How To Shave With A Straight Razor
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- Опубликовано: 28 авг 2024
- www.cremocompa...
Shaving with a straight razor isn't easy, and even with this tutorial we advise you to take it easy. Practice makes perfect and the technique may well take longer to master than you'd think.
Preparing your face
An important part of the shave whether using a straight, safety or disposable razor: Make sure you following a good routine before you pick up the razor. Use Cremo Original Shave Cream (cremocompany.c...) or Cremo Lathering Shave Cream (cremocompany.c...) for added comfort. Take a look at our guide on how to shave your face for further inspiration.
How to hold a Straight Razor
This one can be a dilemma for many. Holding a Straight Razor can be subjective in certain circles, so take time and get to know your razor. Expert cut-throat shavers can alternate between grips when using these razors, depending on where on their face they are shaving.
We’d recommend resting your first three fingers on the shank of the blade, with your pinky on the tang. Place your thumb near the middle, next to, but not on, the blade.
The Shave
Hold the blade at a 30 degree angle and perform short, sharp strokes with the grain. Unlike a disposable, where you put some force downward on the blade, try not to apply pressure, and let the blades weight and shaving angle do the work. If you press too hard, you’re likely to end up cutting yourself.
Expert Tips
If you’re not ambidextrous, you will find it difficult to shave the other side of your face from your dominant hand. Some shavers try to switch hands, some find it more comfortable to keep the same. Practice makes perfect, just go easy to begin with until you find your rhythm.
After care
Wash your face with cold water and apply a Post Shave Balm to soothe any nicks or cuts (especially if it’s your first time). Make sure you take good care of your razor and equipment and keep it in a dry place away from harm.
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was doing ok myself od little cut here and there, then i took a huge chunk out my lip so now im watching tutorials
Oh no! We're keeping our fingers crossed for a full recovery.
This is what I dread. We are totally being screwed by the major brands and disposables, not to mention the cost to the environment, but there is a reason we pay this high cost. There will be a day we are in a hurry and there will be a day when we are not feeling 100% and in the rush if the morning fog, we won’t know it. Until….slash.
@@mebeasensei that was 3 years ago now its very rare i cut myself so dont worry
oh no !!
@chosenundead6376 did it fully heal?
As a kid I used to watch my grandad shaving with the straight razor, he was amazing, he left me his razor when he died, its a beautiful pearl covered scale, highly polished, sheffield silver made in solingen 1908. but I never got around to using it, now I will leave it to my grandson.
Love the sentiment! Show your grandson this video! Let us know how it goes!
I ll buy it how much you want for it
@@shendetgashi2100 you're kidding, right?
@@shendetgashi2100 c'mon man
amount.pricie
I just made my first attempt using a straight razor and, following all of your tips, it went really smoothly. A really relaxing experience. Of course, one cut here and there but no biggie, practice makes perfect.
You said it best - practice makes perfect. But we're awfully glad that you had a great first experience! The straight razor makes for a really great shave once you master your technique.
@@CremoCompanyGrooming how many shaves out of a blade would you recommend
Looks easy
Me: cuts my self 10 times
Did you keep at it?
So true. I was not in a rush or nervous, took my good old easy time , did everything exactly right and STILL cut the hell out of my face. Hats off to the person who can use a straight razor. Because I gave it 100% and still got cut up. Used it about 5 or 6 shaves and said to hell with it
@@razoredge6476 I think I'll stick with an electric shaver- much safer that way. Lol.
@@kevinmiller1985 Lol
@Jack James LMAO 😅
I've been using a safety razor for the last six years and just bought a straight. Did my first shave tonight to perfection, no nicks or cuts at all, which surprised the hell out of me. The straight feels very nice on my face, even better than the safety razor.
Good effort! It definitely took us a while to master the craft but definitely a cool skill to learn.
Been using vintage gillettes for about a year now. Can you get BBS with a straight any easier?
