A real straight razor. Straight razor, T-shaped razor or shaver - what to choose? I was able to find a suitable one - half the job is done
Why are Solingen straight razors considered the best in the world, and what other brands are worth attention?
Straight razors attract and intrigue every man, even those who are satisfied with the “quality” of plastic machines. There is something masculine and primal about the cool steel of a bladed razor, the sharpness of the blade and the ritual of shaving. And everyone who has explored this niche even a little has heard about Solingen razors. Let's see if they are as good as they say they are, and are there other worthy manufacturers?
THE GOLDEN AGE OF STRAIGHT RAZORS
First there was the razor. In those ancient times, it was not considered dangerous at all, it was just a razor. The main centers, or rather the ancestors of all production, were two cities: the German Solingen and the English Sheffield. The largest and most reputable productions started and developed there, which gave rise to a huge number of smaller manufactories around the world.
There was no alternative until 1895, when King Camp Gillette (yes, that’s the name that became the brand name) patented a “safety” razor - the classic T-shaped razor. Against the background of this safe razor, a regular razor began to be called “dangerous” so that there was no confusion.
"SONG" OF THE STRAIGHT RAZOR
So we came close to Solingen itself. Among the many manufacturers of straight razors, the craftsmen of this city stood out for their skill in skillfully sharpening blades. When shaving them with razors, a rustling rustle was heard, for which they began to be called “singing”. It was this “song” that made Solingen the standard for the quality of all straight razors.
As for the second legendary city - Sheffield, their razors did not sing, but they are worthy competition to Solingen's. This city has given the world good brands that not only produce shaving products, but also iconic shaving products.
WHAT ARE THE BEST BRANDS OF STRAIGHT RAZORS?
To begin with, we note that “apprehension” is a very individual tool. And a razor that is not Solingen may fit perfectly into your hand, and this is normal. But if you want to have a truly decent fear, pay attention to the following.
Solingen gave to the world They are without a doubt worthy of your attention. Also, do not ignore Japanese razors "". Yes, it was not Solingen that gave them to the world, but both the blades and the “warnings” of this company are also worthy. These are presented in a wide range.
But remember, friends, that a straight razor is an individual matter. If you like a razor that we didn’t mention in the article, write about it in the comments. After all, it is you – connoisseurs of high-quality shaving – who make the products of a particular brand popular and in demand.
Every man has thought about shaving with a dangerous blade. This method is convenient - due to the wide blade, the process takes less time, the open blade allows you to get an effective result. The sharpness of the blade allows you to protect the skin from irritation - there is no need to go over the same area of skin several times, shaving off the stubble.
How to choose?
It won’t be possible to master a new method of shaving the first time; if you’re not used to it, you’ll have to experience certain inconveniences. The blade requires maintenance and periodic sharpening, beginners without experience , can easily be ruined by bad editing.
So how can a beginner choose a straight razor?
Canvas shape
Blades come in several forms. A blade that is narrowed closer to the tip, shaped like a knife or scalpel, will be the safest. If the tip is too sharp, you can sharpen it to round it.
Blade width
A 5/8 or 6/8 inch width will make it easier to select and maintain the desired angle when shaving. If it is too wide it will be heavy and if you are not used to it it will get in the way.
Blade concavity
Based on the combination of flexibility and hardness, the optimal concavity is 1/1. The greater its degree, the easier the blade is to edit and sharpen.
Blade head
A razor with a rounded head will help avoid accidental cuts in hard-to-reach places.
Blade steel
The most common are products with carbon steel blades. They are quite flexible and easy to straighten. This material also has a number of disadvantages - fragility and susceptibility to corrosion, which is compensated by low prices, therefore, when starting to get acquainted with straight razors, it is better to choose them.
Stainless steel razors are more durable, retain their sharpness longer after sharpening, but are less easy to shave. These blades are less flexible, so shaving will require skill.
The best straight razors are Damascus steel. This material has an optimal combination of hardness and flexibility, and retains its sharpness for a long time after straightening.
Be sure to check the quality certificate!
Handle material
It does not affect the functional qualities, so the choice here is a matter of taste. The most accessible material is plastic. Products whose handles are made of wood, bone or horn will be much more expensive. It is better to choose models without elaborate patterns and excessive gilding. In the future, oxidation stains can significantly detract from the appearance of the pen.
Accessories
When purchasing, you need to make sure that the set includes a straightening belt - if the product becomes dull, it will not cut hair well. If the belt is damaged or worn out during use, purchase a replacement belt from the original manufacturer.
