Shaving with a Straight Razor - The traditional way to shave 

It's even in ye olde 720p

I received a straight razor in 1976 from a friend who made a trip to Germany. I was 17 at the time. He said it would be the only shaving tool I'd ever need. I'd used double edge and injectors up til that point. Didn't have the guts to try it. Two years ago I finally got the guts. Bought all the stones and strops needed to keep it shave sharp. I use it whenever I have time to take time. Otherwise I use a DE. Honestly, it's easier to cut myself with the DE. I rarely cut myself with the straight razor. Shaves are closer too. If I had known I would have manned up years ago.

This is the only How-To video that didn't annoy the piss out of me. Straight to the point, no "Heyy guys, today I'm gonna show you....blah blah I like the sound of my own voice and being the star of every video I make..etc etc."

One of the best shaving tutorials on RU-vid I've ever seen. Simply outstanding! Well done and very detailed! I even love the 1920's theme with effects that is used in making this video as an old fashioned concept to shaving! Classic!

362 people who disliked this video don't have enough testosterone to grow facial hair.

I learned to straight razor shave when I was 15 as Dad was a trained barber from the old country. Started DE shaving when I started shaving my head as it was challenging for me not being able to see the edge. If learning how to SR shave, you can never collect enough information and practice, practice, practice with patience until it becomes second nature. Use what works for you but don't forget other things that you have learned as they may serve you in the future. "Time and patience are the attributes that will get you proficient, enjoying yourself is the key to success". These are the most impactful words Dad shared with me. If you have a problem with that , electric or cartridge razors are always available to you. Great, to the point video. Enjoyable to watch and a bit of comedy at the end was cool. Keep up the great work!

I started on a straight razor at 14 with my great grandfather's old blade and never went back and I can say this is a great video.

This video was not only educational but fun to watch. I like the nostalgic filming used to demonstrate the shaving process, way to go guys. This was awesome and I'll probably watch it over just because it was fun to watch👍

I do enjoy that you got your hands on a classic car for this video.

I’m a 48 year old woman and I just learned how to straight razor shave! Xxxx

For those who don't want to learn the art of sharpening, shavettes (straight razor with disposable blade) are available.

An excellent and fun video. I have been straight shaving for a decade now and would never go back to those disposable things and the cans of goo. Current politics aside, a straight razor is not that difficult to use and they provide about a thousand times better shave. I wish I could tell you how much money it has saved me as it certainly could, but I have acquired a small collection of straight razors including a couple customs. Straight shaving is a fantastic connection to history and it is a daily luxury that can save you money if you want it to. Most do indeed learn to switch hands with the razor, but it is far from necessary if you prefer one hand only. Take your time learning and it is safe, enjoyable and provides a better shave.

I got an old book with diagrams and tried to figure it out, it didn't go well. This was a big help thanks! Not giving up.

speed up this video and it feels like one of those old timey sped up classics

that different grip is a game changer!!

This video is a work of art

By far, THE BEST straight razor shaving video I’ve EVER seen !!!

The two different grips to hold the straight razor was very helpful. Haven't seen this detail in other videos.

One point I took from this video is the stropping technique, like a half X pattern that’s mirrored back to the start. What I discovered is this helped get one hell of an edge on my razor, I was always worried about the tip of my razor not being on par with the middle, not any more so thanks for that subtle but very useful hint!

Really love this! I was expecting a pretty straightforward tutorial but was happily treated to a this informative and we'll done piece!

The best tutorial I've seen. Thanks

Exceptional fine clip, sir, if I may say so, sir!? Rather nice touch at the ending aswell and it made me smile alot, I grant you.

I'm bleeding so bad right now

You forgot to mention that before the first shave, one should write and sign its' Will and make a prayer...because the razor is also called "cut-throat"

Good show old chap, hats off to you for this fine and helpful video.

Funny I have always used my right hand for my whole face. This is the way my dad taught me how to do it. I started to seriously shave around 14. I turn 50 in 3 weeks so I guess I’ve been wrong all these years. Plus it may be cheating but I have used a disposal blade straight razor for about 12? Years now. I still have my old razor and strop. I like the convince of the disposal blade ones more though. I also never have had to go back and shave against the grain. I get baby’s ass smooth shaves without going against the grain. Plus the few times I’ve tried going against the grain. The old spice or bay rum burns like wildfire.

An excellent tutorial from start to end, thank you, sir.

Simply wonderful! Both informative and funny. I never knew that One is supposed to change hands. I only ever learnt to shave with one hand. I still use my late father's straight razor which is over eighty years old.

Good Work Hajo,great film,good information,vintage music,Great!!

Thanks, for the instructional. Gillette sent me here.

Kudos to you guys for putting a lot of effort in making this video and playing a significant role in reviving the almost lost tradition.

Excellent vid, loved the whole old traditional style, music, the dress, everything, don't know what the hell I'm doing wrong when it comes to stropping.

I gotta admit I got a kick out of the ending

Awesome video. I loved it, especially the end.

such a nice -well put 2geather video!!im 65...ive had a HANKERRING 2 use 1 for quite some time!!!

