Daily routine for me this , respect the blade, don’t rush, use plenty soap and water, a decent brand of soap, Arko, or Proraso etc, Keep the blade stropped before and after, store dry and clean. Concentrate on angle of blade. Great fun and just how our previous generations did it. Oh and.... use Alum afterwards as a form of facial disinfectant to reduce chance of razor burn/bumps (and any bleeding) I personally use a vintage cut throat from the 50’s as the preferred choice of shave as the zero irritation is preferred over anything else i’ve tried shaving with.
I was never knew fear when shaving, whether using a cartridge or a DE. Then, I sat down for a haircut at a base in Afghanistan with an Afghan barber who didn’t speak English and always seemed a little angry. After cutting a good high-and-tight, he unexpectedly whipped out a straight razor and proceeded to shave my neck. I’m man enough to admit that I kept my right hand very close to my pistol for the rest of the shave. He did a great job and I made sure to tip him well.
When I was in Afghanistan, I used to go to the Afghan barber who had a concession at Camp Eggers. His father, uncle, brother and cousin were all barbers who had a shop in the Shar-e-Naw District in Kabul. I always let him shave me with a straight razor. Best shave I ever received, bar none. I always tipped him well. I cant remember his name (he had only one, anyway), but I eventually started learning how to use a straight razor myself. I still use a DE razor on a daily basis,, but once a week, I still use a straight razor, or a shavette. And yes, I have my straight razors professionally honed. I have a couple of stones, and try to hone an inexpensive razor for practice, but I send my good ones out for service.
I remember the only BBS shave I got from a straight razor was in the hands of someone I understand to have been an old-school barber sometime around 2000. Sequence went: massaging my face with a touch of vicks--yea you read that right--then leaving a hot towel on for maybe 10 minutes, followed by a slick layer of shaving foam, then just one pass of the warm stropped well-worn-narrow old sling blade. It ended with another few minutes of rest with a hot towel, then awakening with a splash of osage. The smoothness from that particular session sadly was never replicated even by later barbers who shamelessly charged more.
Oh no! Sorry about that. This is the first time that I’ve tried to schedule a video with this Premier thingy. Well, I hope you had a good breakfast with some strong coffee or tea. See you tonight (where I am) and tomorrow morning where you are!
20:56 I used to be of the opinion that the steeper the angle was, that meant a better, sharper blade. I watched a very informative video on blade sharpness, if you want to check it out it's called "Can a knife be too sharp" by outdoors55. The channel focuses more on knives, so I'm not sure how it would translate into shaving, but it's definitely helpful info for something like a kitchen knife (and those are better when sharp too!) Great shave for being inexperienced though, it's nice trying new things. I've recently started using a DE razor, a Henson. Your channel along with a few others finally got me to try it, so thank you for that!
@@SinatraLennon you've got that right! i got a fatip piccolo and that Jager david i told you about in the stream all In the same month, the Piccolo is seriously aggressive and i love it even as a relative newbie while the jager is mild but i love its extra weight and longer handle, had a terrible shave first try because im not used to long handled razors but the second shave was awesome!!!!
Thank the lord for an honest review of a straight razor. Totally inferior to a safety razor. I have tried but I now use a Merkur German safety razor with feather blades. The ultimate as far a I'm concerned. Would like to hear about different combinations
I started straight razor shaving at about 15 as my Dad was a trained barber from the old country and over time he taught me all that he knew. I switched to DE razor when I started shaving my head at about 30. I tried disposable and electric and wasn't satisfied with the experience. I now use replaceable blade straight razors for my face as I don't have to keep a straight razor sharp and still use DE for my head as it's tough to see and shavettes are a lot sharper than regular straight razors. When shaving, I still hear Dad's informative and encouraging accented words and his old world humor. I seek out a proper barber who does a proper straight razor shaves twice a year; one on Dad's birthday and one on my birthday. They are getting harder to find and I find that the ones that charge a ridiculous amount aren't that good. I think that the most important nugget that Dad shared was "never stop learning, use what works for you and enjoy yourself." Watching your videos, I can tell that you enjoy yourself and I believe that this attracts more and more people to DE shaving. Always enjoyable and entertaining with great honesty. Keep up the great work. Shine on: butch
12:15 I've found that when shaving that part, you can flip the razor 180. By doing that you are now holding it with your pinky, ring, and middle finger on the tang, and your index finger is in the ring loop. You can also just do it while youre shaving the opposite side because the razor would be in the correct position, with the nose of the razor facing your own nose. Just for future reference 😁
I'm no expert on straight razors, but my questions would be: If you're using a whetstone, has it been soaked properly? And, has the strop been properly loaded with compound?
Using a straight razor is about the experience... And yes you can very easily get a bbs shave if you know how to hone it to perfection and how to use it.. I can get by with a 2 pass.. With and then against the grain.. Just keep practicing... It takes me just as long as you take using a de razor and I have a very very close shave every time...