Be sure to purchase shaving soap or cream to improve glide and minimize possible damage to the skin.
Maintenance is simple. The main rule for long service life is that the blade should have as little contact with water as possible. Therefore, after shaving, wipe everything dry with a soft cloth or waffle towel. Storage in a closed case is undesirable; the metal must “breathe”.
If the razor will not be used for a long time, buy special oil and periodically lubricate the blade to avoid damage and corrosion.
Rating of the best manufacturers
There are no large manufacturers of straight razors in Russia - this product was in massive demand during the Soviet era.
Therefore, to get a guarantee of quality, purchase products from foreign manufacturers.
- German manufacturer Dovo. Produced in Solingen. The company has been producing shaving accessories for over 100 years and has created many popular brands;
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- The French company Thiers-Issard has existed since 1884. It produces a huge range of models; unique steel hardening methods are used in production;
From the perspective of an inexperienced observer, it is quite comparable to a risky circus trick: a shiny blade with a characteristic sound performs manipulations on the face and throat. It seems that a little more and the picture will move into the section of Hitchcock plots. Exciting? Yes, of course, only real men with a steely character shave “carefully”.
Behind this whole romantic scene a la “Harley Davidson and the Marlboro Man” lies not only an aesthetic ritual, but also an excellent result, an excellent shaven feeling and healthy skin. This is an alternative to dry shaving with an electric or mechanical machine, which in principle is only a semblance of real shaving. Mechanical machines are popularly called “lawn mowers.”
Using razors with multiple blades gives good results. But even here, not everything is smooth: repeated “passing” of blades over the skin of the face not only removes hair, but also damages and irritates the skin. Remember the joke about a new machine with 33 blades, where the first one shave clean, the second even cleaner, and the 33rd blade polishes the skull? This is just a case from this series. And when using a straight razor, irritation is extremely rare. The procedure itself is not very complicated, and with a little effort anyone can achieve a sufficient level of it.
Let's start with the fact that shaving with a straight razor is a leisurely and measured procedure, the cost of an error is an unpleasant bloody cut, so let's determine right away that it is not everyone's day. Some people prefer to scrub their face at the speed of a locomotive, remove excess hair, and rush off to work. This is not possible here. It takes time for preparation and the action itself. If you want: shaving with a straight razor is as vintage as vinyl records, film cameras and a rare boxer motorcycle in the garage. You can't love something like that only halfway. So decide and let's get started!
For shaving, we will need, of course, the razor itself, a shaving set consisting of a shaving brush and a foam bowl, foam, hot water, and a towel. A good straight razor is a product from Hubert, Boker, Robert Klaas, etc., but not a craft of unknown origin and unknown quality. The products of these companies are reputable enterprises with a rich history and vast experience. Straight razor blades are made from high-quality steel using a special method. In addition to the items listed, you will need a belt for straightening your razor. It is made of thick leather, and such a belt can be suspended or stretched on a wooden block, with a handle. To straighten the razor, we purchase a special abrasive paste (it is applied to the belt before straightening).
You should always start shaving with the razor preparation procedure. Preparation consists of several passes of the razor blade along the belt, previously lubricated with paste. You only need to do it with the butt forward, observing the angle of application of the razor blade to the belt. This angle should be equal to the sharpening angle of the cutting edge of a straight razor. After this, beat the foam with a brush steamed in hot water and cover the moistened face and neck with foam. We take the razor in our hands with a comfortable grip. There are a large number of grips themselves and there is no “true” or “classic” one - you just have to feel comfortable, comfortable (it’s worth experimenting, but only with extreme caution and precision). You should shave slowly, with neat passes. After completing the procedure, apply a towel soaked in hot water to your face, simultaneously steaming the skin and removing any remaining foam. After this, we apply balm or aftershave cream to the skin (which one is a purely personal choice). You are guaranteed excellent sensations and excellent skin condition. Many adherents of shaving with a straight razor agree that only this men's accessory allows you to experience the fullness of the concept of a “clean-shaven face.” Women are not lagging behind in expressing their opinions: according to the first beauties of our planet, “macho” models with three-day stubble are good only for photo shoots, but in real life girls prefer to give their kisses to clean-shaven guys.
Another really useful result of using a straight razor is the slow growth of stubble after shaving, that is, the procedure has to be repeated less often than after using a multi-blade razor or electric razor. The only conditional “disadvantage” of this method is the certain cost of the set itself, but isn’t it worth pampering your loved one once in your life? The result is worth the cost. A good shaving set will last you a lifetime (unless the shaving brush has to be replaced at some point, but that is after years and years of use).
