The Complete Beginners Guide to Straight Razors
For straight razor shaving newcomers, this can often be a daunting job trying to figure out exactly what is needed, for example, razors, strops, brushes, honing stones, soaps, etc. It can often sound like a new language!
Essential Equipment
-
Cut Throat Razor – however, there are various ones to choose from.
-
Leather Strop – Used before every use that keeps the razor both clean and sharp.
-
Shaving Soap – Just like with supermarket-bought razors, your new straight razor will do a safer and better job when combined with either shaving cream or soap on your face.
-
Shaving Brush – Depending on what cream you use, this is an essential tool that will help you to build a thick lather. This will also help to lubricate your face and provides a barrier between your skin and the blade.
Long Term Requirements
-
Honing Stone – Your razor comes ready to use, however, stropping alone does not keep it sharp. After a certain period of time, and depending on how often you shave, you must get a honing stone. Some stores will actually provide honing services, so can get them to do it for you.
Stropping Your Razor
You step out of the shower and are getting ready to shave. However, you forgot to strop your straight razor the last time you used it. So remember to run it along the strop it, as it will ensure that the blade is kept aligned and straight.
Your strop is made up of 2 parts, which are the fabric and the leather side. The purpose of the fabric is it is coarser and will remove anything that can damage the leather, the leather has a smoother surface that will do the bulk of the work on the razor’s surface to ensure it is kept straight and aligned.
For details about the straight razor shaving services and products that Mr. Krispy Professional Barbershop can offer you, and if you live or work in or around the Oakland, CA area, please do not hesitate to contact us at this number (510) 221-3021 today.