I'm an amateur at shaving; I need advice!

When I went to the barbers, I've found that my skin feels so much more smoother when they shave my facial hair with a cut throat razor.

I'm going to start shaving my facial hair with a cut throat razor, does anybody here use a cut throat razor?

-Which cut throat razor should I use?
-Which shaving soap would you recommend?
-Which aftershave do you use?

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Reply 1

Norton1

Original post by Politricks

Start calling it a straight razor?

Reply 2

Politricks

Original post by Norton1

Start calling it a straight razor?

Is it not called a cut throat razor?

Reply 3

kka25

Original post by Politricks

Is it not called a cut throat razor?

Sounds scary to be honest lol.

Reply 4

RowingGoose

I'm not a man so I don't know about face shaving but I like this link: http://artofmanliness.com/2008/01/04/how-to-shave-like-your-grandpa/

Reply 5

Zedd

The razor itself is a straight razor, or straight blade razor. Some might call it cut throat but I imagine they tend to be the types that fancy themselves as scallywags.

Reply 6

Norton1

Original post by Politricks

Is it not called a cut throat razor?

Do you think it would have caught on with a name like that?

Someone in the eighteenth century being leant back in the chair, his head tilted back and the barber shouting

'JOHN, get me the cut throat razor'

You'd run!

Reply 7

hothedgehog

I think it's only called a cut throat razor because of Sweeny Todd (which coincidentally I re-watched last night!).

Reply 8

Politricks

Original post by Norton1

I just did an Amazon search, they're all called cut throat razors
http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=straight+razor&x=0&y=0

Reply 9

PrinceUpsb

Original post by Politricks

Edit:Nevermind I didn't read half the posts...

Gillette Shaving Cream is the best.

I also use Gillette razors but I haven't used anything else so can't compare- but they're pretty good.

Reply 10

Norton1

Original post by Politricks

I just did an Amazon search, they're all called cut throat razors
http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=straight+razor&x=0&y=0

Not going to argue with you, in terms of pure pedantry I could point out that the first one in the list is a "
Cut Throat Shaving Set from Shaving Factory with a Straight Razor and 100 Derby Professional Single Edge Razor Blades" and that they mostly use the word straight razor to describe the actual product.

If I was selling something like this I'd call it a cut throat razor as that's what people are likely to search for on amazon. It's not necessarily right.

Reply 11

Rainy

I'd suggest you learn the craft using a DE razor first before jumping into bed with a straight. Tere's a lot of care and maintenance (honing, stropping etc) to get a handle on to get a straight razor shave-ready; there's even more in the way of technique and motor skills - especially if you're used to dragging an Azor, Mach 3, whatever around your chops. Based on my experience, I've put together what I'd consider an ideal starter set for ~£50:

Ideal novice's DE razor
Highly rated, easy to lather soft shaving soap
Boar brush - cheaper than badger but better for face lathering soaps
Sharp yet smooth blades that suit the razor
Also recommended blades
A styptic pencil to stop blood flowing from nicks

(edited 11 years ago)

Reply 12

py0alb

Straight razors are such an odd little niche. Like people who want to be old fashioned for the sake of being old fashioned.

Just learn to use a normal razor like everyone else ffs.

Reply 13

OMGWTFBBQ

I would be terrified of doing it wrong.

I stick to a gillette razor and use the barber's as a treat.

Reply 14

Architecture-er

Original post by py0alb

Straight razors are such an odd little niche. Like people who want to be old fashioned for the sake of being old fashioned.

Just learn to use a normal razor like everyone else ffs.

They do feel bloody good when done properly though. Having said that, I'd only have one if my hair-shearing at the barbers coincides with something worth celebrating, I wouldn't do it to myself :biggrin:

Reply 15

Steezy

Seems unnecessarily difficult for an everyday job...

Reply 16

Aaaaaaaargh!

For shaving foam, I just get a bar of soap, work up a lather in my hands and whack it on. Always after a shower though so the skin is soft and been exposed to hot water. Saves money and I've found works just as well!

...You can tell I'm a student can't you...