I just bought one of the cheap replaceable blade straight razors. I got about half way through each cheek before saying "nope" and finishing with a safety razor. I'll probably give it a shot again in a few days once I get past the fear, lol.
Not one nick! Impressive. I’ve noticed I get the closest shave with a shavette - probably because like you said razor blades are just sharper. Even better than my safety razors and definitely better than my new dovo. But safety razors are like 95% as good and so much more convenient
The shaking reminded me a bit of the barbershop scene in High Plains Drifter😉I'm sure the razor could have a better edge, but I share the view that it's hard to beat a modern DE blade for a close and comfortable shave. There is an aesthetic about the straight razor that I like--less the manliness than the craftsmanship of using a very simple tool without any disposable or throwaway elements. Which is to say I understand it, but I don't do it--I pretty much just use a DE (and, gasp, cartridges sometimes).
I too faced hand in front of the eye issue on my first few shaves but i started to face the mirror instead of keeping my cheek towards it. That doesn't show how well the shave is but it helps aligning the blade.
Sinatra you bring up a good point it's not that I can't get a closer shave with a straight razor but it takes time to learn to shave with one and I am too old and set in my ways so my DE 89 Edwin Jagger is still king. However, no Barbosal?? How dare u!!! Keep the videos going buddy I love them
17:40 There is nothing particularly wrong with your shaving technique. It is mostly the fault of the knife. Stainless steel razors will never get as sharp as a non stainless high carbon steel razor. Also, even though it looks cool, you should never strop your blade like this. You have to roll the blade over its spine.
Quite possibly the first time I’ve ever held my breath while watching a TH-cam video 😂...... Nice work, I’d be too afraid to even try, I’d likely bleed out before the paramedics arrived
Thanks for the video. I have to disagree, I love my straight razors for everything except going across my neck.- which is against the grain for me Daily use is down with a straight, up with a straight and across with a safety razor. I bought honing stones and learned to hone my own razors at the same time I was learning to use them. To test for shave ready hold the razor with the opened blade facing up and with the other hand, lower a hair (plucked from your wife’s hairbrush) across the upward facing blade, it should cut the hair to be shave ready. Stropping after honing and between shaves is very important. There should be no tugging or pulling at all and a result is a very close shave with even just one pass- but I’m going for a BBS every time (character flaw I guess!) Cheers brother!
Your blade wasn't sharp enough. Honing a blade to be sharp AND smooth takes a lot of experience. If you haven't already, send it to a pro so you know what to aim for when you do it yourself. It took me a year or two before I could get consistently sharp and smooth edges on all my razors. A properly honed and stropped razor should mow through arm hair hovering about a 1/4" inch from your skin.
1:54 think you should be able to just push it through the paper without any sawing motions, it doesn't look very smooth at the start on the camera. it could shave though.
You claimed there was no razor burn but I could see it after your first pass. I used a canned shaving cream and no pre-shave oil the first time I used a DE razor. I learned from that. I have a few beard oils I don't like (shout out to Bad Ass Beard Co. for sending out replacements when you order a scent that doesn't measure up to your expectations.) ( I have a "circle beard" so I use beard oil for that AND shave my cheeks and neck. I like the contrast of clean shaven with facial hair.) So now I use that as a pre-shave oil and I have some Taylor of Old Bond Street shave cream. I'm still working on my technique but I can definitely see the advantage of the oil, and a good shave cream, in preventing razor burn and cuts.
I use the straight razor with the disposable half blades and I can't even use my left hand to shave any side. I do sometimes cut myself but the shave is super smooth.
I was the same way in the beginning, I started and stopped a couple times but stuck with it this last time and love it. It gets easier over time and the shaves get better. The against the grain pass is the money pass. I get a bbs on my cheeks but still not there on my neck yet. Hope you stick with it, nice shave man.
Oh hey Sin, since I've seen most of your SR videos and the blades not cutting down the stubble, there are SR's that allow the use of half DE razors. (You can split them in the package and use each half) You can find them fairly cheap on Amazon. most modern barbers tend to use those if they use SR's at all, since you can change out the blade for health reasons.
The paper test isn't really a precise enough test for a blade that sharp. A common test is to cut standing hair and that would be cutting your arm hair with the blade just touching the hair not the skin of your arm. I've found if it's not sharp enough to do that than it's not sharp enough to shave
Great video, I did notice that when you were honing your razor you didn't wet your stone, most straight razor shavers mist their stones with a spray bottle filled with water, with any type of grind stone you need water also when your trying to get close to your moustache puff your cheeks out like you do with a safety razor...All the best Mark
I started out with a DE then went to a Shavette and have recently purchased a Traditional Straight Razor. True the Traditional will never be as sharp as a DE blade but technique which includes stretching your skin not only when you start but throughout the shave neck and cheeks will provide a shave as close as a DE however my Shavette gives the closest shave possible. But words of wisdom Shavettes take no prisoners. Good Vid.
