Many representatives of the stronger sex use special shaving machines. Such devices are easy to use. It is almost impossible to injure yourself with a razor. Other men choose electric clippers for themselves. Such devices shave off stubble without affecting the top layer of skin. At the same time, many men managed to appreciate the advantages of such a device as a straight razor.

What is a straight razor?

Straight razors consist of the following elements:

• blades directly;
• the handle into which the blade fits.

Main parts of a straight razor

Straight razors usually come with replaceable sharp blades. A man will also need the accessories listed below:

• brush for soaping bristles;
• stone for sharpening the blade;
• special belt. This element is necessary to adjust the shape of the edge of the product;
• shaving cream;
• container for brush.

In addition, a man using straight razors will need a towel and a small basin filled with boiled hot water.

Straight razors are quite expensive. But when choosing a product, you need to focus, first of all, not on the cost of the device. A beginner should pay attention to the following parameters:

• head shape;
• razor width;
• the material from which straight razors are made.

It is recommended to purchase devices with replaceable, practical blades that do not have elaborate designs on the surface. Over time, such a product will lose its original attractiveness. If the warp becomes stained due to oxidation, the use of abrasives will be required. As a result, the gilded design on the product will fade, and the blade will take on an unkempt appearance. The best option is a guard with an engraving and stamp or a neat gilded design.

It is worth paying attention to the material of the handle. Straight razors with plastic handles are the cheapest. There are also exclusive handle options made from the materials listed below:

• horns;
• wood;
• bones.

The most expensive and unusual is the handle of the Dovo Mammut product. The handle of the device is made of mammoth ivory.

Types of such razors

A high-quality safety guard is quite expensive (about 20 thousand rubles). A cheap fake can be distinguished from the original by the following characteristics:

• a low-quality hazard is decorated with a design made using ordinary paint. Such an image is quickly erased upon contact with water or the touch of fingers;
• there is no logo on the surface of the blade for a fake straight razor;
• the pattern on the product’s canvas looks slightly curved in the plane;
• in the area of ​​the tip, which is equipped with a straight blade razor, there is a supply (space from sharpening). There is no such space in the back area of ​​the product.

Blade width

The blade of the device should have the optimal width for a beginner (5/8-6/8 inches). If the blade is wider, shaving becomes less maneuverable. When using a product with replaceable narrow blades, it is more difficult to maintain the correct shaving angle.

Razor Width Ratio

Blade concavity

How to choose a high-quality straight razor based on such a parameter as concavity? There are several types of concavity:

• 1/1 (full);

A striking example of a product with a 1/1 concavity is the Dovo Bergischer Lowe razor, which is included in the rating of straight razors. A beginner should purchase razors with replaceable, fully concave blades.

Blade steel

How to choose the right product according to the type of steel? In most cases, devices are made of carbon or stainless steel. The best expensive straight razors are made from Damascus steel. Similar products are manufactured by Boker.

A dangerous product made of Damascus steel should only be purchased if a man is 100% confident in the quality of the product. Otherwise, you can only get an expensive “souvenir” as a keepsake, which is impossible to shave with.

Rating of the best straight razors

How to use a straight razor?

The technique of close shaving is quite simple:

1. First, the face is soaped with a shaving brush and a brush. At the same time, the apprehension is placed in a glass filled with warm water.
2. The wide part of the straight razor is placed against the face.
3. The danger is raised at an angle of 40 degrees.
4. The straight razor is moved in the direction of hair growth. In this case, movements should be light and smooth. Do not press on the skin. Otherwise, cuts may remain on your face.

The danger is made of steel. If not properly cared for, the tool may rust. After shaving, it is recommended to wipe off the danger with a napkin.

It is recommended to sharpen the guard regularly. A small block can be used for this purpose. The sharpener is pre-moistened with water. After this, they smoothly move along the stone, carefully holding the blade.

Sharpening the guard at home can also be done using sandpaper. But this sharpening method should not be used if the straight razor is made of hardened steel.

Simple jeans are also used to care for the danger. In this case, the process of sharpening the product is as follows:

1. The trousers are turned inside out and laid out on a flat surface.
2. You need to put a small block under the fabric.
3. The danger is ground on the trousers (alternately in one direction or the other).

