Quick summary
| Best traditional, for barbers DOVO Carbo ... | Blade’s sharpness is second to none Germ ... |
| Best for beginners, affordable Parker SR ... | Amazing price Comes with replaceable bla ... |
| Best straight razor kit G.B.S Black Luxu ... | Comes with a variety of shaving essentia ... |
| Best with carbon steel, premium DOVO Car ... | Sharp carbon steel Luxurious golden desi ... |
Full Answer
What is the best straight razor for beginners?
Where Should You Buy?
- Equinox Professional Straight Edge Razor. ...
- Parker Safety Razor Heavy Duty Professional Stainless Steel Straight Edge Barber Razor. ...
- Feather SS Japanese Straight Razor. ...
- Best Straight Razor for the Money – Diamond Edge Professional Straight Razor. ...
- Classic Samurai CS-102. ...
- Dovo Full Hollow Carbon Steel. ...
What makes a good straight razor?
- Try to be patient. ...
- Using a hot towel before shaving is not necessary but will soften your beard – it also feels good! ...
- Use proper shaving soap. ...
- Use a synthetic shaving brush and scuttle (lather bowl).
- Shave in the direction of growth first to remove the majority of hairs easily. ...
Which is better for a straight razor?
Disadvantages To Shavettes
- An Unforgiving Blade. Firstly, shavettes are probably the most unforgiving razors that you could use. ...
- Safety Razor Blades. Although the cutting edge is indeed the same width as a safety razor, it feels easily surpassed by a straight.
- Overall Quality. ...
What are the best straight razor blade brands?
What stands out about this straight razor:
- Premium German steel
- 5/8″ half hollow blade
- Superior craftsmanship
What is the best razor?
How to keep a straight razor from getting loose?
What is a feather SS razor?
How often should you strop a straight razor?
What is a smoovgroom?
What is a Parker razor?
What is a smoov groom razor?
See more
About this website
What type of straight razor is best?
Compare the best straight razorsStraight RazorCostBlade Type1. Feather - Artist Club SS$$$$$Feather Artist Club3. Parker - SRX$$DE blade2. Personna - Monsieur Charles$$Personna Mini Hair Shaper4. Equinox - Straight Edge Razor$DE bladeFeb 3, 2020
How do you pick a good straight razor?
Guidelines For Buying A Straight RazorChoose a Straight Razor with a Wooden Handle. ... Choose a Blade Made of Stainless Steel. ... Pick a Blade with a Dutch Point. ... Pick a Blade with the Right Size. ... Get the Correct Grind. ... Consider a Shave Kit Instead of Just a Straight Razor.
What razor do barbers use?
Parker's Shavette razors are used in barbershops and shave parlors worldwide. The unique "clip to close" mechanism on this razor keeps the razor blade securely in place and perfectly aligned.
What's the most expensive straight razor?
The world's most expensive razor has gone on sale for $100,000 (£62,460) - boasting two blades made out of sapphire. Researchers spent three years developing the Zafirro Iridium, which has a handle made of 99.9 per cent pure iridium - the most corrosion-resistant platinum metal, found only in meteorites.
Do you need an expensive straight razor?
As a rule, the higher the quality, the pricier the blade. However, no matter how expensive your razor blade is, you should still replace it every three to four shaves. In general, it is wise to pay a little more for a quality and safe blade. Keep in mind that a dull blade is responsible for cuts, nicks, and razor burn.
What size straight razor should I get?
Generally speaking, a small blade (such as 5/8”) is recommended for beginners, as the smaller blade makes it a little easier to see the cutting edge as it moves across the skin.
How long do straight razors last?
Most straight razor shaves last 2 days. On top of that, you are running a blade across skinless, thus decreasing chances for cuts, missed patches, and irritation.
Do men still use straight razors?
Yes, many barbers still use a type of straight razor to give a close shave to their customers. However, it's often not the same straight razor tool used before the twentieth century. In today's barbershops, you will more likely see the straight razor's cousin – the shavette.
Do you get a closer shave with a straight razor?
It Gives A Close Shave In Less Time Out of all wet shaving razors, straight razors provide the best close shave because they have the sharpest blades. They cut beards closer to the skin than any other type of razor.
What electric razor do barbers use?