Grandpa taught me how to hone his straight razors when I was 13 years old. I have 2 of his hones today. They're over 100 years old and originally used in his dad's foundry for making wooden patterns of items to be cast. Even pricey razors called 'shave ready' aren't - unless you buy them from a shop that hones them for you (at extra cost). My best straight razor gives a good shave, but nothing can beat a good safety razor shave.
I could not shave with my revamped German twins. I tried and tried, then Razor Emporium got it shave ready. Indeed, it was far better than I could get it, but I coul only use it on my neck and checks. So I gave up. Got a shavette and that was much better. Got some really nasty 2 day cuts. Finally got the knack, but a double edge is the closet shave, less work, more comfortable. Now and the I will use a shavette, but give me a Voskhod or a 7 o'clock in an old Gillette and I am good for the morning.!!
Much as l hate to admit it I have to agree with you I think we probably have gone past the straight razor days honing stropping just to get the same shave as from a bad electric razor newer wet dry much better. The safety razor is the best razor by a mile and I include modern razors In my assessment but having said that I'll persist with my shavette and will try the straight razor I bought and try stropping and honing, but my advice to anyone wanting to get a straight razor don't go past the shavette less hastle and a pretty deasent shave after 3 passes.
What do you think about replaceable blade "hair shapers"? They have razor blades in them, so in theory the downside of the blade being thicker with a straight razor wouldn't be a problem.
You really need to be stretching the skin for every stroke of the blade. The safety razor incorporates a feature that does it for you, but the straight razor requires you to do it. That’s why you were getting that skipping and biting feeling. It would be great to see you try it again.
You probably noticed that in old photos most guys sported beards and mustaches. Safety razors changed that. I think that it probably takes a very experienced person to use straight razor to advantage. It was either Gillette or Schick that used to advertise how many feet that they stropped their DE razor blades.
Watched straight razor shaves and thought it must be enjoyable but once I tried it I realised I just don't enjoy it enough to work on my skills. I like shaving with a safety much more. Btw, slicing your ear happens very easily with a straight, guys.
UK viewer, perfect video's all round. I've come across straight razors online or in the local barbershop where there straight razors use single edge blades as sharp as the double edge blades. Maybe that could be a better result for you in the future? 🙂
Great informative video! The “cool factor” is off the charts, however, I would probably have the same results... way too much time and effort involved for a mediocre shave. You’ll have to pry my 6s from my cold, dead hands😀.
I shaved with my disposable Lord straight razor I use a different method of shaving I Always Shave against the Grain to get rid of the Beard Hair plus I shave just Like you did with The handle straight instead of how you did in The beginning I shave with the handle straight instead of folding them
@@SinatraLennon I have now seen your earlier video. Thanks for the reply. I tried a shavette and came off looking like I had really upset Freddie Krueger!
People think its extra cost but replacable blades are the extra cost, you need your blade sharp enough to cut the hair on your arm when the blade is floating above..popping the hairs off
Hey man, I love your videos and I want to start on single blade razors but don't know where to start, I would much appreciate it if you could help me.😊
This reminded me of when I asked my mom for a straight razor for Christmas, she said "Adam.. not even your great grandfather used a straight razor at home! You're picking a normal razor and that's final" ...I thank her now, because just with a cartridge razor I cut my chin up to ribbons 😂
Cartridge razors are worse for your skin than a safety or even straight razor. Cartridge razors wreck my face. I can’t shave with those anymore. Tell your mom to let you grow to be a man. it’s safe and better for your skin.
@@Mikey-ym6ok dude chill. I don't judge your shaving equipment, why are you judging mine? I'm just telling a short story in a comment since Sinatra listens to me more than my actual family
Try a safety razor man! Once you learn it you'll hate the shave of a cartridge. No hate here just think everyone should learn it and then make their decision.
@@corvettekiller96 I did order a safety razor, it's supposed to come Wednesday, and I also brought a straight razor just a lil bit ago, so I now have the three amigos of shaving
@@adamvaughan123 too cool, I usually only use a straight if I'm running a light beard to get really good edges. Outside of that I'd throw away a straight for a d.e. any day lol I'm just too impatient for the dance of it all.
I agree with you. I like the idea of straight razor shaving, but you can't beat the bbs from a DE razor. By the way, I noticed your school ring. Are you an Aggie or a Longhorn? I enjoy your videos.
Anyone shaving with this razor is more passionate rather using this for just shaving... Yeah this looks really worth trying but not easy for sure... I will end up going to dermatologist straight after shaving
And like 80% of the passion has nothing to do with the shaving. It's all in maintaining the blade, something people had to do a lot before invention of guns...