Corrections are made regularly. It represents the alignment of the edges of the danger. For straightening, a special belt and fabric made from linen are used. Ideally, the straightening belt should be wider than the length of the guard.

Additional accessories

• synthetics;
• boar bristles;
• badger wool.

Brushes with boar bristles prevent the appearance of ingrown hairs. They prevent the occurrence of an inflammatory process. Boar bristle brushes are not recommended for men with sensitive skin. Hard hairs on the brush can injure the face, which leads to discomfort. Men with sensitive skin are recommended to use Balea men Professional Rasierpinsel brushes. The products of this company are characterized by increased softness. These brushes are ideal for sensitive skin.

The optimal length of a shaving brush (from base to tip) is approximately 10 cm. Large-sized products are quite difficult to use. These brushes make it difficult to apply foam to small areas of the face.

When choosing a shaving brush, pay attention to such a criterion as knot density. Knot density refers to the amount of lint used in the production of a brush.

A shaving brush with a synthetic bristle brush is quite cheap. It does not require such careful care as products with brushes made from natural materials.

A man must follow certain recommendations for caring for the shaving brush:

• before the first use, the product is immersed in a warm soapy solution for 2-3 minutes;
• Before removing facial hair, the bristle brush is immersed in warm water. In this case, it will become softer;
• After shaving, the shaving brush is placed on a special stand with the nap facing down. The product should not be stored in a closed space, it should be allowed to dry;
• To clean the brush pile, do not use products containing chemical components.

Shaving with a straight razor has both pros and cons. When using the device, you must follow the appropriate recommendations.

A straight razor shaves better than any T-bar or any other shaving device. This statement has not been refuted for more than 100 years, since the invention of the safe machine, by our American comradein 1901. By the 1980s, his infernal invention had practically destroyed the entire straight razor industry (King, are you upside down?). But during this time, no one managed to create a single shaving device more effective than a straight razor. Human laziness is the main driver of technological progress and profit. I am pleased to note the desire of many men to return to the roots of proper shaving. An old straight razor is perfect.

Why is it worth buying an expensive straight razor?

1. Over the past five years (as of 2018), the price tag for old straight razors has quadrupled, taking into account the fall of the ruble. There are fewer and fewer vintage razors every day, and they won’t get any cheaper. This is a wise investment in an old, antique item that will honestly last for decades if used correctly.
2. Shaving with a straight razor is a valuable, relaxing, meditative ritual. These are completely different sensations, unlike the sensations that the most advanced machines give you. The price tag of the machines is very immodest + the constant cost of good blades, which are not cheap at all, and their quality is steadily declining. Getting hooked on consumables, keeping you on a short leash, doing business...

It’s good, expensive, the machine shaves not bad, it’s fast, but there’s an obvious feeling that something is missing. What’s missing is the cleanliness of the shave, the fetish, the ritual... He grabbed it, shaved, and ran away... well, probably, if you don’t pay attention to those pleasant little things that make up our whole fast life. A good old-fashioned straight razor, when sharpened correctly, will shave much more comfortably and cleaner, if used correctly for about a year without re-sharpening.

I don’t recommend buying modern new razors, why? – .

I don't recommend buying vintage straight razors., without the subsequent possibility of making claims to the seller. Perhaps the seller will turn out to be a decent person and a good specialist. Otherwise, you will have a pencil sharpening tool that costs 10-30 thousand. The desire to save money when buying an expensive razor at auctions will most likely not meet your expectations. The cost of repairing a purchased razor will surprise you. There are no good, high-quality sharpened razors at auctions - you can check, I haven’t seen them.

What should you pay attention to when choosing a straight razor?

On the form, manufacturer? Which straight razor is better, with a large wide blade or a small narrow one? There is no clear answer, it is a matter of preference.

Proponents of wide and heavy straight razors believe that larger razors give a better shave due to their greater weight. This is a controversial conclusion because the pressure of the razor on the hair is completely controlled by the hand; when comparing a heavy and light blade, the mechanism of cutting the hair is not considered.