Rating SummaryRank OrderProduct NameOverall Rating1.BaBylissPRO Cordless Metal95.8 %2.GAMMA+ Wireless Prodigy95.8 %3.Andis Pro Foil95.3 %4.Wahl Professional 5-Star95.3 %1 more row•Jun 21, 2021
How difficult is it to shave with a straight razor?
There's one thing you need to keep in mind here: A straight razor shave takes time. Like, way more time than a cartridge or electric shave—15 minutes, at least. “If you are not willing to dedicate the time and effort to re-learning how to shave with this tool, then you probably shouldn't use it,” Rivera says.
Why are straight razors so expensive?
Straight razors are often more expensive because they are handcrafted by someone with expertise and skills in making a razor. Unlike mass-produced cartridge razors or something similar, there is a lengthier, more skilled process involved in making a single straight razor.
What Are The Best Straight Razor Brands?
While Dovo deservedly gets a lot of press for the quality of their straight razor offerings there are other manufacturers who hit the bull’s eye wi...
How Do You Use A Straight Edge Razor?
Shaving with a straight edge is mostly common sense and not all that different than shaving with any standard safety razor.
How Many Times Can I Use A Straight Razor?
One of the great benefits of the straight edge razor is that there’s no expiration date on it and no mechanical components that are going to wear o...
How Do I Sharpen My Straight Edge Razor?
If your straight razor is a classic 6/8 inch fixed stainless steel blade you should subject it to the strop before every use. If yours is a straigh...
Is Shaving with a Straight Razor Better?
In many ways, it is better than a disposable razor. A straight razor has a sharp, single blade. Therefore, getting a clean shave requires fewer pas...
Is It Cheaper To Shave With A Straight Razor?
As a beginner, it is cheaper to start shaving with shavettes instead. They are simplified versions of straight razors featuring disposable blades....
What Kind Of Straight Razor Do Barbers Use?
Most professional barbers use shavettes and use disposable blades from popular companies like Parker and Feather. They prefer shavettes because the...
How Many Times Should You Strop A Straight Razor?
There is no specific number. However, after four shaves, you’ll notice it needs stropping for realignment. And if you maintain the blade and use a...
How Much Should You Spend On A Straight Razor?
A good straight razor costs between $100 and $300. The upfront cost is steep, but in the long run, it is cheaper than alternative shaving tools. In...
What Grit Sharpening Stone Do I Need For A Straight Razor?
If you have a normal razor that you wish to restore its glory, a #8000 or a #4000 grit honing stone will work perfectly. But if your straight razor...
Is A Shavette As Good As A Straight Razor?
A Shavette is more like training wheels for beginner wet shavers. Though their sharpness and build resemble that of straight razors, they do not re...
Can You Use A Straight Razor Every Day?
Yes, you can. But the reality is that no one wants or has the time to straight razor shave daily. The beauty of using a straight razor is that it g...
Can You Use Regular Shaving Cream With A Straight Razor?
Yes, you can. Using regular shaving creams coupled with a brush with your straight razor will yield great results and be cheaper in the long run th...
Can Any Leather Be Used As A Strop?
Different materials can be used to strop straight razor blades. However, most strops are made of leather, both smooth and suede leather. The leathe...
9 Best Straight Razors for Beginners & Pros (2022 Guide)
Best Straight Razor for Beginners & Pros (2022 Buyers Guide) We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more. In this review and buying guide, we will help you find the best straight razor – both as a beginner or if you are an experienced pro wet-shaver.
5 Best Straight Razors - June 2022 - BestReviews
Features Blade material. With straight razors, the blade is always steel, but the description can be confusing. Much is made of carbon steel, but as all steel contains at least some carbon the phrase is something of a marketing gimmick.
The 8 Best Straight Razors For Men
Want the closest shave possible? Go old-school and use a straight razor. If you don't know which one to get, we found the best straight razors for men.
What is the best straight razor?
As far as traditional straight razors are concerned, Dovo was again recommended more than any other brand, with three experts saying it makes some of the best. According to Arthur Iskhakov, owner of Barber’s Blueprint in New York, “Dovo is the top brand when it comes to straight razors.” For those looking to buy their first traditional straight razor, Iskhakov would recommend a 5/8-inch-thick blade, like this model, which he says is essentially the standard blade size for a good straight razor.