A straight razor is your image, it’s style, it’s truly a man’s accessory, like good cigars or a high-quality expensive knife or a hunting rifle made by a famous master. This is self-respect and a tribute to the centuries-old traditions of real men. What is sometimes called the term “True” (from the Icelandic tru) - “faithful, devoted to the true,” canonicity and elitism.
Quite often our clients are interested in straight razors with replaceable blades - the so-called shavettes. There is not much detailed information about them on the Internet, nor are there reviews of specific models on YouTube and other resources. In this article we will try to figure out how to choose and use such razors and look at several of their models in different categories.
What is a shavetka and where do they come from?
In general terms, a shavette (from the English “shavette”) or a straight razor with replaceable blades is a razor with a folding design (less often fixed, awkward), which in shape looks like a classic straight razor, but uses replaceable blades for shaving. The term itself was used for Dovo straight razors, but soon caught on and began to be applied to all razors with replaceable blades.
For the first time, such razors were developed for use by barbers in hairdressing salons, in particular, for creating the contours of haircuts: temples, sideburns, nape, etc. In the past, one of the most popular models of razors was the Durham Duplex. Today, this brand still exists in the dog grooming industry. Later, due to the ban on the use of classic straight razors in some countries, razors began to be used for shaving.
Pros and cons of using shavets for a beginner
"Behind"
- Firstly, using such a razor, you will look very cool, because this is how men shaved for hundreds of years before the invention of modern machines.
- Once you have learned and gotten used to shaving with a shaving blade, it is unlikely that you will want to use a machine with expensive multi-blade cartridges again.
- The shavet, unlike the classic “apozka”, does not need to be sharpened or adjusted on a belt. As soon as the replacement blade becomes dull, just replace it with a new one and you can shave with a sharp razor again.
- One of the most important advantages is noticeably less skin irritation from using a shavette with one blade versus a cartridge with three or five.
- Well, and finally, the last, but one of the most powerful arguments in favor - the only consumables - replacement blades - are incredibly cheap. Compared to buying cartridges like Gillette Mach 3, Fusion or Fusion Proglide, you will save a ton of money.
"Against"
- Learning how to use a shavette takes some time and effort, especially if you are coming from a modern machine. However, the time and effort spent will pay off later.
- Such a razor has no protection against cuts except your own accuracy.
- Compared to T-shaped razor blades, it will be difficult at first to select the required angle at which the razor will be positioned during shaving. Again, this drawback is just a matter of time and experience.
Shavettes and classic straight razors
In general, inexpensive razors can be considered as the entry level in the range of straight razors, and some “top” models as an alternative. However, if the shavetka is purchased as a “practical guide” for shaving with straight razors, you need to take into account that the shavetka and the “caution” will be felt differently, because they must be held at different angles relative to the skin. Most often, straight razors are noticeably heavier than straight razors. And, perhaps, the main difference is the length of the blade, which is longer in a traditional razor.
However, shavettes are more compact and lighter, making them, for example, more convenient to take with you on a trip (even compared to heavy T-shaped machines).
If you're really committed to using a classic straight razor in the future, you might as well start with a well-sharpened, inexpensive traditional razor and strop. But the initial investment (razor, sharpening, belt, etc.) will be noticeably higher.
Let's compare a few basic financial parameters of both types of razors.
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Types of blades and choice of blades for them
Shavettes can be divided into three main types depending on the blades used. The first is razors that use the usual double-sided blades familiar to everyone. The second is shavettes, which use both regular blades and special elongated ones (their design allows the installation of both types); these are German Dovo razors. And finally, the third type - perhaps the most advanced shavettes - are razors from the Japanese manufacturer Feather, which use special long blades from the same manufacturer. All straight razors with replaceable blades are available in the corresponding section, but now let's look at each type, the pros and cons of some models separately.
Shavettes on standard blades
These are the simplest razors in terms of consumables. You can take any classic blade and, breaking it into two parts and inserting it into the holder, start shaving.
One of the most popular razor models due to their excellent price-quality ratio are Parker razor blades - real “workhorses”, often used not only for personal use, but also in barbershops.
Models 31R, 33R and 34R have a special opening mechanism for installing blades, while models PTW and PTB are equipped with a retractable design where the blade is attached. It is worth noting that all Parker razors are made of stainless steel, which is undoubtedly an advantage.