I was also very lucky.I started after 7 months of DE razors..I have never cut myself with a straight razor..I started using both hands.left side left hand right side right hand.It took awhile to match my DE razor, so there is a learning curve but the reward is a closer shave.Irritation is greatly reduced as well.People think straight razors are meat cleavers but that has not been my experience..Although some have trouble at first.I think starting with a DE razor helps.As well as having some honing experience before hand(knives)
@@1911acolt1
A couple of tips: the shaver was pulling down their neck which is one of the pro moves you can do with a straight razor: direction of hair growth doesn't matter and you won't get razor burn either direction you shave; Practice practice practice and you will still nick yourself occasionally. Just know that unless you really aren't trying (like shut your eyes and swing away) it is unlikely that you'll do any lasting damage. "Take care of your gear", well that mostly means do not, don't ever touch your edge on anything besides your face or your strop. Or, you'll be back to the knife shop to take out the dings which will always cause nicks if you don't. If you are careful with your blade, you'll still ding it up until you learn that it's a critical fail and you really have to pay attention.
I have been shaving with a straight edge for about 5 years, and now pretty consistently no nicks and I don't have to think about it anymore. I have saved some money overall without having to replace cartridges (and, inevitably, the handle which gets funky after a couple of years) but I also don't have to throw anything away which is nice. Really smooth skin too. Good luck and get after it!
Fantastic tips, Jacob. Thank you for sharing. It's hard to beat shaving with a straight razor once you get it down.
What about maintaining the edge? I've heard of stones and leather. But how often?
Is Damascus worth it?
@@mitchallen5819 regular stropping (with a leather strop) each time you shave is sufficient. Don't try to put an edge on (don't use a stone ever) because if it gets dull or dinged you'll want a professional to tune it up. Damascus steel is neat to look at, can be very hard, tough and hold an edge well. However any Bengal process steel is more than sufficient, remember that the state of the art in straight razors was reached over a hundred years ago. In fact, I only have vintage blades (my two favorites are from the 1920's). Good luck!
before he had facial hair but within the explanation he is just shaving without having facial hair to show the watcher that he is shaving very good
Let's lather up and get started
Agreed they didn’t explain that one’s facial hair grows in all kinds of directions
Did my first straight shave. It was so cool. I think I'll switch to it. I love how don't need pressure, and how the hair just falls off. I was a little nervous but I only nicked myself once, on an uneven part on my cheek.
I may give this method a shot again after seeing this video. Never to late to learn a new technique after 40+ years of everything else. Nice job.
There's no better time like the present, Mike! Thanks for the feedback - glad you enjoyed it.
Thanks for being the father I never had. These tips worked wonderfully.
What the shaving world needs is a non-clogging blade that one can self sharpen that isn't a straight razor!
jthepickle7 cartridge type straight razor maybe what you need
@@laithalharthy3283 Huh! - I didn't know they made them. I'm pretty sure after stoning on a 15,000 grit Shapton stone followed by stropping that sharpness is not the problem, cutting myself is the problem.
@@jthepickle7 Incase you never found the answer, the straight with a disposable blade is called a shavette.
As for a razor that doesn't clog check out "saftey razors". Particularly ones that are "open comb".
Hit eBay and type in "Gillette long comb saftey razor". They can be had for about 10 bucks. Alternatively, Gem brand makes a "clog pruf" saftey razor.
Both of which still have a following and companies still make blades for them, albeit they are stainless steel and Teflon coated nowadays.
It might look hard, but vintage razors are actually a pretty fun little hobby!
Also known as a safety razor, extremely common in India.
@@therenaissanceman441 "Likes' got the joke, commenters did not.
0:53 Narrator: Let's start with the names of the parts.
Me: Really? You mean the handle and the blade? Derp!
1:10 Me: wut
Ha! You learn something new every day!
Aabeakt even a v defrc
Same reaction man hahaha.
This was definitely me. As the different parts were mentioned, and more kepts coming, I was surprised lol
Well presented, not pushy, and to the point.
Cremo is the only shave cream I've had that didn't leave my face a bumpy mess after using my safety razor.
So glad the cream worked out for you, thanks for leaving a comment :)
I needed this, I ordered a straight blade razor, & got a couple cuts, & people notice lol.
Cut my own hair yesterday, shaving with a straight for the first time tomorrow. Trying to learn so I can give myself that barber shop experience at home lol
what did you shave with before shooting the "tutorial"?
I always wait to shave because I get bumbs easy and that is no fun lol. My barber shaved me with this and oh my lord was it life changing now I’m here trying to get a better understanding lol.
