How To Shave With A Straight Razor ...Going old School

How To Shave With A Straight Edge Razor

From the early dawn of life there has been evidence of cave man learning basic skills to keep his face clean for the smooth skin for the cavewomen to get close. Over the centuries man has evolved and so has the shaving utensil. Up until the late 1930’s the straight edge razor had been around for about 100 years. Today, the straight edge razor is slowly making a straight cut back to households and barber shops.

Things you will need

A Straight Edge Razor

A Bowl, Wide cup

A Hone

A Leather Strap

A Shaving Brush

A Mug Shaving Cream

A Restroom OR Just A Mirror

A Steady Hand ( Highly Recommended)

Steps to prepare shaving with your straight edge razor

1. Prepare your face by quickly giving a quick wash, just getting out of the shower or simply run a small towel under running hot water then placing on your face. Leave the towel on your face for about 2- 4 minutes.

2. After this your beard is ready. Fill your bowl or cup with water and place your brush with bristles soaking in water.

3. During this time keep your beard wet try not to let it dry to much. Use your brush to lather the soap in a circular motion continue till shaving cream is a little thick.

Getting ready to shave

Now begin to lather your face with the shaving cream using your shaving brush in a circular motion. Begin putting shaving cream from one side of your face all around to the other side of face. Afterwards, use a dry cloth to wipe away any extra shaving cream.

Apply one more layer of shaving cream to your face having a nice thick shaving cream is the best way to get a smooth cut.

Leave shaving cream on your face for about 1 to 2 minutes. If you have a thick beard or short coarse hair you may leave shaving cream up to five minutes.

(reminder) if shaving cream is getting hard simply re-lather.

When you begin shaving with your straight edge razor use one hand to pull the skin tightly.

When holding the straight edge razor use your two fingers holding the end of the arm handle. While shaving use your other fingers to hold the handle tilting the straight edge razor to 20 - 90 degree angle.

To be able to keep a facial balance start shaving closer to the ear on one side slowly trimming your way down to the chin and neck area. Shaving your check to your jaw line your, strokes will be short until coming around to the front of the face with longer strokes. Shaving in the direction of the hair growth. Re-apply shaving cream and repeat 2 to 3 times if needed.

To shave the mustache area under your nose, pull the tip of your nose up and to your right when shaving the left side of the area. Up and to the left when shaving the right side. Only shaving downward, away from your nose.

You have now experienced your first use of the straight edge razor. Over time and patience your shaving will get better. Properly dry your straight edge razor leaving no water anywhere on the straight edge razor. Shake out excessive water from shaving brush and let dry.