Which blade to choose? A very individual parameter to give a definite answer. If you're a beginner, start with our custom blade set. In it you will find 5-10 blades of all popular brands and you can choose the one that suits you and enjoys using.
For razors of this type, the blade must be divided in half into two parts without removing it from the envelope (to avoid accidentally cutting your fingers, do not hold the tip of the blade). Then insert one half into the shaver mount, securing it using the appropriate razor mechanism. The razor is ready for use.
Shavettes on elongated blades
When talking about such razors, we, of course, mean the classic among shavettes - the Dovo Shavette. Their main advantage is the ability to use both regular blades and special long Dovo blades (they allow you to shave a larger area of stubble at once).
In addition, the razor is compact in size and light weight, making it maneuverable and easy to use. Dovo shaver blades also have a small plastic tip to prevent accidental cuts from the edge of the razor.
Blade insertion couldn't be easier - the razor has plastic holders for regular and long blades, which are inserted into the body. The blade also needs to be split in half first.
However, the light weight and compactness of the razor can be a disadvantage, especially for those with large palms.
In general, the Dovo razor has many more advantages. Especially when you consider that by purchasing this shaver and hundreds of blades, you will provide yourself with a comfortable shave for about a couple of years.
Feather Shavettes
Well, and finally, the standard among straight razors with replaceable blades is the Artist Club SS series razors from the Japanese manufacturer Feather with a long history. They are available in two styles: traditional folding and unusual “Japanese” - the blade and handle are one piece. They exclusively use blades from the same manufacturer, of which there are several options.
For example, Soft Guard blades, due to their softness, are recommended for those with sensitive skin. Light Blade is universal, and ProGuard can handle even the thickest and toughest stubble.
The initially relatively high price is compensated by the highest quality of the blades. They are superbly sharpened, each one lasts longer than regular blades (about 10-15 uses per blade), and they shave incredibly close. In addition, they have a very comfortable length for shaving. The blades are packaged in special containers that make them easy to install into razor holders.
Separately, it is worth noting the handles of both versions of Feather shavettes. The “Japanese” version has a handle made of a pleasant rubberized material, due to which it fits perfectly in the hand and does not slip. In the classic version, the handle has a special “monkey tail” design, which has excellent ergonomics.
How often should blades be changed?
One of the first questions asked by buyers not only of razors, but also of safety razors. Unfortunately, it is impossible to give an exact answer. Those with thicker stubble and coarser hairs will need to change the blade more often than those with softer bristles.
Typically, the average is 3-5 uses of one standard blade. Everything is banal: the blade should be changed as soon as there is a feeling that it is becoming dull. A dull blade will begin to “rip off” hairs and cause skin irritation.
Shavette shaving, which uses one blade versus three or five in Gillette, in itself reduces irritation, since the latter damage the skin three to five times more. But you need to remember that dull blades are the best friend of irritation, that is, changing the blade on time is very important.
If you steam your skin and stubble well with hot water before shaving, and also use preshave, this will extend the life of the blade by a couple of uses. As a result, some people like to change the blade after every shave, while others can use one 10 or more times. So, as you can see, this is a very individual parameter.
Using Shavetka: Before You Start
At first, shaving with a shaving blade may seem like a somewhat complicated process. You need to be extremely careful, but the result is probably the closest shave of your life. Now let's look at a few steps to prepare for shaving with a shavet.
Step 1. Don't ignore the preshare.
- Experienced adherents of classic shaving will certainly advise any beginner to thoroughly steam the stubble with a hot towel. However, a hot shower or at least washing with hot water before shaving should also be enough.
- The next step is often ignored when shaving with other types of razors, but it is important especially if you have hard and thick stubble - use a preshave. This could be a special cream or oil before shaving.
- The product should be applied to the skin approximately 3-5 minutes before shaving and not rinsed off.
- The preshave helps soften the stubble, and also protects the skin from irritation and makes it more elastic.
- Remember that you will be shaving with an extremely sharp blade, so protection will be a plus.
Step 2: Wash with hot water. Before you start shaving, do not forget to apply hot water directly to the stubble.
Step 3. Prepare shaving foam.
- Among the many means for making foam, the best would be soap or shaving cream, which will not irritate the skin, but rather protect and nourish it. This will require a shaving brush.
- However, if using a brush seems a little cumbersome at first, try starting with a cream that does not require this tool to make foam.
