I was wondering how you dealt with acne while shaving with a straight razor - is it do-able? Also, i have the razor but no badger nor cream because I am kinda broke, can I use my fingers and soap? Thanks!

My SO has a few vintage straight razors but he honstly finds a safety razor to be the best option for daily shaving. I know a straight razor gives a closer shave but I think it's best doen by a proffesional.

As for soap, its not good with acne- can dry out the skin and cause it to over produce sebum. Its best to use a foam or cream - or a gel such as Queen of shaves (I love that one- its a non foam slippery gel). If you do want to use soap - you don't need and expensive badger-hair brush- a cheap bristle one works just as well.

I hate to be snarky, (actually, I like to be snarky, BUT) we have a straight-razor shaving thread:

http://www.goth.net/forums/viewtopic.ph ... ight+razor

which hasn't been active, but it's handy to search before posting; keeps related posts in one place.

Good catch, Lachry.

And, yes, Am I Goth, you're still new here, so please do a search before starting new topics. Thank you.

Topics merged.

-- Nephele

Ooh, my Daddy used straight razors! I was always watching him shave every morning when I was a kid, wondering how he didn't slit his own throat when he was shaving down his neck. It looked dangerous.

I've been thinking about buying one for my fiance, but I don't know where to find them in Denmark. Does anyone know where I can purchase them online?
But he doesn't really shave that often ... at least they'll make our bathroom look über goth.

Yeah, full of blood!

You do have to take your time and do things properly. Save the BIC for rush jobs.

Oh, it's already like that I'm one of those people who have no patience while shaving, and thus I end up feeling like Elizabeth Bathory while I'm in the tub.

I would definitely have to agree, a straight razor gives a MUCH closer shave with less irritation, but although time consuming at first you do eventually get faster.
After several years of use, I don't take any longer to shave with a straight then my old roommate who uses a disposable.

As odd as it may sound, I've never seriously cut myself with a straight, but do still have scars from those cheap plastic Bic razors....

I guess there is something about a 4 inch razor running along ones neck that mandates caution of which the plastic razors lack..

Should be able to get them on eBay's US listings, but not all sellers are ok with shipping out of the US.

I know its tempting to buy one from Ebay and I originally did so myself, but be careful and do your research.
Many of those are made of quite soft metal that are difficult to hone, and almost impossible to keep sharp.

Having said that though, there are a few there that with a bit of restoration and sharpening can be relatively inexpensive.

There are several forums dedicated to people who use these types of razors that not only have reviews, but also a few tutorials on the restoration, use and care of them.

You actually do not have to care about mainetnance of the blade: just buy the type which uses disposable razor blades. They have a gamma-shaped piece of metal inside where a disposable razor blade may be fixed.
Although a little bit tricky to handle at first, cut-throat razors actually do a better job than normal ones when it comes to hard-to-reach places, say, your chin if you are thin like me, or under your shin, if you're a female. They also make good self-defence weapons: intimidating, but less than letal. Go for ones which require a little bit of more force for folding in and out, they're easier to handle.

Reading this thread has brought back to mind my first reading of the novel "Brighton Rock" by Graham Greene... cut-throat razors have scared me ever since

Using a straight razor is also very good for your skin, especially if you have issues with acne. Along with the facial hair they remove that layer of dead skin cells and letting the next, healthier, layer of skin come out. As soon as you are done shaving you can do either on of two things or both. One is right after you wash any excess soap off of your face do a good rub down with witch hazel, you can get it at CVS and other such places for next to nothing. The other thing is a rub down of vitamin E oil which is extremely good for skin health, and makes it feel very smooth. After you have done these things feel free to use whatever aftershave you feel like using. But do remember to wipe the water off the blade so it doesn't rust.

I'm not sure if I am not doing right, but I've had trouble with the straight razor I bought. Thus far, I would say that this is one situation in which the mass-marketed cartridge razors seem to be lower maintenance and easier to use.

I will say that the sheer masculine sex appeal of straight razor shaving is a good thing, though. I'm sure I could get the knack for it if I practiced more.

With cartridge razors we are taught to shave with the grain. But when you use a straight or a safety razor it is better to shave against the grain. Use a very thick lather and make sure that you have either just gotten out of a hot shower or you have wrapped your face in a wet, hot towel before you begin your shave. The easiest way to find the grain (pattern in which your hair naturally lays against your face) is to take a cotton ball and lightly drag it across your face before you have shaved. When you drag it you should feel a light tug as the hair pulls apart the ball.

There is a slight bit more work and finesse to shaving with a straight razor but the results, both in the closeness of the shave and sex appeal, are well worth the work. Just be sure to keep a steady hand.