There's nothing like an experienced barber giving you a meticulous shave to make you feel pampered. I read that a decent straight razor will set you back at least $100.
Pretty sure people did a google search for "how to shave with a straight razor". Not "how to scrape off white stuff from the face with a prop"
Me: watches video
Brother: hey where's that place? We should go there!
I just had my first straight razor shave after watching this and nicked my neck right at the end after I was all proud of myself for not cutting myself once my first time. It’s a bit difficult getting the left side of your neck
Like the stupid football teams that celebrate a touchdown, what are you doing? You didn’t win anything yet!
It takes practice and a few nicks before you master it but that's a good start
You guys seriously need to make a double edge safety razor that's astonishingly superior.
Thanks for the suggestion! We're always interested in hearing what our customers want and think, so we will definitely share this with our team!
Always wanted one. I use the safety razor. But this looks fun better to use.
30 degree angle with grain. that's all you need to know
and also against it?????
And also against it! I find it really awkward to shave up the right side of my neck with my right hand, so I just shave the other direction. I used to get razor burn if I even did it a little with a disposable, like ingrown hairs painful and red and never do with a straightedge.
I have never shaved that smooth
It is possible, we promise! A quality razor and shave cream make a world of a difference.
My dad broke his, but when he needed to shave for a formal event we had, he literally used a utility knife, he didnt like razors
Can u really use a utility knife?
He has a beard in the beginning and then once he was actually shaking he has no beard underneath the shaving cream!! Weird!!
Thanks for such a clear and concise vid. Much appreciated.
Thanks for this video as it’s informative and provides the basics.
2 questions. 1) Am right handed, how do you do it on left side. Change the hands?
2) can you reverse shave?
Hi there. Switching hands might be the easiest. However, if you aren’t confident in your other hand, you can reach across your face. For this, you can use your left hand to stretch the skin tight while your right hand handles the blade and shave. For your second question, reverse shaving is always an option, but this is heavily dependent on you and your skin. If your skin is sensitive or prone to ingrown hairs, this may cause a lot of irritation. In that case, we would recommend reapplying some shave cream and going over the area again in the same direction with the same technique.
@@CremoCompanyGrooming thx partner.
I always hear this about a 30 degree angle, do I need to get a protractor to just the right angle???
Super helpful this video, Thanks.
Glad to help out, thanks!
My best friend works for a big razor company and he buys me a new razor occasionally. I'm not satisfied with them anymore so I'm going to search for a straight blade. My mustache has intricate angles that get ruined with a regular razor, I'm thinking a straight razor will give me more precise control.
That's a good idea! Can't beat the classics!
If you're watching this. You're a good man..... and sorry if I offended anything 🇨🇦
I am a barber no Straight Razor can compete with modern razors i can sharpen on the Turkey stone and the grey smooth stone I have 100s of them
Even here the guy is pre-shaved?
U odnosu sa masinicom brijačem Merkur PROGRES nikada ne mozete se obrijati kao sa masinicom nikadaaaas.
Progres ili Futur daju izbrijanost do korijena dlake.❤
I first used electric shavers. They were never close enough. Then for over a decade I used a cartridge shaver. It does a decent job. Does cause a lot of irritation though. But after that Gillette advert? Don't want to touch the things. A guy I live with has recently started learning to shave with a straight razor. Figured I would get myself one and finally learn to shave properly. Thanks for the tutorial. Dont worry, I will go very, slowly. If I am patient and persistent, I will learn the skill in time.
It's our pleasure. It's a skill worth having, and practice definitely makes perfect. Keep it up!
I've used just about every kind of razor there is. When I was in my teens, I used electric and cartridge razors. As I got older, I went through acne and chicken pox, so my face got less smooth and my facial hair got tougher, so those didn't cut it anymore. I switched to a safety razor, which got the job done better and I got fewer razor bumps, but I decided I want a razor that'll last years without having to buy new blades, so I asked for a straight razor for Christmas. I used it last night for the first time and while I didn't get a single cut (which was my biggest fear) it wasn't very sharp either, so I alternated between it and my safety razor. I used my strop afterward and will invest in a whetstone.