- Cheaper foams or gels (such as Gillette) are not recommended due to their not very natural composition, which can negatively affect the skin if it comes into contact with enlarged pores.
Step 4. You will need a mirror, an intimate setting and more time.
- For the first shaving with a shavet, reserve at least 25-30 minutes of free time.
- In the future, as you hone your shaving skills with such a razor, the procedure time will be significantly reduced.
- It is advisable to make sure that you will not be suddenly disturbed so as not to accidentally cut yourself.
How to shave with a shavet: technique
So it's time for your first shave with your new razor, and here are some guidelines on basic technique. We hope you took advantage of all our tips for preparing for the shaving process.
First of all, you will most likely cut yourself the first time. The cut probably won't be painful since a very sharp blade will be used. But to be prepared for such a development of events and to prevent bleeding, stock up on one of the universal remedies for cuts: gel or classic alum. Both remedies will help not only stop the bleeding in a few seconds, but also speed up the healing of the cut.
So, your foam is ready and has already been applied to your face - start shaving from your sideburns. Hold the razor very lightly at an angle of approximately 30° to the skin. The greater the angle, the greater the chance of cutting yourself.
Don't squeeze the razor too hard with your fingers. The razor should shave freely. Start at the top and work your way down with smooth, easy movements. The cheeks are the easiest part because this area of the face is flat and comparatively large in area compared to other parts. Follow the cheek down to the chin.
You need to be careful when shaving the area above the upper lip, as the hair here is especially coarse. You need to shave using small, light strokes from top to bottom. If you shave here against the hair growth, you can cut your nose. The area under the lower lip is also shaved very carefully and without sudden movements, so as not to cut the lip.
The area from the bottom of the chin down the neck is shaved in turn on both sides of the Adam's apple, starting from the chin. The razor is drawn from top to bottom, on the left side of the Adam's apple. On the Adam's apple itself, especially if it protrudes strongly, you need to shave as carefully as possible, pulling the skin from it to the side. The hair along the lower edge of the jaw is shaved from the chin towards the ear, pulling back the skin.
Very often, hair in the lower part of the neck grows from the bottom up. In such cases, you should shave from top to bottom until the point where the hair takes the opposite direction, and shave the rest of the neck from bottom to top.
Many people prefer shaving in two passes. This means that after you shave your face the first time, the foam is reapplied and you shave again. The second pass will be more vigorous, but you will definitely get rid of the remaining hair if one time was not enough. This method is especially good if you have thick stubble or haven't shaved in a few days.
Skin tension also helps in the shaving process, since stretched skin is simply easier to shave. The area around the mouth is perhaps the most difficult area to shave, as the chance of cutting yourself is quite high here. Be patient, stretch the skin slightly before each stroke of the razor, and use small strokes to carefully shave off chin stubble and mustache. Similarly, and with the same care, you need to shave the hair on your throat.
Shavet shaving: how to avoid cuts and irritation
Irritation after shaving often appears as small redness (pimples) on the skin of the throat or cheeks. They look terrible, but they feel even worse and bring nothing but suffering with their itching for several days.
They can also appear when shaving with a shaver. If you, moreover, are the happy owner of sensitive skin, we recommend studying this topic. For everyone else, here are some tips to avoid the problem.
Good preparation is the key to success.
- Make sure your razor is clean before shaving. Remember to rinse it well under hot water after each shave.
- Before each shave, use a hot towel, shower, or wash your face with hot water.
- Use pre-shave products (creams or oils).
- You should not shave in the shower to avoid accidentally cutting yourself.
Change blades promptly. Dull blades are one of the main causes of skin irritation.
Use a clean towel and a good aftershave.
- Use a separate, clean towel for your face to prevent bacteria from towels such as hand or body towels from getting into your open pores after shaving.
- After you've washed your face with cool water and dried your face with a towel, use a good aftershave depending on your skin type.
Conclusion
Despite the fact that shavettes were invented as a tool with replaceable blades for each client for correcting haircuts in barber shops, these razors are now quite popular for personal shaving.
- They will be an excellent alternative for those men who would like to try traditional straight shaving, but do not want to bother with straightening and sharpening a classic razor.
- The use of a shaver is recommended for those who constantly experience irritation when shaving with modern three- or five-blade razors.
- And also for those who want to save on shaving consumables without sacrificing quality, because replacement blades cost pennies compared to cartridges.
- Shavettes are convenient for traveling due to their lightness, compactness and the absence of the need to take a belt with you for straightening (if you use a classic straight razor).
