How to Shave With a Straight Razor
Learn to shave the old fashioned way in eight simple steps, and to maintain essential tools in seven more.
No matter what your personal style is—whether you're a suit-wearer or the kind of guy who prefers jeans and sneakers—there are certain skills every man should possess. That's where we come in. This week, we present five essential style and grooming skills, in handy step-by-step format. Just pull up a chair and read, then get to work. You can never practice these things enough.
Some things are done better by looking to the past. We'll happily keep our smartphones, but when it comes to shaving, our forefathers were onto something with the straight razor. It takes a few minutes longer than shaving with modern blades, but the benefits far outweigh the costs. You'll get a far closer shave and save money over time—a well-looked after straight razor will last a lifetime. Set a few minutes aside for yourself and prepare for the best shave you've ever had outside the barbershop.
1. Prepping your skin before shaving is necessary to get a close, comfortable shave. You'll want your hair follicles soft and your pores to be open. It's best to take a hot shower or wrap your face in a hot towel, just like at the barber shop. Give it a few minutes to allow your pores to open and all of your facial hair to soften. You'll be glad you did.
2. Pick up some pre-shave oil and apply it liberally. If your skin is sensitive, this will help prevent razor burn.
3. After applying shaving cream (extra points for using a lather brush), start at the top of your face on your dominant hand side. Hold the blade at about a 30 degree angle.
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