@@realjoemavro When I said straight razor what i meant was a straight razor that uses replaceable blades. I have not actually switched to a true straight razor yet. Been looking at getting one soon though. Apparently it is much more about letting the weight do the shaving.
Well you look handsome shaving!
My dad says you shouldn’t use one my dad a noob when it comes to shaving
I think I know that voice over! Edward?!
It sure is - good ear!
You are so connected to the brand you recognize and know our VO talent!
i got neck rash like a plucked turkey
Your grain may go the opposite way. This guys neck grain goes the same way as his face. I used to shave like that too and would get bad neck rashes. Then i realized my neck grain goes opposite to my face grain. I tried going the opposite way on my neck (because whats the worst that could happen? I get an anti grain neck rash that is the same as the rash i got every time anyway?) and it worked much better. No more neck rash
For the guy in the video his grain is down face down neck. Mine is down face up neck.
Let your neckbeard grow out for a few days and then run your hand across it to figure out if the grain faces the same way or opposite way to your face.
That can happen if you dry shave. Hot water and shaving cream, and the hair will come off easier, won’t have to keep shaving over the same area multiple times which causes skin irritation.
I'm at an age that when I drop something I don't immediately pick it up but consider first whether I still need it.
Always fearful of wasting time, I dropped out of school...and began shaving only when my beard bugged me.
The disposable clogged more and more as I got older and I spent more time Un-clogging the razor than shaving. Something had to be done!
To those who cannot comprehend why a man would risk his life shaving with a straight razor, when there are safer options, I offer this; the saving of time.
Once, every two weeks, I plow through the copper wire-like stubble growing from my hansom face with just the right tool; an un-cloggable single blade.
Time, not money. The time I spent earning what it took to buy the razor, stones, strop, microscope, I consider well spent - as that time was part of foolish youth.
Beyond time and money. Those of us who prepare a blade to peel our face might not be brighter, happier
or more 'together', but we are fewer - and that's enough for me.
What year did your drop out of? And that’s a cool story mate,
@@InkEater881 I turned 17 on March the 3rd. That very day I was legally able to remove myself from the 10th grade and did so.
You did what you had to do mate I respect that, school is not for everyone
@@InkEater881 Precisely what my mother said.
That’s a good thing,
The rest of the story that has not been told is there are a lot of maintenance tools required to keep the blade sharp enough to shave with. You need to have the skills to use those tools also.
That’s why I much prefer my Parker SRB shavette…..it’s less forgiving than a straight but I don’t have to worry about maintenance, equipment or the upkeep costs that goes with a straight.
I've been using a safety razor for years and get incredible results for pennies per blade. Not sure I want to venture down the straight razor road.
Same here. I bought a Meuker safety razor from Amazon for $25 about two years ago and haven't looked back since. I get 100 Shark safety razor blades for only $6.75. Unbelievable. I've saved a ton of money using it. And trust me don't get a regular straight razor. I did everything right and still got cut up. Not worth it
@@razoredge6476Is it better than the Van der Hagen?
Is that sandalwood cremo in jar going to be available again any time soon? I have noticed it is notoriously hard to find.
My cutthroat has probably saved my hundreds in cartridges by now
thinking of starting to use a straight razor since before I've been using normal disposable razors, why go with the grain? is it the same completly smooth shave either way?
Memo: 30 degree angle
I will get one when I'll be able to. I got tired of these overpriced modern disposable razors so I will switch to a straight one, and after developing a good technique I'll definitely try some feathers razors as they're sharp enough to slit your throat if you do it wrong :-)
What can I practice on if not my skin?
Instructions not clear, how do I stop jugular bleeding?
I’ve you believe in reincarnation you can have another go next time around!
decided to try without watching this video. cut my chin a few strokes in just testing how it felt.
only bought a straight razor to shave the hairs around my piercings that my safety razor can't reach.
Regular razor aint cutting it no more gonna have to get me one if these bad boys
A straight razor is definitely a fantastic addition to any shaving routine. Let us know how you like it.👏
Missed afew points, wrong on the neck shave. How long you been doing this?
you have to sharpen it with a strut
I bought one of these things and now I work as a barber in England. My clients come in as fuzzy faced pigs and leave in my flat mates delicious meat pies!