When cutting or chopping a branch lying on a solid base, the weight of the tool will, of course, matter. But in the case when the branch is flexible, in our case it is a hair, and it has one point of attachment, the weight of the tool will not only not matter, but can create certain difficulties, depending on the delicacy of the work being performed: the accuracy of movements will deteriorate, control over pressure. In this case, the decisive advantage in choosing a tool will be the sharpness of the razor blade.

When using narrow razors, it will be more difficult for a beginner to control the correct angle of the blade to the skin. With enough experience, razors with a narrow blade, in my experience, are preferable.

Let's imagine a scythe or a sickle - how does mowing happen? The same thing happens during CORRECT shaving. The meaning is the same: progressive - cutting movement of the blade cutting grass, wheat... stubble, the so-called “oblique cut”.

Try cutting the bread by pressing the blade vertically downwards... a very well sharpened knife will do the job. What if you pull the blade forward or backward? There is a difference? Do you cut food from the navel with a knife, pressing from the bottom up? No. The correct shaving process is the same. 2 – 3 cm passage with the blade.

The cutting edge of a straight razor is a huge number of tiny micro teeth, nanometers in size. They are formed by marks from the abrasive used to sharpen the blade.

What happens if you place a well-sharpened razor blade with the cutting edge on your skin (not your own!) and do not press too hard? - Nothing. What if you slightly pull the blade forward or backward? - a cut immediately forms. This happens because many micro teeth begin to act on each point of the cut surface. The smaller these teeth, the less force will have to be applied when cutting and the less movement of the blade will be required.

T-shaped machine cuts hair like an ax straight razor cuts hair with proper shaving technique. At the same time, a straight razor cuts the hair below the skin level, the hair is, as it were, “squeezed out.” At the same time, dead cells of the upper layer of skin (epidermis) are removed and . A very useful procedure for the skin and very expensive if you go to a Moscow SPA salon. The skin begins to “breathe”, with every shave you rejuvenate your skin.

The blade of the machine is hidden in the frame. When the T-shaped machine moves, its frame presses the hair to the skin, and the blade cuts off the hair in the place where it can reach it, depending on the speed and pressure. As a result, “stumps” remain, and by the evening you again feel a distinct unshaven appearance. After shaving with a straight razor, this sensation occurs twice as late.

I will put the quality of its sharpening, the right spiciness. The hair cutting test is a very delicate process; there are many reasons not to trust it. Only a very good specialist, with a lot of practice, will be able to evaluate the quality of the razor's cut on the hair. So shave and evaluate the razor based on shaving comfort, video

First thing when choosing a straight razor, I will put the quality of the steel from which it is made. It is the quality of the steel that determines the comfortable sharpness to which it can be sharpened and how long the RK of this razor will be able to maintain this sharpness.

This is not a mistake, one is not possible without the other.A good razor with a bad sharpening will give a bad shave. Not a very good razor; if sharpened well, it will shave well, but not for long. A good razor, with good sharpening it will shave perfectly and for a long time.

There is a common misconception among many users when trying to compare razors by country of origin: England – France – Japan – Germany – Sweden. The argument that English straight razors are the standard of quality, and French razors are inferior to them in shaving comfort, or vice versa, is a complete misconception. English, French and other razors, having the same blade shape and made of similar, high-quality steel, will shave similarly; a beginner is unlikely to feel the difference. The most important condition for an objective comparison of different razors is the same quality of sharpening. When the razor was sharpened by the same hand, using the same abrasives, using the same technique. BLADE SHAPE – STEEL – SHARPENING – these are the components of your sensations when shaving with a straight razor. It is not at all correct to compare the shape of hollow ground and wedge type blades; these are completely different razors in terms of shaving comfort and sensations. The wedge is ideal.

I won’t argue, there are razors with a radius cut (Hollow Ground) that shave perfectly, but as a rule,This is an exception. The hollows crackle and crunch, which is why they are nicknamed “singing razors,” but some people like it. Hollows are great for not thick and not hard stubble, now questions will begin, what is hard/not hard stubble... try it, I'm gone.