@templeofdelusion yes, I totally aree... Maintaining a straight razor, make it shave ready before the first use, those honning and stropping process, choosing a correct stone and strop all of these is really being passionate about but by the same time its extremely time consuming and tiresome process... To be honest, I have 3 straight razors but I gave up. Switched to Shavette, have almost 15+ Shavette now
Has anyone ever told you that you like like Glenn Howerton? (Dennis from Its Always Sunny). Also, the blade ought to be honed in the opposite way you strop it, that is, the blade leads and moves forward on the stone. A good test is to try and shave some arm hair. If it cuts effortlessly and cleanly when the arm hair is bone dry then your blade is good. Though, I’m sure you know this now. Love your videos ❤
The straight razor turned over the back of the razor when sharpening on a belt. Otherewise, the blade becomes rouned and the razor stops shaving. Very good video!
What stone did you use? I bought a straight razor (new) some time ago and I haven't used it yet because I figured it may need some honing first (it's sharp, but should be sharper, I think). I've been putting it off because I don't know what stone to get.
I actually got the wrong stone myself. The one I bought is not nearly fine enough to sharpen my razor. Check out some shaving forums like Badger and Blade for better info than what I can give you!
I get awesome results with both my straight razors probably even better than with all of my safety razors. But I have to be honest my straight razors are both from Wacker in Solingen, Germany, where the best straight razors come from.
Damn you are shaking so bad it seems you drank several cups of strong coffee and decided to shave. Brave fellow you are. Maybe I will give straight razor a try but not now I am enjoying my DE razors. Shave on Brother!!!
I know this is an old video and this may have been said before but from what i remember 440c stainless at least in pocket knives is far from the best steel its not the worst but not good either
I did like it, and i agree with you there, it takes a steady hand and good skills. The best straight razors are from Sweden, or so i have heard. Not for me either. It is very manly and very Cool. And a art form in many ways, or so. Perhaps you should try a safety razor that you can stropp the blade, vallet or a rolls razor. Keep it comming, the videos. Take care
4:10 "I took a sh... I took a shower." That was unexpected... LOL
I just love how good he is at constantly talking and not making the video awkward
And not cutting myself!
True! I love it!
what would be wrong with awkward?
Watching some old video's. To remember him when he still had 2 ears.
What? Can’t hear ya! 🤓
@@SinatraLennon he meant you sliced your ears with a straight razor.
neil dsouza Oh, I know. That was my attempt at humor.
Daily routine for me this , respect the blade, don’t rush, use plenty soap and water, a decent brand of soap, Arko, or Proraso etc,
Keep the blade stropped before and after, store dry and clean. Concentrate on angle of blade. Great fun and just how our previous generations did it. Oh and.... use Alum afterwards as a form of facial disinfectant to reduce chance of razor burn/bumps (and any bleeding)
I personally use a vintage cut throat from the 50’s as the preferred choice of shave as the zero irritation is preferred over anything else i’ve tried shaving with.
won't lie i just checked his most recent video to see a one eared SinatraLennon
I was never knew fear when shaving, whether using a cartridge or a DE. Then, I sat down for a haircut at a base in Afghanistan with an Afghan barber who didn’t speak English and always seemed a little angry. After cutting a good high-and-tight, he unexpectedly whipped out a straight razor and proceeded to shave my neck. I’m man enough to admit that I kept my right hand very close to my pistol for the rest of the shave. He did a great job and I made sure to tip him well.
When I was in Afghanistan, I used to go to the Afghan barber who had a concession at Camp Eggers. His father, uncle, brother and cousin were all barbers who had a shop in the Shar-e-Naw District in Kabul. I always let him shave me with a straight razor. Best shave I ever received, bar none. I always tipped him well. I cant remember his name (he had only one, anyway), but I eventually started learning how to use a straight razor myself. I still use a DE razor on a daily basis,, but once a week, I still use a straight razor, or a shavette. And yes, I have my straight razors professionally honed. I have a couple of stones, and try to hone an inexpensive razor for practice, but I send my good ones out for service.
I remember the only BBS shave I got from a straight razor was in the hands of someone I understand to have been an old-school barber sometime around 2000. Sequence went: massaging my face with a touch of vicks--yea you read that right--then leaving a hot towel on for maybe 10 minutes, followed by a slick layer of shaving foam, then just one pass of the warm stropped well-worn-narrow old sling blade. It ended with another few minutes of rest with a hot towel, then awakening with a splash of osage. The smoothness from that particular session sadly was never replicated even by later barbers who shamelessly charged more.
Moral of the story: take a steaming HOT shower before shaving.
I actually woke up early for it (7.30am on a holiday ) only to realize it’s tomorrow not today!! The excitement is strong with this one ☝️
Oh no! Sorry about that. This is the first time that I’ve tried to schedule a video with this Premier thingy. Well, I hope you had a good breakfast with some strong coffee or tea. See you tonight (where I am) and tomorrow morning where you are!
