Buying Your First Straight Razor: What a Beginner MUST Know!

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Ready to elevate your shaving experience with your very first straight razor? This video is your essential guide to entering the world of classic shaving. Whether you're seeking a closer shave or want to embrace an age-old grooming tradition, we've got all the insights you need to get started. Plus, I’ll share my personal recommendations for beginner-friendly models that will deliver on performance and quality.
Whether you're buying a gift or starting a new personal grooming ritual, this video will provide you with the confidence to make an informed purchase.
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Опубликовано:

16 июн 2024

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Комментарии : 60

@rsolsjo Месяц назад

I started with shavettes and honestly prefer them. It's like diving off the deep end, but there are a lot of benefits: no maintenance required, you can change to a sharper (or less sharp) blade at any time, they come in different sizes and styles, no stropping needed, etc. If I had started with a straight razor I think I would've been frustrated or potentially gotten a slightly tuggy shave, and not understood what kind of maintenance is required. Maybe even stopped with straights/shavettes altogether. I think I'd advise people to at least buy a very small, very cheap shavette and try it with a forgiving blade first. That's almost like renting a car, buying a straight is like buying a used car that needs regular upkeep and maintenance to function well.

@daviddixon2209 Месяц назад

I shaved with a straight razor exclusively for about 10 years. I'd amassed a collection of about 60 razors by the time I realized it was taking too much of my time. Some of the vintage razors are exceptional.

@Ivanhoe52 Месяц назад

Drawing, painting, woodwork with hand tools (plus honing them), blacksmithing and straight razor wet shaving (the time really flies off)... There's no school like old school. I can hardly wait to bladesmith one for my self as an artist (as you said). Funny thing-DeLorean was also made of stainless steel... Best regards P.S. "Get to the chopaaaaaa...!!!!!!"

@sparksmcfadden5027 Месяц назад

I got into wet shaving for the ritual and taking the time to just be in the moment. I purchased one of the restored RAs from the Emporium and that has been bliss even with the nicks. Of course I just had to get a Dubl Duck when I came across it now I have RAD. Thank you Matt for your videos and help with the whole wet shaving world.

@matth5117 Месяц назад

I’ve always enjoyed a straight razor shave at the barber. I’ve been using a ‘40’s Gillett safety razor for years!

@kevinwine1985 Месяц назад

Awesome video!! Gents I am a vintage Gillette de shaver, but with that being said, some years ago when I got tired of the disposable and cartridge razors, I got a shavette, and soon after I was shaving with a regular straight razor. A straight razor is like a de razor in the sense, they become very personable. A couple tips for there care are like Matt has mentioned with de razors, take your blade out and let it air dry, I had rust on mine when I was shavette shaving. And when I was straight razor shaving, after I was done and dried the razor off, I would take a q-tip and put a light coat of Vaseline on the blade, that will help keep your straight razor from rusting. I hope everyone has a great time with their choice for wet shaving.

@chewbacca7856 Месяц назад

I use a carbon steel Boker and a Dovo stainless. The Boker does have a small amount of pitting on it. I like the feel of the stainless razor better but they are both great for shaving. I have a shavette that I haven't used in forever. I probably need to revisit it again and see what it feels like. I think it was rather harsh on my skin.

@RazorEmporium Месяц назад

Right on

@jackkigerl1572 Месяц назад

Great video! And I appreciate the eyes wide open take. I'm looking for my first buy and this helped make sure I have my head in the right place.

@goteampatrick Месяц назад

This is a great video. I’ve been thinking about trying a straight razor but I need to do a lot more research before buying one.

@jeffdowns2146 Месяц назад

Great video. I just started using a 5/8 round point. Gotta say it is definitely a learning curve envolved . I like the results . The hardest thing for me i being patient. Definitely do not rush.