Regarding sharpening, I’ll explain with a simple example. Among other razors, I have long used the pre-war (CCW) C. Friedr. ERN. I liked this razor on a subconscious level; some kind of positive energy emanated from it. The shaving comfort it provided did not suit me for a long time. Many times I reworked her finishing sharpening, trying to find “her finishing stone” for her. The razor shaved well, but I couldn’t help thinking that it could give more. And it happened - freshly purchased slate ****** opened this razor. Without going into details, I will note the meaning of what was written: an individual user, having a long experience of shaving with a specific razor, was quite surprised by the changed shaving comfort after changing the sharpening conditions of the razor. Each razor requires an individual approach. Everything here is very individual, do not rush to draw conclusions. Try, feel, evaluate.

Fatal error: Most users evaluate the razor in the condition in which it came into their hands. Many people naively believe in the seller’s promises that the razor is well sharpened.99% of the razors that I came across at auctions as “ready for use” were not sharpened. Few of the sellers keep their promises about the quality of the razor and its sharpening; often the sellers are completely clueless. They sell straight razors without even understanding what they are selling. “The razor is very sharp - it cuts paper - very well” - something like that. They have never shaved with a straight razor, but at the same time, they are trying to give some smart recommendations... amazing people. Their cspruce - to snatch you a razor. If you come to your senses and try to get your money back, most likely you will receive an answer that you personally ruined the razor - goodbye.

I do not recommend buying new DOVO, BOKER, WACKER, and even more so the recently appeared MOUHLE (2018), made by no one knows who, like other new-made self-sharers, the quality of these razors often does not correspond to the definition of a “dangerous razor.” Initially, there will be problems with repairing the cutting edge and sharpening the razor. There is a possibility that a good specialist will not be able to prepare your new razor for comfortable use. There will be no joy from the purchase. I see continuous serial defects on the market. If you are a stubborn Indian, give it a try. . If you want to give a gift to yourself or someone else and do not understand the topic of straight razors, you may very much disappoint the new owner of the razor. New razors are sold out of the box unsharpened, this has always been the case, with the exception of very expensive Japanese ones. Some of the new-made razors cannot be properly prepared for use - they are factory corpses.

What should it be ? This is a matter of preference; shaving comfort does not depend on the shape of the razor. There are straight edge razorsThere are razors that have a certain “blade smile”. The “smile of the blade” is an arc whose center is located behind the butt. Exist and dangerous razors. These razors are more of a collector's item; I don't see any practicality in their shape. The concept " O" is a blade defect. This is an arc whose center is in front of the working edge. This defect occurs when the blade is incorrectly sharpened or restored in a crooked manner. It is very difficult to sharpen a razor with a “reverse smile” without repairing the working edge.

has a very significant effect on shaving comfort. Wedges are best for hard, thick beards.. A true wedge is a blade in the shape of a non-isosceles triangle - there are very few similar razors. Other razors, which are called “wedges”, have some radius sampling - near wadge (almost a wedge). A wedge (almost a wedge) is the ideal shaving solution. Old wedges are the standard for shaving comfort. They were made of excellent steel, each razor was forged by hand until the end of the 19th century. In the 20th century, stamped hollow ground began to be produced everywhere, and razors lost their uniqueness.

Straight razor blade size FOR BEGINNERS

For beginners, a convenient size will be in the range from 5/8 - to 13/16 inches, this is 15 - 22 mm. A narrow blade, like a wide one, will make it more difficult for a beginner to shave due to control over the angle of the blade to the skin.

To begin with, you can choose the shape of the blade head as round, butThis is not definitive advice. A blade with a straight head, at first, may cause subconscious fears until confident motor skills are developed. If you follow the basic rules that I recommend, this will not happen; I always make a microradius at the very tip of the blade. Straight razors with a straight head are more convenient for shaving the mustache and temple areas.

In general, the best sharp razor is the one you feel comfortable with.

TB - Safety (IMPORTANT)

Be very careful with the sharpened razor. Always hold the open razor only by the , like a snake by the neck, only in this case it will not bite you. If you pick up a straight razor, shave. All other actions with the razor will lead to either injury or damage. For example, if you cut a sheet of A4 paper with a sharpened razor, this razor will no longer shave without re-sharpening.

Some men have a strong interest in close shaving. It sounds powerful, sometimes brutal. Often, giving such a device as a gift is a great idea. But it is one thing to receive it, and quite another to learn how to use it correctly. The tool has now been introduced into professional hairdressing salons.

