Definitely!
The effort you spend getting the edge perfect and maintaining it pays dividends.

One note though, no matter how long you have been using a straight, don't get complacent or rush (or both!)....that square tip will offer quite the cut if you don't keep an eye on it.... I was reminded of that the hard way...

That happened to me as well a few years back, now when i shave i listen to slow music and let the music keep my speed in check. You kind of have to find your way with straight razors some things you have to learn on your own, and if you start to get over confident with them they will remind you that they are to be respected.

This is too epikk, a thread made for straight edges, now that is classy. I love my straight edge, I give myself the best shaves that money can't buy. I seriously cannot tell you enough about straight edges and how great they are.

I'm old school but not to the extent of using a straight edge that requires sharpening, I do, however, use a straight edge with disposable blades. It is the disposable blades that don't require sharpening.

It is the unguarded blade that provides the best of the cut. It takes around 100 shaves with a straight edge blade to master it, pulling your skin tight before you glide the blade across your face. I shave against the grain, changing direction to the direction required to go against my facial hair.

Keep in mind, they are sharp. It is when you first bring the blade up to your face between rinsing that provides the largest chance of a cut to occur. Trust me when I tell you, a fine straight edge shave is of great value. I wish you luck.

Btw, it takes me 40 minutes for a great precise shave that lasts around 3.5 days. Also, in accordance to what others are saying regarding acne and the use of shaving soap: To avoid issues with acne, shave using water only, and always make sure to moisturize afterward.

My tools:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/60108153@N05/6712387859/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/60108153@N05/6670694567/

This is going to sound really awkward as a guy, but I don't shave. Instead, I use an electric epilator which pulls out all the hairs from the roots. I find it to be much less stressful than having to shave every week as I don't have to groom myself that way as often; but of course, it isn't for everyone because the process can be painful.

How long does your hair need to be for that?

Usually a quarter of an inch is the ideal length, but it can be done if your hair is a bit shorter. Depending on the type of hair though some people might have more pain than others. My facial hair has always been thin so it's not really a problem for me.

Also if you get an epilator it's imperative it's one that is of good quality. Ones for around $50 are usually good. I have had this epilator for about 5 years and it's still working perfectly. You just want to make sure it's gentle on your skin.

http://www.target.com/p/Emjoi-Emagine-E ... A-11107813

I never heard of them before but they sound like they're worth a try for sure.

I bought one some months ago. The learning curse is really high and they are also pretty high maintenance. I never really could give myself a decent shave despite multiple attempts and instructions. I'm sure I could get it down with enough practice. I also wear a shaved head and so I ended up realizing that I was going to have to buy mass produced cartridges anyway.

On the other hand you can save a lot in the long run. You will have to get your straight razor professionally sharpened every 6 months, which usually takes days if not a week to turn over.

Straight razors have become a bit of artisan product and so one pays a high price for a decent one. The one I bought was about 175 I believe. Considering that you are buying a pocket knife, essentially, and only a few inches long at that it seems like a steep price.

You can get relatively fancy antique ones for less than 175. I don't know anything about using straight razors but I see them in antique shops new in the box for 20-80 depending on how fancy they are. My flatmate has several 19th century ones but he's never used them. Like parasol handles you start paying a premium when the handles are real bone or sterling.

I can't imagine using an epilator on my face, literally ripping the hair out by the roots, that sound like it would be quite painful!


If you look around, you can find a decent set of Norton wet stones for roughly the cost of having it professionally sharpened a couple times....It really doesn't take all that long once you've got the hang of it.
Also, Ive managed to pick up a few good vintage straights for less then 20USD each, you just have to look around a bit....Do however avoid any with chipped or nicked edges as they are quite difficult if not impossible to get shave ready.

The one I use came from a local antique shop, and I had a friend teach me how to sharpen the blades. Now I sell my sharpening skills, once you get the hang of keeping a consistent angle when sharpening its not that hard.

I actually gave up shaving with those Gillette Fusion razors and purchased a Thiers-Issard straight razor here recently; it was a really good decision. My face doesn't break out and I don't get the intense razor burn I used to with the cartridge razor.

I typically use some shaving soaps and creams instead of the canned junk, and I use a super badger brush (badger hair is rated from silver-tip to pure) for exfoliation after I soak my shaving towel in hot water and place it on my face for about a min. It's very relaxing.

If you want a recommendation of a good balm I would recommend Pre de Provence; it has a light shea butter fragrance that isn't noticeable until someone gets close to you.

Once you have gotten used to using a block of shaving soap and a decent brush, that stuff in the can just doesn't cut it.....

Also, never underestimate the value of a good prep, aside from being relaxing, it can really improve the outcome of a shave...

I agree, shaving can almost be like a daily spa treatment every day. And even if you do use cartridge razors, doing the right amount of shaving prep can be very relaxing. But I will say not having to shell out all the money for a pack of cartridges is really nice.

If you want the convenience of the cartridge with a closer shave I would recommend a safety razor which will run you around 30-60 dollars. Those double edge razor blades cost around 2 dollars for 5 blades. If I didn't shave with a straight razor already I'd definitely go for that.

For anyone interested in straight razor shaving, check this video out; it helped me a great deal