What is a shavette razor?
If you’re getting a “straight-razor shave” at a barbershop today, your barber is probably using something called a “shavette,” or a disposable straight razor, which is basically a blade holder that accommodates a disposable, single-edge metal blade. A shavette essentially offers the same quality of shave as a straight razor, ...
What kind of shavette does Ruscetta use?
Ruscetta, who has tried the above Dovo, told us he prefers Parker’s all-metal stainless-steel shavette, which is what he uses on all his clients. In addition to costing about a third the price of the overall-best Dovo, this style, with a metal body Ruscetta likes, “has some weight.”.
Do barbers use straight razors?
But, thanks to modern health codes, barbers these days don’t really use those traditional straight razors with a fixed blade, because laws ban them from using ...
Can straight razors be used for beards?
Straight razors are also really great for shaping beards, he adds, because “you can really see [and control] where you’re cutting.”. However, it does take some time and patience to master the technique.
Is a shavette the same as a straight razor?
A shavette essentially offers the same quality of shave as a straight razor, according to the barbers we spoke with, who say the newer technology is much lower maintenance, as the fresh blades for each shave, unlike a fixed one, don’t need to be sharpened. Using a shavette will also be less expensive, according to master barber Angelo Ruscetta: “If ...
What is a straight edge razor?
The straight edge razor has quite a fearsome reputation, hence its unfortunate other name of “cut throat” razor. That’s why we often recommend disposable blade straight razors – known as shavettes – as part of this guide as they use replacement blades instead of having to strop every time you want a close shave.
Who makes 889 5/8 razors?
889 5/8 razor by Thiers Issard. Check Latest Deal. Along with Dovo, Thiers Issard is perceived as one of the leading manufacturers of the best straight razors in the world since 1884. Pierre Thiers himself came from a long line of master blade makers.
What is a Thiers Issard razor made of?
While the handle is stainless steel the blade itself is made from high quality carbon steel – and Thiers Issard make some of the best straight razors in the world so there is no doubt about quality despite the more commercial brand name stamped on the single edge blade. Don’t be misled by a stainless steel handle as this blade still requires you to look after it.
Why were safety razors invented?
That’s exactly why they were invented 100 years ago as an attempt to fix a blade in a tool that let you simply change blades rather than sharpening and stropping a straight razor all the time. However that was also the first instance of our modern throwaway culture when it comes to shaving.
Where do Solingen razor blades come from?
The razor blade blanks come straight from a Solingen factory (there does seem to be a consensus that most Solingen blades come from a single factory – which we presume includes Dovo) with Aust’s logo already stamped. He then works to perfect them with careful honing and impeccable lazer-cut scales.
Where are Dovo razors made?
Based in Solingen, Germany , an area renowned for its steel technology, Dovo are one of the best manufacturers of razors in the world. They are the parent company by the renowned Merkur that produce some of the best safety razors in the world, but the carbon steel blade of a Dovo straight edge razor is perhaps the best route to a perfect close shave. They are also relatively easy to use and arrive with the blade factory-sharpened, though not necessarily fully shave-ready.
How wide is an 8/8 blade?
The width is expressed in 1/8 increments, so an 8/8 blade is 1 inch wide , and a 4/8 blade is a half inch wide. Overall, the most common sizes are 5/8″ and 6/8″.
What is a modern straight razor?
Modern Straight Razors. A modern straight razor as you would expect have the added advantage of featuring the new technology available in the market. Modern straight razors feature better craftsmanship and more often than not, they have years of experience and shaving backing their design and engineering.
How much does a straight razor cost?
A good straight razor costs between $100 and $300. The upfront cost is steep, but in the long run, it is cheaper than alternative shaving tools. In a year, it should cost $5 to shave with a straight razor in comparison to between $40 and $100 for cartridge razors.
Should I Choose Carbon Steel or Stainless Steel?
Carbon steel is somewhat easier to hone & strop, but it will rusts if it is damp and not protected with oil.
How many versions of the Dovo razor are there?
Please note that this DOVO straight razor is available in 3 different versions.
What is the difference between a 4/8 and 8/8 razor blade?
The width is expressed in simple 1/8 increments. As such, a 4/8 blade translates to half an inch wide while the 8/8 blade translates into a 1-inch wide blade.
