Straight razors are a popular tool in the shaving world. Some people think they're better for your skin, while others say they're too difficult to use. But there's one thing we can all agree on: a few simple tips on how to shave with a straight razor can make them much easier and safer to use! We've put together this guide to help you get started with shaving with a straight razor, or to improve your current skillset.
A simple and sleek alternative to modern razors, the classic straight razor is one of the most iconic tools in the world of men’s grooming. This kind of razor consists of a single blade, usually crafted from carbon steel, which can then be folded into the handle for safety. You may have come across them before in your local barber’s shop, or perhaps even seen one in films like Sweeney Todd.
This well-known grooming tool was used for nearly all shaving applications until products such as safety razors and electric shavers came out during the 20th century. Despite their malevolent role in many popular movies, straight razors are still favoured by many men and professional barbers, who find that these instruments offer a cleaner and more precise shave without the irritation.
Mastering the art of shaving with a straight razor can be challenging, which is why many choose to opt for other shaving tools. However, if you can perfect your shaving technique, straight razors are a great option for those who are tired of razor bumps, while also offering the most precise and clean shave ever.
The first step is to clean your face of hot towels or a shower. You should also ‘bloom’ the soap to hydrate it before washing. This is the process that realigns and polishes the blade unlike honing where the cutting edge occurs. Be sure to check the sharpness of the knife before you finish. We present an in-depth reference for lathering as well as shaving soap reference. Explore pinning techniques with our 'Sharpen' guide. For more information about wet shaving, visit our wet shaving page. Back to the pages they created to show the guide of damp rubbing.
Although using a straight razor can be a little bit more challenging than shaving with a safety razor, it can in fact be highly beneficial in terms of the quality of the shave and the health of your skin. Some find that disposable razors do not offer a close enough shave, making straight razors the perfect option for the cleanest look possible. Plus, they’re less likely to cause razor burn and ingrown hairs.
Another great benefit of straight razors is that while they require maintenance, they will ultimately last longer than safety razors, making them more environmentally friendly. They’re an excellent luxury gift for men for birthdays, Christmas or Father’s Day, and are sure to be a favourite among those who like to look clean-shaven and fresh.
If you’re considering investing in a straight razor, it’s worth keeping in mind that this tool will require sharpening to keep it in pristine condition. However, this can be achieved by using a strop, which is essentially a leather strap such as those that you may have seen in your local barber’s shop.
Stropping (i.e. pulling the blade down the strop) removes any imperfections on the blade and should be done before every shave. However, the blade will eventually become blunt with regular use, meaning it will need to be sharpened with a honing stone to remove portions of the metal.
Honing a blade can be more challenging than stropping, which can be done easily at home. Therefore, it may be worth getting your straight razor sharpened professionally when the blade reaches this stage. Then, it’ll be all ready for months worth of reuse!
A 30° angle has been regarded as the ideal contact point between a smooth and aggressive shave. But the lower the angle, the gentler the shave however.
Open the knife at 270 degrees on all sides to form a L with the cutting edge ahead. Put your fingertips at the top of the arm, with your thumb just below your shoulders and heel.
The control is simple. Depending on the grip you use, you may either touch the bottom or push under the bandring to operate it. It's possible that some people press all three of their fingers against the tang.
If you’re after the perfect product to help you achieve a smooth shave with a straight razor, De Facto is here to help! Shaving oils are becoming ever more popular due to their ability too deeply moisturise the skin while helping users to achieve the smoothest shave ever, making them ideal for sensitive or dry skin.
Our meticulously-crafted shaving oil contains a unique blend of 100% natural essential oils, vitamin E and soothing aloe vera to leave your skin feeling moisturised and fresher than ever. We pride ourselves on using only sustainable ingredients to produce a premium oil that cares for the skin while allowing for an unparalleled shaving experience. Browse our range of shaving oils today and prepare to feel skin-credible with De Facto!
]]>Shaving can be a struggle. We all know that feeling of rushing into the bathroom to get ready for work, only to experience painful razor burn, cuts and ingrown hairs that leave your skin feeling sore and your confidence knocked.
Sound familiar to you? Well, fear not, for shaving oil might just be the remedy that you’ve been searching for!
Shaving oils are dominating the world of men’s grooming, and do exactly what they say on the tin. These oil-based formulas are a hydrating alternative to shaving cream, making shaving for sensitive skin easier than ever. Their magic lies in their unmatched ability to lubricate the skin so well that even unsharpened blades can glide over the surface without any friction or discomfort.
The result? A smooth and effortless shave that leaves your skin moisturised and free from irritation!
Shaving oil usually consists of coconut oil, vegetable oil or castor oil which are then blended with other essential oil extracts that can be used alone or in combination with shaving cream. These products essentially facilitate the shaving process for better razor performance and improved skin health during and after shaving.
When shaving oil makes contact with your skin, it forms a protective barrier between your razor and hair follicles to help protect your skin from damage and dehydration. Just a few drops can help the razor to glide easily over your skin while preventing those pesky nicks and cuts.
Ultimately, shaving oils will allow you to obtain a much smoother shave with a reduced likelihood of razor burn and cuts. No wonder men across the world are switching to shaving oils instead of using traditional shaving cream or shaving foam for their daily grooming routine!
If you’re unfamiliar with shaving oil, it’s helpful to know a little more about its applications before beginning your shaving routine. The best pre-shave oils work with both normal razors and electric shavers, so you’ll be able to perfect the art of shaving no matter what tools you have access to.
As shaving oils are continuing to grow in popularity, many are considering swapping their traditional shaving cream for an oil formula. However, you don’t have to choose between cream and oil and can use a combination of the two. The effectiveness of your shaving products also depends on your skin type and shaving style, so there’s really no right answer when it comes to cream vs oil.
If you have dry or sensitive skin, incorporating shaving oil into your routine, whether it be using it alone or underneath a cream, might just be the best way to make the shaving process more comfortable. For those new to shaving oil, it’s best to use it alongside creams so that you can acquaint yourself with the product while still shaving with your familiar cream or gel formula. If it works for your skin, you can experiment with using the oil alone or in combination with another shaving product until you find the unique method that suits you.
There are so many shaving products on the market that it can be difficult to know which oil is right for you. If you’re after the most hydrating and soothing oil out there that delivers a clean shave, De Facto has got you covered! Our revolutionary shaving oil consists of natural essential oils, vitamin E and aloe vera to provide the smoothest shave ever that will leave your skin feeling fresh and moisturised.
De Facto shaving oil is perfect for priming your facial hair before using either a normal or electric razor. We pride ourselves on using only sustainable ingredients to produce a premium oil that cares for the skin while allowing for an unparalleled shaving experience. Shop our range of shaving oils today and prepare to feel incredible with De Facto!
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