You need an apostrophe for "mates", it should be "mate's". Perhaps even a hyphen for "fuzzy faced"? Otherwise, my first thought was WTF!??, My second was LOL!. Good effort, thanks.
I really want to know, can you shave upwards instead of downwards? :P
How to purchase a straight razor, give me a address or a link
Would have helped if he'd genuinely shaved WITH the stubble and not an obviously clean shaven face. Can't really see exactly how close these razors shave because of that. Having hyper sensitive skin even the least bit of stubble irritates my face and I need to find a razor that can make my face as smooth as possible. Straight razors were completely useless so I was hoping these type razors would help.
Have acquired a 5/8 full hollow ground & used it for a good 90 shaves. Regardless of angle (10 to 40 degrees) or direction (along,across or against the grain),I can get a much better shave, much more quickly, using cheap plastic two blade disposable. Have had it re-honed, bust still disappointing. Am I doing something wrong, or did these things die out for a reason.
A straight razor typically provides the closest shave so perhaps it could be your razor. Consider picking up a new one and researching beforehand. Good luck!
Name of exact straight razor used?
What’s the razor with the black handle that you have in the video?
Thank you for the educational video. What angle should you be using a cut throat razor? Around a 35-45 degree angle? Thanks
90⁰ 🤭
@@IAmThe_RA 🤣🤣🤣
Is there an angle that you shave at i.e. 15 degrees?
thanks dad
You're very welcome.😉
Would shaving as soon as you get out of the shower work the same as a hot towel on your face?
So man I'm seventeen going on eighteen next year I have a gap in my beard under my chin is this normal?
It sure is! It can take time for beards to completely fill in. While you wait for Mother Nature & Father Time to work, we recommend keeping your beard clean and moisturized using a beard wash and beard cream or oil to ensure a healthy canvas. You can check out our line of Beard products here: cremocompany.com/beard
@@CremoCompanyGrooming thx man
I wanna try do u had change blade every save or u can used it over n over?
It depends on the type of straight edge razor that you purchased. Some have replaceable blades. A lot of times Barbers such as myself will by the old fashioned two edged blades and break them in half and use them that way. Or you buy straight edge razor that's you sharpen by using a strop. A strop is a piece of leather that you used to see attached to the old-fashioned barber chairs that you draw the blade up and down on to sharpen it kind of in the idea of the way that you would sharpen a knife. I hope that helps!
@@laurabarber6697ok Thks
Can anyone or the creator PLEASE suggest a good name brand of a Straight Razor to purchase? Thank you.
DOVO….but they are pricey
Anyone have any tips for shaving with a mole on their face? I have one just to the left and slightly above my mouth and I've nicked it plenty of times with normal razors. I have to be extremely careful with it using my safety razor since the mole on my face is raised a decent amount above the skin.
Yes, this is a really difficult area for many shavers! Check out this article from @mantic59 sharpologist.com/2011/05/advice-shaving-around-a-scar-or-a-mole.html
I have a couple of keloid scars on my chin and upper lip as well as a mole on my cheek and straight razor no problem. Each one is different, so learn how to shave to it, they aren't going anywhere.
What's the maximum length you can shave?
Obviously if you've got a fat beard you'll need to get the scissors out first, but how short do I have to go before the razor will efficiently clean the rest?
It really depends. You have quite a bit more flexibility with a straight razor since it won't get clogged like a cartridge razor does. It may take a little extra time, but you can shave with a straight razor without cutting down your beard first.
@@CremoCompanyGrooming .
It's nice to know for sure.
Thanks 😁
I want to buy 1 , pls share the link or adress where to buy a straight razor
Hi there, here's a great article breaking down some of our favorite straight razors:
www.esquire.com/style/grooming/g30062293/best-straight-razor/
I just don’t have the time to learn it if i could I would
It's time consuming to learn and practice, that's for sure. But it's very much worth it.🙌
@@CremoCompanyGrooming safety razor is a better option
How did he just shave downward and get rid of the hair at the root. I usually have to shave upward for that. I always have a lot of irritation so I'm hoping if I try a straight razor it will help me have a cleaner shave and less irritations :(
Shaving with a straight razor can certainly lead to less irritation that some get with multi-blade razors. In addition, shave with the grain for the first pass, and if you need a closer shave, shave across the grain (not against it!).