If you want to purchase a blade guard, mentally prepare yourself to train well for some time so that your shaving skills are fixed. The main thing is to take your time, do everything slowly and calmly. After all, if you are in a hurry, the cut may cause consequences. We will help you approach the issue responsibly. We guarantee usefulness and fun!

Some people prefer to buy the first “wary” cheaper. Like, if I don’t like it, I’ll throw it away right away. This approach is fundamentally wrong, because it is precisely the initial acquaintance with her that must be approached responsibly. Popular manufacturers of such devices are England, Spain, Sweden, and Germany. They are also produced by the French, Americans, and Chinese. What about the Russians?

Russian-made straight razors are not available on the domestic market today, as they are being replaced by modern imported, reusable shaving machines with replaceable blades. However, Russian products can be found in private shops or online stores from craftsmen, because some people like to collect them, while others like to sell them or give them as souvenirs.

We do not have large companies producing it. Although there is a “Damascus Workshop” that makes such devices from Damascus steel. You rarely see a Russian manufacturer on our shelves, because such goods were in massive demand during the Soviet era.

An example of such a Soviet product is the bladed seasoning Steez Sport, which is considered practically the best due to its high rating at the world level. Serial production of devices took place at ZTV (Trud Vacha Plant), dating back to 1830. The end of the 19th century was marked for the plant by the Great Gold Medal of the Paris World Exhibition, and in 1891 - an exhibition at the World Exhibition in New York City. Says a lot, don't you agree?

For reference! The close shaving technique excludes the use of gels and creams. These products will not properly prepare the skin. It is better to use soap or a special mug.

Now only a few companies are fully operational, because manufacturers of straight razors always compete with each other for quality and originality.

Representatives of the current industry:

1. "Dovo". A German company with roots dating back to 1906. It operates successfully today. The factory is located near the city of Solingen.
2. "Hart Steel" American made. A relatively young structure, founded in 2009. The range is not so huge compared to competitors, but positive consumer reviews regularly attract new customers.
3. "Thiers-Issard". Manufacturer: French. Operating since 1884. Thiers-Issard is a fairly strong competitor because it uses exclusively high-quality materials, handcraft, a unique hardening process, and has a large number of models to suit every taste and price.
4. "Muhle". The brand comes from Germany. Fans of classic wet shaving probably immediately recognized it. The quality is good, although this is more of a budget option. The inscription “Solingen” is cut out on the handle of the device. It is worth noting that the factory sharpening will not allow you to shave right away, because a specialist will still have to work with the muehle.
5. "Artrazor". It is an open creative association, a club of free artists that attracts new professionals. The project was founded by master France and continues its activities together with the guys from the popular website britva.ru. The creative impulse and desire to create their own unique products united these men to work hard. Today artrazor is in demand, also producing straightening belts and accessories.

The most popular straight razors

There are a number of models that enjoy particular trust and favor among men. Read about the most famous ones below.

Wacker Classic

German manufacturer guaranteeing high quality. Exclusive market item from Wacker. The tip material is pure carbon steel incorporating a fine Silver Streel microstructure. The blade is concave as much as possible, which makes your skin smooth after shaving. The canvas is 5/8" wide. The handle is made of buffalo horn, each separately created model has its own unique pattern and contrast.

It is handmade, the place of creation is the city of Solingen. Delivered with a certificate of authenticity and the personal signature of G. Wacker, who founded this company.

Important! Avoid keeping tools, especially carbon steel ones, in the bathroom. Due to increased moisture, it may begin to rust.

Wacker Borodino

The model was released on the date of the 200th anniversary of the patriotic battle between the Russians and the French in 1812. The name of the model comes from the honor of the great battle of Borodino. The canvas contains portraits of Napoleon and Kutuzov. Hand-made model, handle - natural buffalo horn. The natural properties of such material allow it to independently change color and structure.

Boker Arbolito H.Boker & CO

A branded product manufactured at the Spanish plant “Arbolito”. Boker is valued for its high quality, and there are enough reasons for this: moisture-resistant synthetic handle, decorated with inlays; the thinnest 5/8” wide blade made of high-carbon steel; head made in the best Spanish traditions. Manufacturing is manual, including about 120 different operations.