Remember: learning to use a shavet, like a regular “caution”, will take some time and accuracy. But the result will definitely justify expectations and costs, because shaving will be a pleasure.
At one time, the Gillette company and its ilk lobbied the market so much with their products that real men's shaving with a straight razor faded into the background. True fans were devoted to the traditions of men's shaving.
If you believe Google statistics, then starting in May 2006, shaving with a straight razor began to revive and gain momentum to this day. We, as true fans of brutal things, only support such popularity and for this we decided to highlight the question of how to choose a straight razor? We hope our instructions will help men and their ladies in this difficult matter, let's go!
When choosing a straight razor for the first time, you may be faced with a wide variety of products. What should you pay attention to or which brand of straight razor should you prefer? Which razor is suitable if you have never used it?
Canvas shape
What should you pay attention to? Well, of course, when choosing a straight razor, the first thing you need to figure out is its shape and blade width. Since the comfort and maximum convenience during the shaving process will depend on its shape.
Remember: a razor with a concave blade inward is a clear sign of improper sharpening.
Quality razors come in the following forms:
- Straight, without bends or extensions.
- Curved, with a razor blade resembling a crescent moon. Not to be confused with concave.
- Wedge-shaped, with the head of the blade wider towards its base.
- With replaceable blades. These razors are mainly purchased by barbershops. This is explained by a simple rule: one blade - one client, because this is a fairly hygienic option, and also a significant time saver (no need to edit the razor).
- With a narrowed head shaped like a scalpel or knife. It is worth noting that in terms of properties, such razors are no less effective than razors of other forms, but are of less value.
For a beginner, the last option is the best option. The tapered head will prevent accidental cuts. A razor with a straight blade is considered not a bad option, but if you have never held a straight razor, it is advisable to blunt the head - slightly round its corner.
Blade width
On the right is a Dovo Encina razor with a blade width of 6/8 inches.The blade width of a straight razor can vary. The most suitable option for a beginner is 5/8 or 6/8 inches. Straight razors of this width are used by most men. This is due to the fact that it is not very convenient to use a narrow or very wide version of the blade at first when shaving. It is quite difficult to immediately find the desired angle of inclination using a caution with a narrow blade. A wide razor will be heavy at first and quite inconvenient for a beginner, since weight and dimensions play a role. After all, if the shaving process is delayed, and you have a heavy razor in your hands, then you will undoubtedly begin to experience inconvenience.
Over time, your hand becomes full and you can experiment with other shapes by choosing a narrower or wider straight razor.
Blade concavity
As a rule, the concavity of the blade is ½ or 1/1 full (the shape of a wedge in the diagram). Despite the high cost of straight razors with a fully concave blade, this is the best option for a beginner to choose. This blade shape provides the most optimal combination of hardness and flexibility.
Blade head
The preferred option for a beginner would be a round head razor. It's harder to cut yourself with a straight razor like this. The most dangerous option is considered to be a straight razor with a square head.
Blade steel
The main blade material for a straight razor is stainless, Damascus or carbon steel.
A Damascus steel blade is considered the most expensive and very high-quality material that combines flexibility and strength. The blade is made of this steel, easy to sharpen, without wearing out for a long time.
Stainless steel is a harder and less flexible blade. But after sharpening, such a razor retains its sharp properties longer, but due to the hardness of the material, it is less flexible and comfortable to shave. This will require some skill.
Carbon steel is the most popular in production and is the most popular when choosing a straight razor. This version of the blade has flexible properties and is easy to straighten. Despite their preference and prevalence, blades of this type have disadvantages. They are displayed as fragility and susceptibility to corrosion.
When choosing a straight razor for the first time, you should give preference to carbon steel. But it’s worth considering that each manufacturer has its own composition and quality of workmanship, which can vary for the better or for the worse.
If funds allow or you need an exclusive gift, choosing a straight razor made of Damascus steel will be the best option of all. By the way, some models will be very exclusive. These include Damascus steel razors from the Boker manufacturer, but their price is quite high and will be about $1000 per model.
Handle material
It all depends on taste and preference. The cheapest ones are made of plastic, the most expensive ones are made of valuable wood, animal bones, etc. The most unusual one that was presented in our online store, with material made from mammoth ivory (Dovo Mammut).
Manufacturers
The choice is wide, but truly high-quality razors are made by the brands Dovo or Boker (Germany), as well as Thiers-Issard (France).
A short video of the production of a straight straight razor, it's interesting, worth watching!