That's a nice ride....I could picture Gary Cooper rolling in that thing🎥🎬

just followed these techniques with a shavette, went great. Haven't seen any other video where they turn the blade around (index finger on the tang) to do the lips and chin, nice tip. Don't think I'll completely switch to the shavette/cutthroat but it is fun

Well done! Informative and still fun!

I can't give enough like to this. Thanks.

With right hand: Yes!! I am good at this! Switch to left: cut my neck I'm dying Satan( with a Jim Carey ironic expression): So we tried new things today, hm?

The Boker Celebration is a incredible straight razor! Awesome quality Boker!

great video.Shows you exactly how its done.

got a french point dovo coming going to start using that. always been using a safety razor and wanted to give the sr a try

I remember those close shaves. Don't know if I want to take the time! Great job and fun too!!

Great video, super informative and entertaining! 🙌🏼😊

A great tutorial, especially with regard to he three ways to hold the razor to keep to the traditional Left for Left, and Right for Right sides of the face when shaving WTG and Left for Right hand side of the face when shaving ATG and vice versa. I think that this will help me gain better control with my non-dominant had

Nice older video. Thanks.

Totally outstanding!

The ending! Hahaha! I was just about to end the video and for some reason I looked back at the screen as the water was being thrown. Good job

Felicitaciones!! Muy creativo y enseñas alternativas para mi desconocidas!!

Very excellent video. I'm thinking of trying this. I don't like being dependent on purchasing disposable razors.

But my left hand is retarded. I don't think it can be trusted to move a razor across my neck and face.

Loved it! Very well done!

Very nice video, well done, good music and very interesting to see the shaving techniques.

Very cool video!

can we just enjoy the video without judging every single detail? jesus...

Great Video and very helpfull. Thanks

Great video, best I have seen yet...

100% amazing and 100% off topic, but where did you buy your glasses I'm dying to get a pair of round lens glasses

great video, entertaining and very informative

Very nice video, well done. Thank you for all your work.

Nice vintage shave n music....and Hey, That's a jaguar Mark II

loved this video

Great video. If it was good enough for grandpa, its good enough for us.

Outstanding!!!

Finally a good tutorial

Just completed my first shave with a SR and found this video with the various holds to be instructive, so helpful. Thank you for posting this excellent tutorial.

What a happy coincidence, I recently purchased a Boker vintage 5/8ths straight razor recently.

So satisfying watching this

I got a bit shitsy-pantsy a couple of times there, but this was clearly a successful undertaking, and a desired outcome. Well done!

Been shaving with SR,s for 30 years a little time consuming but well worth the effort.

I've got a Boker keen kutter and a vintage boker on way to me. Pretty excited to go back in time for a Royal luxurious shave!

The music is a bit much after the first 3 minutes otherwise excellent

the music is Fig Leaf Times Two by Kevin MacLeod

If I shaved the way you shave, my face would reach it's ignition temperature from the razor burn

He should've soaked the beard with a hot wet hand towel or washcloth. Also, it helps to dunk the blade in really hot water for a few seconds right before shaving. Warms up the blade and makes it a little easier to shave with.

I got a Böker Red-injun no 101 from my grandma, my grandfather who owned it passed away in '65. Its very old and she and i both conclude it was likely HIS dad's and im thinking pre 20s looking at the tree on the tang, but i dont know, when did the Red-injun start production?

the good old days

amazing vid

Nice scuttle and cream bowl.

I never saw that alternate grip used on the first pass before.

then again you could sort out the honing of the cut throat before lathering ..... so the making sure of the warm lather is redundant i guess.

Ótimo tutorial! Muito bem produzido.

I use a feather safety razor its the only razor I use in the last two years. They are sharp and one lasts up to 15 shaves and thats going with the grain and a second pass against the grain. I'm looking into using a straight razor but Im afraid. Especially around the neck area 😳 this guy is very skilled going against the grain with a straight razor. Btw great video 🙂

the honing part is the best part of it. Heads up, hones aint cheap!

Shaving with a straight razor, a masculine way to shave and a way of life.

Great Mk II Jag, very nice

Thank you

Well done.

Be sure to wear your Top Hat also!;)-John in Texas

great vid :)

Well done. :)

Apart the length of the cutting edge and the handle which is the difference between king cutter white and Edelweiss boker 5/8?

Is sharpening paste used on the cotton side of the strop?

That is a nice jag

How to shave: Step 1: Travel to an outside location with a Jag

Very very cool. Fully dressed, clean shave on grown beard, video is slightly paced up however you can see how fast this can be done. My choice for a straight razor is the minimisation of waste that is achievable as at some point I did not feel good using a safety rasor since it's a mix of plastics and metals. This video is the one I was after, too many of the yuppi shaves around. So to sum it up on the downward pass (I skip the sharpening since I use disposable blades), lathering cream application, skin tentioning is the big one, various technical holds of blade to reach all areas, particularaly liked the reverse one, renew the cream on parts available as you go, as it gets absorbed by skin. Once its done on both sides, if you want a really close shave, you will re apply a coat of cream with the applicator so the cream goes as far as possible at micro level, and repeat the operation from bottom to top. Did I miss anything?

Nice & Thank you :)

Why a 5/8 blade instead of a 6/8? Anyway, great video 👌🏼

Bellissimo video