@@CremoCompanyGrooming That doesn’t always work…..I have to shave against the grain otherwise I can still feel the stubble
Do you have a video to tell the quality
of a razor blade?
Hi Tom, we don't at this time, but that's a great suggestion. We'll pass this along to our team!
@@CremoCompanyGrooming Thanks
On a side note Cremo makes some outstanding body wash as well. Check it out.
Cheers, David! Happy to hear you're a fan! What's your favorite scent?
I see these and then I think of reservoir dogs
Yikes! The goal is to have a much better experience with a straight razor.
Nearly visited the Cremo website; then I realised the video is fake and he's obviously shaved once or twice before using the prop to scrape foam off his already shaved face for the video. Shame.
We appreciate your feedback, D. Video aside, we do recommend checking out our Shave Cream -- we think you'll be quite pleased with it!
Man chin area is giving me some real trouble
I wish they showed him actually shaving the hair this looks like hes shaving pre shaved skin
I tried this today ; it’s not as easy as people make it look 😳
I cut myself 2 times :(
@0:39 wtf is that whistle
We will never be able to unhear that.
that guy was shaved by a barber before recording the shaving and passing of blade
I use guarded razors like Gillette mach 3 guard,, or gillete guard,,
I also fear and i even cut myself and had 3 lines on my cheek with mach 3 when i used it first time,,
I am happy where i am cant take risk
It definitely takes a steady hand, practice makes perfect!
1:30 same thing as safety 🪒.
I thought about shaving wit- h a straight razor more than once, but for one thing I don 't like the possibility of cutti- ng my face to ribbons, so I'll just stick with the electric s- haver, thank you; much safe r this way. Besides, after wat ching the Three Stooges do it, I'm not sure I'd want to. Pl us I have no idea where to g et one.
It is a learning curve for sure, but is a cool skill to add!
Wont beat a mach 3 for a close shave.
🙄
"Cut throat" isn't a term to throw out in this topic. ("Sweeny Todd" comes to mind.)
I tried to shave with a straight razor 5-6 years ago but i misunderstood the stroping and i shined it so it didn't cut after the first attempt and quit. I acquired a new one yesterday, a cheap one and worked better. I have some questions thow.
If I feel that the razor doesn't cut as much as in the beginning, can i strop it in the middle of the shaving? And if yes, how do i clean the blade for stroping? With water and paper?
Also, when i reach the chin, ( i have angles ) it's a little painful..
@@theodwroz A straight razor shouldn't lose sharpness during a shave, but over a period of time. We would recommend honing and stroping the blade before shaving so you wouldn't have to do this. Not jumping to assumptions, but a lot of the times, cheap straights don't last the test of time and can be troublesome to keep sharp after the initial shave.
The chin is a real problem area. Take your time, make sure the blade is flat and not attacking the skin at more than a 30 degree angle. Small sharp strokes wins the day.
Hope this helps!
@@CremoCompanyGrooming Thank you for your imidiate responce. I found someone who regularly shaves with a straight razor and tomorrow he ll show me how tro strope and shave in the chin courves.
@@theodwroz Not a problem, good luck!
I wanna shave my head with it? 🤔
You can do, just takes any even higher level of skill and patience.
I'd end up bleeding to death if I tried this
i’m a texas class A barber & you named the parts of the blade wrong
Rilo mendez hmmmm mayyyybe they have different names where you’re from or they’re using a different type
Lmao Class A? You’re just the local Hispanic barber that fades everything in sight. Gtfo kid
These never work for me, I've had a few but none of them actually cut hair. The modern Gillette razors do a much better job
Thanks for sharing your experiences! If the Gillette razors work for you, we don't see why you shouldn't stick with them!
You had 3 different ways of holding it lol.
*sings songs from Sweeney Todd....
Straight Razor wowww that's scary
It takes some practice, but it's worth it. It makes for the smoothest shave.😉
He had already shaved in and no longer had stubbles. What a cheat. Look closely at the 0:42-0:44 and then at 2:15.
Being always shaved gets me way better look, skinny or shredded men look better shaved, fat boiz hide their faces with beard cause they are jawless
Hey, to each their own! Clean-shaven, bearded... we're here for it all.
Rules That Boys hate,mens Follow😜