Ask Aaron Q/A: Top tips on how to shave with a straight razor
Ben Stone, from the UK, asks:
“What would be your best piece of advice for someone who has never used a cut throat/straight razor before? What kit would I need to buy and how would I start my first cut throat shave?”
AARON SAYS
“Mr. Stone,
I’m glad you want to take the plunge into straight razor shaving! You’ll need at the least a straight razor and a strop. The strop is a leather strap similar to a wide belt that helps align the metal on the edge of the blade keeping it razor sharp. This is your basic kit! Although if you don’t have them already you’ll want a shaving brush and a good quality shaving cream and aftershave balm. And since you’re beginning with a straight razor, I’d recommend an alum block or styptic pencil because nicks will be inevitable at first until you get the technique down.
To begin your shave I recommend showering or applying a hot towel to moisten and soften the hairs. Apply a pre-shave oil and lather up your shave cream with the shaving brush either in a bowl or on your face. Shave very gently with as little pressure as possible letting the razor do the work slicing the hairs. Reapply the lather with your shaving brush for each pass. Since you are starting out I recommend just doing one or two passes with and then across the direction of hair growth until you get the technique down. You may want to continue using your current razor to clean up any missed spots. Once you are done shaving rinse off with warm then cool water and apply the alum block or styptic pencil as needed then apply your post-shave balm.
Welcome to the world of wetshaving! Hope you enjoy and if there is anything else I can do, please contact us again!
Smooth Shaving!
Aaron”
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Straight razor reviews – Cyril Salter Solingen 5/8 Open Razor Round Point
One of our Cyril Salter straight razors has been given a rave review by a leading American wet shaving guru.
Derek Markham, from popular shaving website ShavingStuff.com, was full of praise for the Cyril Salter Solingen 5/8 Open Razor Round Point.
He started off his review by explaining that because it was his first straight razor experience, he wasn’t sure what to expect from it.
“But after using it as my secondary shaving tool for a while, I’ve really grown to love it,” he explained.
“Shaving with a straight razor is one of those experiences that really separates the men from the boys, and a skill which isn’t very common anymore - so taking the time to learn how to use one was worth it.”
Derek admitted that he was a bit wary of placing a naked razor’s edge directly against his face but went on to say “after playing around with my grip on the razor, I found that I was able to get comfortable holding it and drawing it across my face”.
Derek concluded his review by saying that he was very impressed with the Cyril Salter straight razor, adding “it’s a great entry-level razor for those who wish to begin learning the art of old-school shaving”.
You can read the complete review by clicking here.
The Cyril Salter Solingen 5/8 Open Razor Round Point costs £36.99 from the Shaving Shack website.
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