Surprisingly few people think of straight razors when they’re considering different shaving options. While they’re likely the oldest razor technology that’s still in use, they’re by no means a relic of the past. In recent years, they’ve shot up in popularity again, and you’ve likely seen both adverts and pop culture references springing up left right and centre. That being said, are they really worth the hype? Let’s find out.
Unbeatable shave quality
First off, it’s important to note that straight razors provide a shave quality that’s quite literally unbeatable. While other razors might be safer or slightly easier to use, they often achieve this at the cost of removing the blade from the face just ever so slightly.
You’ll likely need to do fewer strokes across your skin with a straight razor, resulting in less irritation and a lower chance of ingrown hairs. The end result of shaving with a sharp straight razor, especially once you’ve gotten your technique down, is astounding – once you’ve tried it, it’s unlikely that you’ll switch back to alternative shaving methods.
The learning curve
If you’re considering using a straight razor, it’s important to recognise that it has a steeper learning curve compared to other kinds of razors. While with electric and cartridge razors, you can pretty much just take it out of the packet and start using it with minimal risk of harming yourself, straight razors require a lot more care.
Before you start using your new razor, make sure that you look up some comprehensive tutorials on techniques and watch some YouTube videos. If possible, try to see if you have a friend who has experience using straight razors – it’s a lot more fun to learn from someone else in person, and you’re more likely to start off with good habits straight away.
A more satisfying routine
Once you’ve gotten the hang of using your straight razor, shaving often becomes something that you might even be able to look forward to. It becomes a little ritual, a more meaningful and conscious part of your daily routine.
While this isn’t going to change your life on its own, when you start to pay more attention to the little things – how you make your coffee, your evening routine – it can start to contribute to a generally better quality of life.
What to watch out for
With straight razors, to make the most of them you need to treat them with respect. While that means learning the right shaving techniques, it also means taking care to keep your blade as sharp as possible, and preparing your skin properly before starting. Honing straight razors is an easy but important part of blade maintenance, and isn’t something that you want to leave for too long.
While straight razors won’t be for everyone, we definitely do think that they’re worth the increased attention they’re receiving right now. If you’re looking for a shaving option that’s slightly different, provides exemplary results, and will make your life a little bit more interesting, then it’s definitely worth giving it a shot.