@CocoboloCowboy Месяц назад

Great video with lots of great basic Straight Razors 101.🏆

@OhioShaves Месяц назад

Great Video. I learned a lot. Very informative

@RazorEmporium Месяц назад

Thank you sir 🙏

@hoosurdaddy666 Месяц назад

Good advice for anyone thinking about getting into straight shaving. Word of warning though, like any other aspect of wet shaving acquiring "new" razors can be addicting just like DEs, soaps, brushes, etc. I own 27 straights with all but one dating back to at least the '50's . . . . .they are just cool. And then once I started I of course had to get some strops, diamond paste, diamond stones and water stones going from 400 grit all the way up to 20,000. I may have gone a bit wild but it is pretty satisfying sharpening and shaving with a piece of history. Makes you feel like Josey Wales or the High Plains Drifter. . . . just bad ass.

@nthdegree1269 Месяц назад

Very good information here

@JimiVPhotography Месяц назад

Sadly, my hands aren't steady enough for a straight. But I did love being shaved by one when I was on location in Italy. Real old style village barber, just nothing like it!

@tompvic Месяц назад

At one time almost got a Ralf Aust full hallow from Lynn Abram’s Straight razor company. And then I see your straight razor video about how much time one would have to spend maintaining it, and decided against the purchase. But still fascinated about using one from the 1800’s. Nice video.

@JeroenvanKleef Месяц назад

Great video with a nice summary of things! I’ve been using a straight razor for almost 2 years now, and really like it. Been using a safety razor for over 6 years. Apparently the quality of new (post 1950s) vs old steel is due to atomic testing they did back then which really had an impact on the iron ore. I’ve heard this from a metallurgist. Also steel from old shipwrecks is highly sought after for this reason. Maybe that also explains the feel of those vintage straights and how good they are to maintain.

@Leenunes007 Месяц назад

I aspire to be better at edge maintenance, but I kinda suck at it! I'm most confident with an old Weck with Kismet hair shaper blades. I find it more forgiving than AC shavettes, and definitely more forgiving than half DE.

@Rood67 Месяц назад

As @rsolsjo mentioned shavettes; I believe this may be the way I go in order to try moving up from my decade of DE with Feather blades shaving.

@brianh2287 Месяц назад

I don't believe I will ever get into straight razor shaving but this is a great video as usual. I learned a lot Matt, thanks. I get great one pass shaves with my Rex Ambassador !

@RazorEmporium Месяц назад

💯🙏

@johnbipolarskitzo1703 Месяц назад

I'm glad you mentioned the ear lobe. My first straight razor thankfully is a round point and my first shave I apparently used my ear as a guide and well definitely would have done some lobe damage if it wasn't a round point.

@RazorEmporium Месяц назад

Yikes!

@AlitaAvenger Месяц назад

Thank you Matt. I have one shavette but have not really started with it, because I feel very content with my DE razors and one single edge. My comfort zone 🙂 I also wonder how stable a single edge blade is anchored in a shavette compared to the screw mechanisms in DE razors. Have a good weekend 🙏

@Paul_the_kiwi_shaver Месяц назад

Fantastic video, was just the information I was looking for, I'd like to ask your thoughts on the boker king cutter

@RazorEmporium Месяц назад

I love it

@Shaverboy516 Месяц назад

Another informative video Matt! I think from DE I would try a shavette to get the feel, but I’m enjoying DE shaving so much:)

@RazorEmporium Месяц назад

Right on!

@Vince_Tasciotti Месяц назад

I occasionally think about buying a straight razor. But there is a lot to consider about upkeeping and maintaining it, and the involved expenses. With that in mind, I stay with the double edge razor. Looking at the various blades on a straight razor, I have to wonder the purpose of the barber notch.

