Just like cigar smoking and enjoying a nice Bourbon, Straight razor shaving is experiencing a resurgence. Barbershops and tattoo parlors all across the country are offering this service again nowadays, much to men’s liking. But what if you like to do things your way, by your own hands? How do you get started? Where can you get a razor? After reading this, keeping your beard or baby face looking its best will be easier than ever.
One key to a great straight razor shave is starting with the right tools. In today’s world, there’s no better place to begin your research for tools than the good old internet. Luckily, Skillset has compiled this list of fine shaving sites to get you started.
Straight Razor Shave Like A Boss!
We have scoured the internet and traveled the country to compile this list of tools and tips to help you start your journey toward the perfect shave. The first thing you need is quality tools from brands like these.
CUT THROAT CLUB
Straight Razor Kit: This convenient kit includes everything you need to start looking like a perfect gentleman: razors, brushes, balms, and a whole lot more.
THE ART OF SHAVING
Straight razors, balms, creams, and soaps—more than you ever knew existed in the shaving world- are right here in one spot.
GROWN MEN SHAVE
This site has everything you’d ever need to obtain the perfect shave. Even the most experienced mustache man in your life can appreciate their dedication to the craft.
GENTLEMEN JOHN
Gentlemen John’s approach to straight razors simplifies shaving by offering a variety of kits priced at $75.00 and less.
How to Shave Like a Pro
So, you’ve survived puberty and got hair growing where no hair has grown before. Congrats! You don’t want to look like a patchy-faced pre-teen or a downtrodden homeless person, so the wisps of facial hair have to go. But, if you’d like to shave with a little bit of style, employ a traditional straight razor. Here is how you use one.
Begin by softening the skin and opening your face’s pores with a hot shower, followed by a pre-shave oil to soften the hair follicles for a smoother shave. Apply a clear shaving gel so you can see what you are doing, as the traditional shaving cream can be messy for no real advantage.
Hold the razor in your dominant hand at a 30-degree angle to your face. Go slowly on your first pass by pulling the skin tight with your free hand and applying only a little pressure. Start with the sideburns and move in short strokes without jerking or chopping. Keep the skin taut and allow the razor to work without pulling or dragging it. After each stroke, rinse off the razor with hot water and continue.
Start with the sideburns, cheek, and jawline before moving to the chin, upper lip, and neck. If needed, a subsequent pass should go against the grain of your face with reapplied shaving gel.
Finish by rinsing your face and neck with cold water to tighten the pores. Then, apply an aftershave balm or your preferred moisturizer. Pat in the moisturizer instead of rubbing it to avoid irritation.