods are on the table for discussion.

 

[Kingcreek]

I shave with a vintage high quality straight razor (wade and butcher original bow razor and a couple others) about once a week during warmer weather. I use a DE safety razor the other days and beard up for winter. The straight razor is great when I've got lots of time after a hot shower Saturday or Sunday evening. Great experience but more of everything- more prep, more time, more paraphernalia.

 

[Smokey Joe]

Straight razor...

$200??? Ye gods!!

Mebbe a new straight razor costs that. And mebbe a new strop costs $100. BUT--Old straight razors are still made of fine steel and old strops are still leather.

If I wanted a straight razor (I've already got mine) I'd start going to flea markets, garage sales, estate sales, and farm auctions. Secondarily to antique dealers--pricier there, but still nowhere near 200 bucks. Old razors and old strops, all still in XLNT shape, can be had. It takes some looking, but it's doable.

As to sharpening--Haven't tried to yet, but when/as/if, I'd do it just like a fine knife--Using my belt sander and fine, VERY fine, grit. (I have one belt with 9 micron grit--Fine enough for you?) I can certainly put a "razor edge" on a knife using that equipment. Somewhere I have a very fine-grit stone, meant for sharpening a straight razor, but I do all my sharpening on the belt now. Also have a black, Hard Arkansas stone.

The rest of your needs are an ordinary coffee cup (grab one out of the cupboard that your significant other doesn't like) and a cake of shaving soap to fit into the cup. I just bought 2 cakes of shaving soap @ my local Walgreens for 2/$5.

Takes a little practice to get good at straight-razor-shaving, but doesn't any skill.

 

[craftsman]

MBOE794 - You can pay as little as $25 for a starter ... check this site out for your initial foray ... http://www.straightrazor.com/ Custom made can run up to $1K each. Buffalo horn handles, Damascus steel blades, etc. You get the picture.

 

[Smokey Joe]

Shaving equipment II...

Forgot to add that you'll also need a shaving brush to spread the lather from the cup to your face. Badger fur is the preferred material for the brush.

Otherwise, you can always get by with squirt-foam, available @ any drugstore.