@RazorEmporium Месяц назад

ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-DxdqL1--Kyc.htmlsi=mDL-EeeMhX0_IhpW I cover that here

@robertcochran7103 Месяц назад

Thank you for posting this excellent video. I do have a straight razor that I bought some years ago. There was not too much logic in my purchase: it was done more because my eyes saw the candy than because I was looking for just the right razor for a beginner. I think I damaged the edge almost immediately after opening the razor. I did manage to get part of one shave done with my new "straight", but it felt big and heavy and I did get a nick. I was filled with fear of the razor every second. I didn't know how to hold it for the specific shaving stroke and part of my face that I wanted to shave. I was afraid, afraid, afraid! Terror raced my heart! I wasn't sure where to put the razor down so I could rinse my face. (My house was built in 1937, the bathroom is rather small and the toilet seat is plenty bigger than the vanity sink, so I just couldn't decide where to put the straight when I wanted to rinse or after shaving.) Mostly I had this terrible fear of using the straight razor wrong and cutting myself. So after that first shave, I put it aside and never used it again. Maybe I can get back into it...I have a strop and could learn....

@olehkovch Месяц назад

Make a review of electric shaver/shaving

@obeconoberougle9497 Месяц назад

Great video Matt! I would definitely agree with you that it will be much easier for those coming from safety razors and shavettes vs electric and cartridge razors. I personally came from aggressive DEs and shavettes. I'll also add that a straight razor is actually more forgiving than shavettes. I started out with a round point Gold Dollar. It was love at first shave. 😂 I've since added several more Gold Dollars. Several vintage razors, including a Wade & Butcher. And several of Ralf Aust, Thiers Issard and Boker. I've recently ventured into the honing rabbit hole as well. I love my DE's and shavettes. But shaving with a straight is such a truly special and unique experience that nothing else compares to. My favorite blade is a 6/8 Extra Full Hollow Spanish Point. But I have various points, blade widths and grinds in my collection. Happy Straight Shaves!

@RazorEmporium Месяц назад

Good stuff here thx

@RoderickGMacLeod Месяц назад

Re: New vs Vintage This is my way of thinking, trying to be as objective as I can reasonably be. For a new straight razor shaver, a new razor should be the choice if for no reason than to keep the few companies still making them in business. Keep it simple with basic scales, no gold or fancy metal work on the spine. Just as with musical instruments, there are "student guitars" for a reason. Buy a "student razor". A couple more reasons: Somewhere along the line you're going to screw up and drop the razor, bang it into the edge of the sink, bounce it off of the faucet etc. Possibly damaging the edge beyond repair or to to the point where it needs modification. Better to make those mistakes on something that is easily replaceable. The broad category of "you don't know what you don't know". Pretty much everybody who sells new straight razors includes or will add honing to be sure that the razor truly is shave ready. Just as with a factory fresh DE, you can be reasonably sure that there's no damage or misalignment. Vintage razors, especially those sold on auction sites tend to be sold "as is" with no warranty whatsoever. Maybe there's a flaw, maybe there isn't. My view on the metallurgy on some antiques is that the 19th century razors that are still around are examples of the best batches. How many razors from that period are no longer around? I have to assume that the surviving razors were both the best of the lot and well looked after. It doesn't necessarily prove how well razors were made back then, it just proves that that particular razor was well made. If you're going to learn how to hone buy some cheap razors like the Gold Dollar from China and practice with them. A lot.

@melchurch3019 Месяц назад

Good thoughts and suggestions. I inherited my great grandfathers straights but learned to sharpen and shave with some estate sale razors I found. The process of stropping and shaving is much slower but fun and relaxing. If I'm in a hurry I grab the Feather Kamisori and can do a quick shave.

@RazorEmporium 13 дней назад

Congrats - you're the winner of the Weekly T-Shirt give-away! Please contact us at help@razoremporium.com with your address and size and we will get it shipped out right away! Thanks everyone! Stay tuned next week for another giveaway! - Razor Emporium Team

@noname1247 Месяц назад

Love the channel. Can you recommend some specific beginner straight razor models? e.g. Round point, 5/8" Straight Razors.