Measures have been taken repeatedly to simplify and mechanize the sharpening process. One solution was to create a design with a blade that detaches or a machine that can sharpen the edge. Antique stores and some collectors have similar 19th-century “fears” in good preservation.

Wacker Titanium

It is new on the market. The canvas is 6/8" wide. The handle is also made of horn. The head is classic, full concavity. A perfectly smooth surface after use is ensured. What does titanium coating do? Advantages of this material:

1. Environmental friendliness.
2. Stable surface against mechanical damage.
3. High resistance to corrosion compared to other metals.
4. Good wear resistance, long service life.

Dovo Best Quality Black

A German manufacturer we know offers a budget but high-quality option. Even a beginner can cope. The 5/8" tip width with a 1:2 concavity allows for a comfortable shave. The high-carbon blade is flexible, easy to sharpen and straighten. The handle is celluloid, resistant to water, comfortable to grip. Be sure to purchase a leather sharpening belt because when you shave, the thin edge creates small imperfections. Adjust the blade before each shave.

How are straight razors made?

First, a cylindrical steel blank is taken. This is the original form of the frame. How to make a straight razor step by step, read below:

1. The steel billet is heated in a furnace to high temperatures. It turns like plasticine. But the pliability of steel “plasticine” is not so high.
2. The heated cylinder is then formed into a flat shape. Excess edges are cut off.
3. The mold is placed in graphite powder with the addition of molten lead. The latter increases steel strength.
4. Filling with oil. Sprinkling with sawdust for better absorption.
5. Sharpening the tip. It is covered with special materials that strengthen it. Then electrolysis.
6. Placing the blade on the handle.
7. Final sharpening in stages. The latter provides, instead of a grinder, a leather belt to straighten the blade for maximum pleasure.

Did you know so much about straight razors before?

YesNo

The most expensive razor

Parisian hygiene products supplier Hommage has presented a stunning new product made from a very valuable metal - platinum. This pleasure costs $30,000. This is the most expensive “hazard” in the world, with high hardness, ductility, and inertness. In addition to hygiene products, the company supplies skin care products, as well as high-class spa treatments for men.

The hommage product has the enormous advantage of being an original handmade product made from 128 layers of Damascus steel. The case is also platinum, which protects the metal from oxidation. The device is sold in a package made of Tanzanian wood, which is quite rare.

Advice! At first there will be unsuccessful attempts. To master good technique, try to shave more regularly. This way, you will gradually master and feel the whole process.

The sharpest razor

A well-sharpened “safety” blade surpasses machine sharpness. It is also quite long, and a man can clean a large area of ​​his face in one movement. Due to the thin tip, each area of ​​the face is shaved no more than 2 times. If your bristles are soft, one will be enough.

The most acute “fears” give a positive effect in a minimum amount of time, because the hairs are completely shaved off and not pulled out, as often happens. Then the irritation of the integument is reduced. Open sources (discovery) report the fact that the edge of a corner of a well-sharpened dangerous blade is the second sharpest object in the world (the first is an atomic laser).

Expert opinion

Alexey Strizhnikov

Barber, expert on men's haircuts

“If you get a cut, use styptic powder. You can buy it at a hairdressing store.”

Smooth macho

Once you, a man, find a branded product that suits you, this is the name your loved ones, colleagues, and loved ones will recognize you with. If you enjoy shaving with your face always looking smooth, take the tips in this post and remember to apply them. We wish you to develop and be happy with your successful image!

: how to choose your first fear and what parameters a beginner should pay attention to.

Blade width

The width of a straight razor blade varies. On the right is a Dovo Encina razor with a blade width of 6/8 inches.

The optimal blade width for a beginner is 5/8-6/8 inches. This is the most common value; most razors are produced this way. It will be more difficult to shave with a narrower or, conversely, wider blade until your hand is full: for a narrow blade it is more difficult to find and maintain the correct angle, a wide one is less maneuverable and heavier (even a few tens of grams of excess weight at first, when the , will be very noticeable).

Concavity

Some concavity options for straight razors. On the right is a Dovo Bergischer Lowe razor with full concavity (1/1)

Concavity, as a rule, is ½ or 1/1 (full). Although razors with a fully concave blade are slightly more expensive, they are the best for beginners. This blade is the optimal combination of flexibility and hardness.