What is the difference between a hard temper and a soft temper?
They come with three tempers including soft, medium and hard. Generally, a hard temper straight razor will keep the edge for longer while a soft tempered razor blade is easier to sharpen.
How much does a razor weigh?
The whole razor weights around 5 ounces/140 grams (again wrong information on Amazon). The blade has a high temper, which means you will spend a little time sharpening it over time. The blade has a rounded edge and is smaller than that of many other straight razors.
What is a feather shavette?
Feather's Japanese-made stainless steel folding shavette is more than just a grooming staple—it's a blade truly worthy of the "cutthroat" moniker. (But if you're careful—and please, be careful—you needn't worry about that.)
What is a super hard horn handle?
Super-hard, super-sharp, and made with a luxurious horn handle meant to last for ages, this is the type of sentimental heirloom you lovingly pass on to the next generation one day.
Is Dovo a good shavette?
Dovo's a go-to name in the old-school shaving scene, and its particularly handsome shavette is well-balanced and ready-made for novice shavers.
Why do barbers give you a close shave?
It’s because they’re professionals who know that sometimes going old school can still give you the best results. It’s also because they use straight razors. You know, the kind of razor you see people in movies sharpening on huge leather straps—and sometimes used as murder weapons.
Do straight razors come with leather strops?
If you really want to go old school and use a real straight razor—meaning one that you actually have to sharpen—this one comes with a leather strop, so you don’t have to buy one separately (where does one even get a strop these days?).
Is straight razor shaving good for men?
If you’re willing to put in the time and effort to learn, straight razor shaving could give you the ultra-smooth barber-level shave you want in the comfort of your own home. The first step is getting the right razor, and this list of the best straight razors for men is the best place to start.
How to hold a straight razor?
Everyone has a personal preference when it comes to holding a straight razor, but a popular and effective method is to rest the first three fingers on the back of the blade and your pinkie on the tang – the narrow part of the blade just beyond the razor’s pivot.
What is the difference between a straight razor and a carbon steel razor?
Material. Straight razors are made of stainless steel or carbon steel. Stainless steel razors are less expensive and last longer between sharpenings, but carbon steel blades are of an overall higher quality.
What is the blade on a Dovo razor?
The Blade. The blade on the Dovo Straight Razor is half-hollow, light, and sharp. It also has a rounded point – which is often better for beginners – and is made of high-quality carbon steel that’s hard, durable, and elastic. Also, the blade is 5/8” wide – another plus for straight razor neophytes.
What is a shavette?
A shavette is not unlike a bicycle with training wheels in that it’s ideal for those just transitioning into shaving with a straight razor. It looks just like a straight razor but takes a standard double-edge razor blade that you’d also use in a safety razor.
How long have straight razors been around?
What it is: As mentioned, straight razors have been around a long, long time. Like hundreds of centuries ago. In its most basic sense, it is a simple tool: you have a handle, and you have a blade (usually very sharp) that you drag across your face.
What is a square point blade?
Square point. A square (or sharp) point blade has a straight point profile that terminates at a very sharp point perpendicular to the razor’s cutting edge. It’s particularly useful in shaving small areas but requires some experience in handling.
Is Feather SS razor good?
While you’ll pay more for the Feather SS than you will for other razors, it’s a case of “you get what you pay for,” because it’s a superior shaving tool that will last a lifetime. This razor is a great long-term investment and an excellent straight razor.
Background
If you do a search engine query about “what is the best straight razor for a beginner?” you will find the top results are recommendations for specific razors, without much discussion about why they’re being recommended. This article is different.
What Is A Straight Razor?
Before continuing let’s focus on the subject: just what is a straight razor?
Specifications For The Best Straight Razor For Beginners
As mentioned earlier, I asked experienced straight razor users what blade specifications they think a beginner should look for. These variables include:
Other Things Beginners Should Consider In A Straight Razor
Beyond the major straight edge razor specifications above, there are several other things a beginner should consider when selecting a razor:
Summing Up: What Is The Best Straight Razor For A Beginner
Distilling all the information here into a buying summary, these specifications seem to be the “conventional wisdom” for success with a straight razor for the beginner:
What is the best razor for shaving?