The aptly-named Safety Razor is one of the greatest inventions of all time. My hands would cramp up if I had to wrestle with a straight razor.
20:56 I used to be of the opinion that the steeper the angle was, that meant a better, sharper blade. I watched a very informative video on blade sharpness, if you want to check it out it's called "Can a knife be too sharp" by outdoors55. The channel focuses more on knives, so I'm not sure how it would translate into shaving, but it's definitely helpful info for something like a kitchen knife (and those are better when sharp too!) Great shave for being inexperienced though, it's nice trying new things. I've recently started using a DE razor, a Henson. Your channel along with a few others finally got me to try it, so thank you for that!
You've taught me a lot about wet shaving, im proud of you for trying "new things"!
It’s fun to try out new stuff. Keeps life interesting!
@@SinatraLennon you've got that right! i got a fatip piccolo and that Jager david i told you about in the stream all In the same month, the Piccolo is seriously aggressive and i love it even as a relative newbie while the jager is mild but i love its extra weight and longer handle, had a terrible shave first try because im not used to long handled razors but the second shave was awesome!!!!
Black beards are the best because after shaving you get a greenish tint and that looks really sexy.
Thank the lord for an honest review of a straight razor. Totally inferior to a safety razor. I have tried but I now use a Merkur German safety razor with feather blades. The ultimate as far a I'm concerned. Would like to hear about different combinations
I started straight razor shaving at about 15 as my Dad was a trained barber from the old country and over time he taught me all that he knew. I switched to DE razor when I started shaving my head at about 30. I tried disposable and electric and wasn't satisfied with the experience. I now use replaceable blade straight razors for my face as I don't have to keep a straight razor sharp and still use DE for my head as it's tough to see and shavettes are a lot sharper than regular straight razors. When shaving, I still hear Dad's informative and encouraging accented words and his old world humor. I seek out a proper barber who does a proper straight razor shaves twice a year; one on Dad's birthday and one on my birthday. They are getting harder to find and I find that the ones that charge a ridiculous amount aren't that good. I think that the most important nugget that Dad shared was "never stop learning, use what works for you and enjoy yourself." Watching your videos, I can tell that you enjoy yourself and I believe that this attracts more and more people to DE shaving. Always enjoyable and entertaining with great honesty. Keep up the great work.
Shine on:
butch
12:15 I've found that when shaving that part, you can flip the razor 180. By doing that you are now holding it with your pinky, ring, and middle finger on the tang, and your index finger is in the ring loop. You can also just do it while youre shaving the opposite side because the razor would be in the correct position, with the nose of the razor facing your own nose.
Just for future reference 😁
“We have a bleeder!!!”
I'm no expert on straight razors, but my questions would be: If you're using a whetstone, has it been soaked properly? And, has the strop been properly loaded with compound?
So stoked! This will be marvelous! I love these premiere reminders! It's almost like a tease.
Using a straight razor is about the experience... And yes you can very easily get a bbs shave if you know how to hone it to perfection and how to use it.. I can get by with a 2 pass.. With and then against the grain.. Just keep practicing... It takes me just as long as you take using a de razor and I have a very very close shave every time...
I just bought one of the cheap replaceable blade straight razors. I got about half way through each cheek before saying "nope" and finishing with a safety razor. I'll probably give it a shot again in a few days once I get past the fear, lol.
Can't wait! Good luck brother. You won't catch me using a straight razor lol.
Not one nick! Impressive. I’ve noticed I get the closest shave with a shavette - probably because like you said razor blades are just sharper. Even better than my safety razors and definitely better than my new dovo. But safety razors are like 95% as good and so much more convenient
Thank tiu, sir.
Sweeney Todd paid sponsor.👍
The shaking reminded me a bit of the barbershop scene in High Plains Drifter😉I'm sure the razor could have a better edge, but I share the view that it's hard to beat a modern DE blade for a close and comfortable shave. There is an aesthetic about the straight razor that I like--less the manliness than the craftsmanship of using a very simple tool without any disposable or throwaway elements. Which is to say I understand it, but I don't do it--I pretty much just use a DE (and, gasp, cartridges sometimes).
I gots me the jitters!
I too faced hand in front of the eye issue on my first few shaves but i started to face the mirror instead of keeping my cheek towards it. That doesn't show how well the shave is but it helps aligning the blade.
Also angle out the blade more on your down pass.. While keeping it a tight angle on the up pass.
Sinatra you bring up a good point it's not that I can't get a closer shave with a straight razor but it takes time to learn to shave with one and I am too old and set in my ways so my DE 89 Edwin Jagger is still king. However, no Barbosal?? How dare u!!! Keep the videos going buddy I love them
Have I heard of an American Samurai Warrior? No, but I HAVE heard of an American Ninja Warrior
17:40 There is nothing particularly wrong with your shaving technique. It is mostly the fault of the knife. Stainless steel razors will never get as sharp as a non stainless high carbon steel razor. Also, even though it looks cool, you should never strop your blade like this. You have to roll the blade over its spine.
