Shaving- another skill

[James MacMillan]

For thirty of my thirty three years in the Corps, I shaved with a straight razor.

If you have to shave, that's the only way to do it.

It makes all kinds of sense and logic! - - - but only if you learn to sharpen the razor yourself!

[Howard Clark]

It is very important to learn to maintain the razor yourself. You need a hone and a strop. Beard prep is important. I am partial to old German razors, myself. Though at last count I was now up to an even dozen ivory handled antiques. Most German, some English, and a couple of Swedish made ones. I picked up a lovely seven day set a while back.

One of my friends who also uses a straight razor prefers to use "Dr. Sheffield's Shave Cream in a Tube". It is good stuff, smells nice, and old-timey too. I use it mostly in my travel kit, and at home use the Mary Kay Men's shaving cream. (my wife is a Mary Kay consultant). It is a very good product. I like the soap too.

For rouge on the strop, many things will work. I use one micron diamond paste. One of my friends uses pure lead. Wipe it on, it oxidizes almost instantly, and the PbO is a very soft abrasive that polishes the edge nicely. Of course all the standard disclaimers about lead are in order. I.e. don't eat it, and wash your hands after using it.

[Kent Frazier]

Another good forum is shavemyface.com. I don't use a straight, but I have switched to a DE "safety razor". I also use a shaving cream, mug and brush.
I wouldn't go back to the canned stuff for anything.

Kent

[sharpdressedscot]

I don't know the idea of putting a blade to my face and neck is a bit...scary?

[escherblacksmith]

I'd love to, but my wife won't hear of it. Even the thought of me using a straight razor gives her the screaming heebie-jeebies . . . and I don't even shave my neck!

[Dirk Skene]

I've been using a straight razor for years. As far as I am concerned it is the best way to go. I use an electric to crop my beard & mustash.

[Streetcar]

Funny, I've just started a shaving bug of my own. Granted, I'm not using a straight razor, but I happened across a place called The Art of Shaving in the Bellevue Square Mall.
Their stuff is pretty hoidy-toidy, but I learned quite a bit tallking to the employees. I picked up a brush, pre-shave oil and some new shave cream, and now I get some great results with just a regular Mach 3.

They are also one of the few places in the area to offer a straight razor shave, however, I understand that reservations are recommended.

[Fox]

Aside from some pasted stropping, Lynn has kept my razors sharp thus far. Been shaving with a straight for almost two years now, and can do it literally with my eyes closed. Of course I am blind and used to that sort of thing. Enough bragging, just read the great information on Straight Razor Place, take your time and you might never look back.

Lynn is THE MAN when it comes to honing. So, fear not. Your razor will be perfect when you get it back.

[Mike1]

Lynn is THE MAN when it comes to honing. So, fear not. Your razor will be perfect when you get it back.

No question, Lynn is a darned good choice. Lynn actually owns the Straight Razor Place site. He hones a lot of them and you're going to get an amazingly sharp razor when he's finished.

I purchased a restoration from Bill Ellis and the edge on that one was incredible, as well.

Streetcar, be forewarned that TAoS is pretty high-priced on most products.

If you're looking for a wide array of shaving soaps (and bath soaps, too), aftershaves and colognes, check out Mama Bear. Sue is good people, her product is top notch and her prices are more than fair. She recently moved to Wisconsin and just got her operation back up and running. If you decide to do any business with her, let her know Mike set you. She'll likely take pity on you for knowing me!

[Bob C]

I pound my whiskers in with a hammer and chew 'em off from the inside.