Head

Straight razor head options. On the right is a Thiers-Issard 6/8 straight razor with a round head.

A round head is preferable when you're just getting started with close shaving because it's less likely to cut yourself. The most “dangerous” is the square head.

Blade steel

As a rule, guards are made of carbon steel and, less commonly, stainless steel. You can read about the pros and cons of both in the post. In short, carbon steel is optimal for shaving in terms of characteristics. True, there is a nuance here: “carbon” and “carbon” are different. Each manufacturer's steel differs in composition, additives and, accordingly, quality. Some straight razors made of stainless steel (Boker is one of them) perform much better when shaving than tools from certain manufacturers made of carbon steel.

Straight razor Boker Damast. Blade - Damascus steel

There are quite rare razors made from Damascus steel. You can buy them only if you are 100% confident in the product. Firstly, such “cautions” are often made by master cutlers who completely do not take into account the technology and standards necessary in the production of shaving tools; The end result is just a very expensive souvenir that is impossible to shave with. Secondly, there are a lot of fakes. A professional can calculate them without difficulty, but it will be much more difficult for an ordinary buyer. Real Damascus razors are made by famous manufacturers (like Boker), and they are expensive - more than 1000 euros.

Manufacturers

There are many manufacturers, but not many make truly high-quality instruments. Good razors can be found, for example, at

Be prepared for the fact that it is unlikely that you will get a perfect shave the first time; most likely, at first you will not get everything right, and only by practicing will you be able to achieve the necessary skill. You may even realize that this is not your thing at all. Don't be discouraged, other ways to get rid of stubble are no less courageous. And yet, it’s worth trying this alluring tool in action. So, how to choose a straight razor?

When purchasing your first straight razor, try following some tips:

• Buy a razor with a round head - a blade of this shape, firstly, is the most convenient. With its help, you can easily shave in hard-to-reach places. Secondly, by using a round blade, you reduce the risk of cutting yourself. After all, for example, a square blade has sharp edges that can cause a cut.
• If, nevertheless, your choice fell on a razor with a square blade, it is better to blunt the edges using a rough stone. For the safety of both your razor and the razor itself, it is better to use the services of a razor specialist.
• Buy a wider razor. A blade that is too narrow will make it uncomfortable for you to maintain the angle of contact with the skin.
• It is best to buy a carbon steel straight razor for the first time.
• Do not buy products with patterns and gilding - this is impractical. Over time, all this will be erased and the razor will lose its presentation. The only possible decoration option is engraving or branding.
• An expensive price is not always a guarantee of better quality. Very often you simply overpay for a well-known brand, a fashionable name of the manufacturer. It’s better to read reviews on the Internet, consult with friends who have already chosen a “dangerous” shave.

How not to buy a fake

The market is flooded with Chinese counterfeits of almost every existing product. Straight razors are no exception. Externally, it is not so easy to recognize a low-quality product. You will notice the catch already during use. The razors will instantly become dull and even crumble.

The main features of a pseudo-razor:

• A high-quality razor has a mark, but a fake razor has a logo painted on it with paint, which will quickly be erased by contact with your hands or water.
• There is not even a drawing or it is there, but it is applied crookedly.
• There is a “feed” on the tip of the blade, but not on the back. (“The lead” is the plane from which the razor was sharpened.)

It is important to know

Having bought even a good quality straight razor, if you don’t know how to sharpen it, you simply won’t be able to try the tool right away, because even in the most expensive stores they sell razors unsharpened. The manufacturer, of course, sharpens the blade, but not to the point where the razor will really work wonders. If you try to shave, you will simply tear the stubble and scratch the skin.

Razor care

In order for your shaving accessory to serve you faithfully for a long time, you need to be careful and take good care of it. After each use, be sure to rinse the razor with water and dry it. Store it in a dry, ventilated area. Lubricate periodically with paraffin oil. Don't drop the razor. The slightest chip or other defect will affect the quality of the shave. Instead of an even, smooth shave, you'll end up with ripped hair and scratched skin. Never use the tool for anything other than its intended purpose, for example, to trim animals or cut paper, etc. This will cause nicks.