This is the truth! This is why old knives can seem so sharp (but they rust, not that this matters).
The covered wagon of shaving haha. I have no desire to use a straight razor, but I would like to try and merge onto a highway in a covered wagon
Ha! Great comment.
Heat, tension and proper angle ... Those 3 things are key to a successful, and smooth straight razor shave
I would swear to god you were going to say "I Took a shit" over at 4.10
😂😂😂😂
Always been curious about straight razors love the video( :
Oh!! Finally. The ultimate test.
You should have a talk show. Great content and awesome personality. Well done.
Maybe a podcast in the future?
At just after 8 minutes when you’re holding above your eye. That had me dead. Haha I just got my first straight…super stoked to give it a go!
Quite possibly the first time I’ve ever held my breath while watching a TH-cam video 😂...... Nice work, I’d be too afraid to even try, I’d likely bleed out before the paramedics arrived
Ha! I actually survived!
Thanks for the video. I have to disagree, I love my straight razors for everything except going across my neck.- which is against the grain for me Daily use is down with a straight, up with a straight and across with a safety razor. I bought honing stones and learned to hone my own razors at the same time I was learning to use them. To test for shave ready hold the razor with the opened blade facing up and with the other hand, lower a hair (plucked from your wife’s hairbrush) across the upward facing blade, it should cut the hair to be shave ready. Stropping after honing and between shaves is very important. There should be no tugging or pulling at all and a result is a very close shave with even just one pass- but I’m going for a BBS every time (character flaw I guess!) Cheers brother!
Your blade wasn't sharp enough. Honing a blade to be sharp AND smooth takes a lot of experience. If you haven't already, send it to a pro so you know what to aim for when you do it yourself. It took me a year or two before I could get consistently sharp and smooth edges on all my razors. A properly honed and stropped razor should mow through arm hair hovering about a 1/4" inch from your skin.
How was this razor honed? Or is that the factory edge?
1:54 think you should be able to just push it through the paper without any sawing motions, it doesn't look very smooth at the start on the camera. it could shave though.
Oh I’m supposed to take my time when using a straight razor. Now I get it. I need to hold my face tight it looks like.
Absolutely! Slow and steady.
Hey sinatra can we hone old de razor blades?
You claimed there was no razor burn but I could see it after your first pass.
I used a canned shaving cream and no pre-shave oil the first time I used a DE razor. I learned from that. I have a few beard oils I don't like (shout out to Bad Ass Beard Co. for sending out replacements when you order a scent that doesn't measure up to your expectations.) ( I have a "circle beard" so I use beard oil for that AND shave my cheeks and neck. I like the contrast of clean shaven with facial hair.) So now I use that as a pre-shave oil and I have some Taylor of Old Bond Street shave cream. I'm still working on my technique but I can definitely see the advantage of the oil, and a good shave cream, in preventing razor burn and cuts.
I use the straight razor with the disposable half blades and I can't even use my left hand to shave any side. I do sometimes cut myself but the shave is super smooth.
I was the same way in the beginning, I started and stopped a couple times but stuck with it this last time and love it. It gets easier over time and the shaves get better. The against the grain pass is the money pass. I get a bbs on my cheeks but still not there on my neck yet. Hope you stick with it, nice shave man.
This video gave me anxiety for 30 minutes lol
Oh no! Sorry about that. I’m okay now!
Looking spectacular brother!!
Oh hey Sin, since I've seen most of your SR videos and the blades not cutting down the stubble, there are SR's that allow the use of half DE razors. (You can split them in the package and use each half) You can find them fairly cheap on Amazon. most modern barbers tend to use those if they use SR's at all, since you can change out the blade for health reasons.
The paper test isn't really a precise enough test for a blade that sharp. A common test is to cut standing hair and that would be cutting your arm hair with the blade just touching the hair not the skin of your arm. I've found if it's not sharp enough to do that than it's not sharp enough to shave
I actually shaved a bald patch on my arm last week. Hope it grows back!
@@SinatraLennon to tell if it sharp enough, move the blade down your arm with it two mm above your skin.
Great video, I did notice that when you were honing your razor you didn't wet your stone, most straight razor shavers mist their stones with a
spray bottle filled with water, with any type of grind stone you need water also when your trying to get close to your moustache puff your cheeks out like you do with a safety razor...All the best Mark
Yes, I can’t hone or strop properly. All fault lies with me.
It's strong enough to do a Sweeney Todd job on home invaders.
I started out with a DE then went to a Shavette and have recently purchased a Traditional Straight Razor. True the Traditional will never be as sharp as a DE blade but technique which includes stretching your skin not only when you start but throughout the shave neck and cheeks will provide a shave as close as a DE however my Shavette gives the closest shave possible. But words of wisdom Shavettes take no prisoners. Good Vid.