Bevel safety razor. If you're prone to shaving bumps, ingrown hairs, and irritation, then you should consider the switch to a safety razor. Bevel's safety razor is weighted perfectly to give you a smooth, single-blade shave that won't ravage your skin.
What is the best razor for close shave?
Our longstanding favorite in this field, Harry's Winston razor has that "bounce" you look for in the best razor for a close shave: It's weighted perfectly to give you the right amount of pressure, glide, and precision that you need. It's also one of our favorite designs too, with the sleek aluminum body and matching silver grip. Last but not least, is the efficiency of Harry's razor-replenishment service— these 5-blade Swedish-steel heads come to your door for less than $2 per piece.
What is a single blade razor?
A single blade is a lot like a traditional safety razor that happens to pivot, but stack three and you’ve got a serious close shave razor—not for the faint of heart . This is one of the more exciting new shaving products in a long time.
What is a leaf razor?
The new razor from Leaf combines much of what we love about cartridge razors—multiple blades, a pivoting head—and combines those virtues with sharp, inexpensive safety blades. The Leaf lets you decide how many blades to stack. A single blade is a lot like a traditional safety razor that happens to pivot, but stack three and you’ve got a serious close shave razor—not for the faint of heart. This is one of the more exciting new shaving products in a long time.
What is a Merkur safety razor?
Merkur's specialized safety razor is an ideal choice if you're new to shaving and worried about slipping up—its short handle lends itself towards easy maneuverability, helping you keeping mistakes to a bare minimum as you go.
Does Shark Tank use bare blade razors?
Many new safety-blade shavers don’t love handling a bare blade—Supply’s razor takes care of that. Consider it driving automatic compared to the manual-transmission double-blade shave from more traditional razors. You still get a close, smooth shave from a simple single-blade design, but without the fuss.
Does Philips Norelco shaver work?
We love a multitasking grooming product, and Philips Norelco's OneBlade trimmer-shaver can handle just about every hair-taming task you assign. Be it facial hair or body hair, it can trim, shave, or detail as you need, wet or dry, and has interchangeable blades for every use; it even comes with a skin guard for those more precious, sensitive spots. It's rechargeable and gives up to an hour of use with each full battery.
What is the best razor?
The Dovo Carbon Steel Straight Razor is marketed by the company as being the “Best Quality” and it would be hard to argue with that statement. This is a simple razor with a classic design that feels great in your hand and even greater when it’s working its way across your face.
How to keep a straight razor from getting loose?
You should, like with every straight razor, be careful when using it. Ensure that the blade is locked within the safety walls and if you feel it’s getting loose, simply push the walls when placing a new blade in and then lock the cap and you’re good to go.
What is a feather SS razor?
The Feather SS Japanese Straight Razor is serious shaving tech with a comfortable handle, a no-nonsense method for replacing blades and a high quality stainless steel blade holder that resists corrosion. Once you use it a few times you’ll stop questioning why it doesn’t fold up and just appreciate the great job it does.
How often should you strop a straight razor?
A: If your straight razor is a classic 6/8 inch fixed stainless steel blade you should subject it to the strop before every use. If yours is a straight edge with replaceable blades then swap them out whenever they start to get dull.
What is a smoovgroom?
The SmoovGroom Wood Handle Safety straight razor is a curious looking piece of bathroom tech that provides the close, comfortable shave you expect from a first class straight razor. It’s designed to be ergonomically comfortable and the replaceable blades mean no need for stropping.
What is a Parker razor?
The Parker SRX Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Straight Edge Barber Razor is great for professionals and this is a fact that oozes from every pore of the razor. The Razor features a nice, glossy design with a heavyweight steel blade arm and scales . The rounded exposure at the very end of the bladed section of the razor minimizes the chances of getting cut by the blade. To further illustrate Parker’s commitment to safety, the razor also comes with a blade holder that can be clipped or locked into place; this prohibits your blade from falling out when inserted.
What is a smoov groom razor?
The SmoovGroom Wood Handle Safety Straight Razor is a great way to acquaint yourself with the timeless ritual of the straight edge shave. It feels great in your hand and the ergonomic design provides you with just the right angles to get the closest shave possible with the least fuss. You’ll also never have to worry about the handle rusting on you.
