straight razor education
Everything you need to know to pick the right straight razor
what type of shaver are you?
Are you a wet shave newbie, occassional shaver, head shaver or a total pro? Here are our picks for every type of shaver.
Newbie
If you are just getting started, you need a quality razor that is honed, and a strop. Grinding a straight razor is very labor intensive and few places do it right. This specific straight razor is German-made to the highest quality but does not have any extra frills to keep the price down. We then hone the razor for the perfect, shave-ready edge. The strop in this set will allow you to keep that sharp edge through every shave.
WCS Black Straight Razor Set - Build Your Own
1Straight razor shaving kit Customizable - build your own Pick a razor, strop, brush, soap Everything to build your perfect kit, right here! We'...
View full detailsModern Man
This Japanese straight razor is certainly modern. This razor uses replaceable blades, which are inserted through an injector system so that you do not need to handle the sharp edges. The handle does not fold over, a design that pulls inspiration from the Japanese Kamisori razors.
Feather Artist Club SS Japanese Razor, Black
10Professional grade straight (shavette) razor Replacement blades change easily (no stropping or honing) Black handle and head are completely sanit...
View full detailsAficionado
We love this straight razor. Besides for excellent German craftsmanship, this straight razor has some beautiful upgrades. The handle is crafted out of buffalo horn, which means that every piece is unique. The spine of the razor is sculpted and gold plated, and the Spanish point on the razor gives it a great look and functionality. The blade has a mirror finish that gives it extra shine. This is truly a razor for the discerning shaver.
Dovo 5/8" Bergischer Lowe Buffalo Horn Straight Razor
9Distinctive straight razor from Dovo 5/8" full hollow, carbon steel blade with gold etching Natural buffalo horn scales (handle) Since 1906, Dov...
View full detailsBarbers
Hygiene is a top concern as a barber. For that reason you will need a replaceable blade straight razor, where you can change out the blade for each customer. The Parker SR1 is a version that can take any double edge blade, which makes it very versatile. While it lacks the history, manliness, and process of a traditional straight razor, it fits the bill for a busy barber.
Parker SR1 Barber Straight Razor
46Straight-type razor from Parker Holds 1/2 DE blade in the head for a fresh shave every time, no stropping or honing Silver-colored handle De Blade...
View full detailshow to use a straight razor
We teamed up with Jason "Ruds" Rudman to bring you these two videos on how to shave with a straight razor, and the different components of a straight razor.
Benefits of Straight Razor Shaving

A masculine tradition
Men have been shaving with straight razors for hundreds of years. Continuing that tradition is a way to connect with the men who came before you.

Better for your skin
The single edge of a straight razor is much better for your skin than the 5 blades on a cartridge razor. You will get a closer, less irritating shave with a straight razor.

More Enjoyable
Taking the time to stop and shave with a straight razor is an art that men have enjoyed for generations. The focus required allows you to pull away from the stresses of your life and enjoy the process of shaving.

Better for the earth
Straight razors are the most enviornmentally friendly way to shave. There are no wasteful products that end up in landfills.
Picking the right safety razor:
Head Geometry
The type of head is the most important consideration when selecting a safety razor. Depending on your skin sensitivity, hair thickness, and experience with safety razors, we recommend different head types.
5 stars = most manly
5 stars = most affordable
1 star = least affordable
Pros
- Easier to sharpen
- German Manufacturing
- Lasts a lifetime (or two)
Perfect for:
- Most people looking for a traditional straight razor
Manliness

Maitenance

Affordability

Pros
- Will not rust
- German Manufacturing
- Lasts a lifetime (or two)
Perfect for:
- Shavers that live in very humid area
Manliness

Maintainance

Affordability

Pros
- Easy to Maintain
- Lower Price Point
- Takes any DE Blade
Perfect for:
- Barbers
Manliness

Maintainance

Affordability

Pros
- Japanese Manufacturing
- Easy to load new blades
- Modern Design
Perfect for:
- A modern take on a straight razor
Manliness

Maintainance

Affordability

Picking the right safety razor:
Blade Grind
Blade grind is a term referencing how thin the blade is on a traditional straight razor. Basically, how much of the metal was grinded off. The more "hollow" the grind, the thinner the blade. Nowadays, the majority of straight razors are full-hollow allowing for the sharpest edge. We also carry half-hollows which are better suited for shavers with thicker beards or who shave less often.