Grandpa taught me how to hone his straight razors when I was 13 years old. I have 2 of his hones today. They're over 100 years old and originally used in his dad's foundry for making wooden patterns of items to be cast.
Even pricey razors called 'shave ready' aren't - unless you buy them from a shop that hones them for you (at extra cost). My best straight razor gives a good shave, but nothing can beat a good safety razor shave.
²
3
an artisan selling home made striaghts will never charge extra for a honed razor
starts shaving
razor: let me sing you the song of my people
I could not shave with my revamped German twins. I tried and tried, then Razor Emporium got it shave ready. Indeed, it was far better than I could get it, but I coul only use it on my neck and checks. So I gave up. Got a shavette and that was much better. Got some really nasty 2 day cuts. Finally got the knack, but a double edge is the closet shave, less work, more comfortable. Now and the I will use a shavette, but give me a Voskhod or a 7 o'clock in an old Gillette and I am good for the morning.!!
Probably wanna reconsider using a pre shave with a straight razor
Agreed.
But you MUST use Barbasol....that will make it unique.... Ohh the mailman did NOT bring my Dovo straight kit...hope tomorrow...
Much as l hate to admit it I have to agree with you I think we probably have gone past the straight razor days honing stropping just to get the same shave as from a bad electric razor newer wet dry much better. The safety razor is the best razor by a mile and I include modern razors In my assessment but having said that I'll persist with my shavette and will try the straight razor I bought and try stropping and honing, but my advice to anyone wanting to get a straight razor don't go past the shavette less hastle and a pretty deasent shave after 3 passes.
I just use a shavette so I don't have to worry about honing and stuff
you might want to reconsider the pre shave oils, they do make a difference.
When he said right now, he meant right now! Lol! I was shocked!
I’m a man of my word!
What do you think about replaceable blade "hair shapers"? They have razor blades in them, so in theory the downside of the blade being thicker with a straight razor wouldn't be a problem.
You really need to be stretching the skin for every stroke of the blade. The safety razor incorporates a feature that does it for you, but the straight razor requires you to do it. That’s why you were getting that skipping and biting feeling. It would be great to see you try it again.
I’m going to have my straight razor honed by a professional, then I’ll try it again!
You probably noticed that in old photos most guys sported beards and mustaches. Safety razors changed that. I think that it probably takes a very experienced person to use straight razor to advantage. It was either Gillette or Schick that used to advertise how many feet that they stropped their DE razor blades.
Watched straight razor shaves and thought it must be enjoyable but once I tried it I realised I just don't enjoy it enough to work on my skills. I like shaving with a safety much more. Btw, slicing your ear happens very easily with a straight, guys.
Man you could do vlogs ,i definetely Watch you ,Can you do a video about your morning routine .
Good idea!
UK viewer, perfect video's all round. I've come across straight razors online or in the local barbershop where there straight razors use single edge blades as sharp as the double edge blades. Maybe that could be a better result for you in the future? 🙂
Welcome! I. Having this razor honed by a professional to get its best edge. More on that later!
0:54 Emperor Palpatine's laugh
Great informative video! The “cool factor” is off the charts, however, I would probably have the same results... way too much time and effort involved for a mediocre shave. You’ll have to pry my 6s from my cold, dead hands😀.
It does look and feel cool and it has its place as a method of shaving, but DE is the way for me. Enjoy that 6s!
I shaved with my disposable Lord straight razor I use a different method of shaving I Always Shave against the Grain to get rid of the Beard Hair plus I shave just Like you did with The handle straight instead of how you did in The beginning I shave with the handle straight instead of folding them
13 years of using straight razor you can hear how it’s not cutting
Hi, have you tried a shavette with half of a DE blade? Less prep and upkeep.
I have. Cut me up bad.
@@SinatraLennon I have now seen your earlier video. Thanks for the reply. I tried a shavette and came off looking like I had really upset Freddie Krueger!
People think its extra cost but replacable blades are the extra cost, you need your blade sharp enough to cut the hair on your arm when the blade is floating above..popping the hairs off
Hey man, I love your videos and I want to start on single blade razors but don't know where to start, I would much appreciate it if you could help me.😊
They do sell straight razors with disposable blades that are paper thin like double edge safety razors
This reminded me of when I asked my mom for a straight razor for Christmas, she said "Adam.. not even your great grandfather used a straight razor at home! You're picking a normal razor and that's final" ...I thank her now, because just with a cartridge razor I cut my chin up to ribbons 😂
Cartridge razors are worse for your skin than a safety or even straight razor. Cartridge razors wreck my face. I can’t shave with those anymore. Tell your mom to let you grow to be a man. it’s safe and better for your skin.