@RazorEmporium Месяц назад

Ralf Aust / dovo / Boker. They will all shave you - much of these come down to aesthetics or handle material.

@patriciamassie8505 Месяц назад

I am working on the double edged world but I really appreciated the information as I am curious and you helped narrow down the field for what to get for the next adventure. I would have loved to see some of the sharpening care. Not the full stones but do I need the leather strop to care of the blade? What care do I need to do to the blade to keep the edge between when I send it out to get resharpened?

@RazorEmporium Месяц назад

ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-5sfsSNaXMqw.html

@ricoviselli Месяц назад

I am interested to see so many gents discussing shavettes. I have a few in my collection but I rarely use them. An Italian Focus Slim Al(uminum) which uses the crimp in a hand split double edge blade as a spring to hold the blade more solidly. I am not sure if this isn't a case of a solution searching for a problem, but it works as designed, but requires a learning curve to load properly. A Facon artist club copy of the Feather shavettes. I like the larger blade more on my General "straight on a stick". Let us not forget the forgotten vintage push button Gems that seem to peek out during single blade September but always give a great shave. I never did get a Str8. I do have an image of my grandfather using one. It's a very romantic image. I also remember seeing him stropping to a sweaty mess on a hot Sunday morning before air conditioning. That's too much like work for my taste.

@RazorEmporium Месяц назад

We've got a shavette video coming down the pipeline - just shot it this week

@zerotheherojjhayden7624 Месяц назад

Would you possibly put out a list of suggestions for beginners brand/styles to go. Does anyone have recommendations for full video with instructions of whole process from preparing blade, shave, and after care of equipment? Thank you for all suggestions and guidance

@RazorEmporium 14 дней назад

I'd search our channel.

@salvadorsantos315 Месяц назад

Great video as always Matt! Jump into straights guys, shave like your great grandpa did!

@RazorEmporium Месяц назад

Good idea!!

@TheCaribert Месяц назад

The main thng you need before you buy that razor....get plenty of bandages and steptic pencils! It takes prctice, practice, practice!! I am speaking from experience........I prefer the single edge safety razors! Thanks Matt! do enjoy your videos!

@RazorEmporium Месяц назад

Thank you

@johnfields8308 Месяц назад

I bought a Boker 5 years ago, but I am still too chicken to try it. I bought a shavette but I am too chicken for it also. I guess my English Red Tip is my grail

@thew4lker Месяц назад

2:49 which brand is that small razor? I want it!

@anthonyml7 Месяц назад

Even though the answer to this might started with "depends", I'm curious, how often do you need to hone your straight razor? or for example if I don't want to purchase stones and hone it myself, how often would I have to send it in to you guys to do?

@RazorEmporium Месяц назад

It depends 😜 Your first time with a straight razor may be 2 weeks due to bad stropping technique. But your next time could be 2-3 months before honing. Then if you get strop pastes you could get 4-6 months.

@ShadowMind312 Месяц назад

If a person has or gets a 3 piece double edge safety razor then, they may replicate the straight razor experience by assembly of the razor without baseplate.

@salvadorsantos315 Месяц назад

I wouldn't do that. The 3 piece was designed to have the baseplate there to help stop chatter and hold the blade tight. Instead get a shavette. They are inexpensive and most closely approximate a straight. But since they use a DE blade, they are a little less forgiving than a straight. If you get good with a shavette, you'll be amazing with an actual straight.

@ShadowMind312 Месяц назад

Thanks for the advice!

@hughswanzy8871 Месяц назад

I've tried straight razors several times, it still makes me nervous.

@salvadorsantos315 Месяц назад

Find a morning that you have time and take it slow. Keep the spine or the non sharpened edge closer to your skin and slowly move it away from your skin, and you'll hear the edge start shaving. Matt has great videos on how to shave. If you get nervous around your chin and under your nose, switch to your DE for those areas. You'll never know unless you try. I dove straight into a straight when I started wet shaving and have a bunch of straights and DE razors too.