Shaving with a Straight Razor

Patience and passion are two things that are required to shave properly with a straight razor. Patience is extremely important as shaving with straight razor can be dangerous due to the sharpness of the blade. In addition to that, you will also need to maintain a very steady hand. There are many aspects that I will discuss in the subsequent paragraphs.

Is a straight razor better than a safety razor? Well, if you have been shaving with the safety razor for a few years then there would be nothing better than taking up a straight razor. The only thing that you ought to remember is that if you are feeling dizzy or are suffering from a hangover or for that matter have lost you capability to balance properly do not touch the straight razor. Also bear in mind that during the learning stages you are bound to cut yourself, at some point time. There are however benefits of shaving with a straight razor that you can definitely enjoy if you follow the following steps.

How to Shave with a Straight Razor

Requirements

• Straight razor
• Shaving soap
• Brush
• Antiseptic
• Aftershave
• Hot water and cold water

Procedure

The procedure is quite simple and straight forward, with the only difference being the manner in which the straight razor is held.

1. The first step is to apply a thick layer of foam on your beard, in as concentrated form as possible. Have the layer especially thick, if you are using the straight razor for the first time.
2. Let the layer dry off a bit and apply another one immediately. Due to the two layers, your beard will become soft, weak and the blade of the razor will be lubricated properly.
3. After you have applied the second layer, take up the razor, wash it with hot water and put some antiseptic (liquid) on the blade. Also make it a point to check any rust or dirt. While using the straight razor, you will have to divide your beard into two parts, namely, the one above the chin line and the one below it.
4. Take the blade and keep its sharpened edge towards the ground. The razor should be parallel to your skin. Remember, you are shaving the beard, not cutting anything.
5. Start the shaving process from your side burns towards your chin. Softly scrap off the beard hair, by keeping the blade pointed towards the ground.
6. Once you have finished the upper part, proceed to the part below the chin and scrap off the hair, in the same manner.
7. After you are done with both the parts, check if any uneven hair has been left on your face. In case of such uneven surface, put the lard on your face once more and remove it. While doing so you will have to be especially careful while scraping hair off the jaw bone's boundary. Here, some people also tighten their skin a bit for better effect. You can either stretch the skin with the help your fingers or by keeping your mouth wide open.

If you follow the steps and tips on shaving, systematically and carefully, then you will easily get the hang of it within a week. If you are quite young, and are in the age group 20 to 25, then consider shaving every alternate days, as constant daily shaving might damage your skin. Also if the weather is warm enough, you can wash your face with cold water to ward off any minor skin scratches. Remember, there is a possibility that you might cut your skin, so a keep an antiseptic handy.