@@Mikey-ym6ok dude chill. I don't judge your shaving equipment, why are you judging mine? I'm just telling a short story in a comment since Sinatra listens to me more than my actual family
Try a safety razor man! Once you learn it you'll hate the shave of a cartridge. No hate here just think everyone should learn it and then make their decision.
@@corvettekiller96 I did order a safety razor, it's supposed to come Wednesday, and I also brought a straight razor just a lil bit ago, so I now have the three amigos of shaving
@@adamvaughan123 too cool, I usually only use a straight if I'm running a light beard to get really good edges. Outside of that I'd throw away a straight for a d.e. any day lol I'm just too impatient for the dance of it all.
I agree with you. I like the idea of straight razor shaving, but you can't beat the bbs from a DE razor. By the way, I noticed your school ring. Are you an Aggie or a Longhorn? I enjoy your videos.
I have many friends that are Aggies, but I went to UT.
Anyone shaving with this razor is more passionate rather using this for just shaving... Yeah this looks really worth trying but not easy for sure... I will end up going to dermatologist straight after shaving
And like 80% of the passion has nothing to do with the shaving. It's all in maintaining the blade, something people had to do a lot before invention of guns...
@templeofdelusion yes, I totally aree... Maintaining a straight razor, make it shave ready before the first use, those honning and stropping process, choosing a correct stone and strop all of these is really being passionate about but by the same time its extremely time consuming and tiresome process... To be honest, I have 3 straight razors but I gave up. Switched to Shavette, have almost 15+ Shavette now
You're stalling!!😆😆👍👍
Someone there to speed dial 911?
No need!
Phew
Has anyone ever told you that you like like Glenn Howerton? (Dennis from Its Always Sunny). Also, the blade ought to be honed in the opposite way you strop it, that is, the blade leads and moves forward on the stone. A good test is to try and shave some arm hair. If it cuts effortlessly and cleanly when the arm hair is bone dry then your blade is good. Though, I’m sure you know this now. Love your videos ❤
I love Sunny! Yeah, me and Glenn, very handsome men. 😜
Double edge are good but I found the single edge blades to be better, they require fewer passes
The straight razor turned over the back of the razor when sharpening on a belt. Otherewise, the blade becomes rouned and the razor stops shaving. Very good video!
I had same outcome with a shavette using feather blade so maybe its technic or how to soften the stubble hair before shaving or something else..
Loving the vids. Have you tried shavette shaving? I find that much closer than my DE, plus you get double the usage of a DE blade due to snapping.
I did, and it wasn’t pretty. Look for a video called Shavette Bloody Shavette.
8:07 AA i’m laughing my ass off
Do you still have that razor? If so I would love to buy it from you
What stone did you use?
I bought a straight razor (new) some time ago and I haven't used it yet because I figured it may need some honing first (it's sharp, but should be sharper, I think). I've been putting it off because I don't know what stone to get.
I actually got the wrong stone myself. The one I bought is not nearly fine enough to sharpen my razor. Check out some shaving forums like Badger and Blade for better info than what I can give you!
SinatraLennon
Alright, thanks!
Does straight razor prevent Ingrown hairs??i use safety razor but i get Ingrown hairs below my chin, does this solve?
It might, but I’m just not sure.
Could woch him all day 😅 funny guy .stick to the safety blade big man 💪
You used trailing strokes while honing and when you stropped you were rolling it. Should turn the blade on the spine when stropping.
I’ve got to practice more.
I recognize the exchange select caliber 5 anywhere. You serve?
No, I had someone send me that box of goodies!
After you grab some soap with the brush, you don’t froth it up in the bowl first. Why not?
It’s one less thing to mess with when I shave. Face lathering works well for me!
@@SinatraLennonYou are skipping one more piece of pleasure then 🙂
I get awesome results with both my straight razors probably even better than with all of my safety razors. But I have to be honest my straight razors are both from Wacker in Solingen, Germany, where the best straight razors come from.
Thank you! You are very brave.
Damn you are shaking so bad it seems you drank several cups of strong coffee and decided to shave. Brave fellow you are. Maybe I will give straight razor a try but not now I am enjoying my DE razors. Shave on Brother!!!
I don’t remember shaking that badly, but maybe I was nervous and overly caffeinated!
I know this is an old video and this may have been said before but from what i remember 440c stainless at least in pocket knives is far from the best steel its not the worst but not good either
I nearly jumped outta the chair when I saw him end the stroke into the underside of his jaw @ 18:20, and again at 19:00 where he turned the blade.
I believe this straight razor 🪒 gets more closest shave than cartridge or safety razors.
I did like it, and i agree with you there, it takes a steady hand and good skills. The best straight razors are from Sweden, or so i have heard. Not for me either. It is very manly and very Cool. And a art form in many ways, or so. Perhaps you should try a safety razor that you can stropp the blade, vallet or a rolls razor. Keep it comming, the videos. Take care
*Applause* Your a brave man! I could never shave with a straight razor!
And you don’t have to! I took one for the team.