Shaving with a straight razor can be tricky so this article will offer tips on how to shave with a straight razor. Using a straight razor for shaving correctly involves specific techniques. A straight razor is a blade that has a hinge to a handle that is slotted. When not in use, the blade can be folded into the handle for safety. Straight razors have been around for a long time and have an interesting history. See History of Straight Razors to see how they have developed over the years. Seeing someone use one often brings back memories of a smoking jacket, a pipe, and visions of relatives from generations past.

To shave with a straight razor you will need one that is in perfect condition, free of nicks or scratches, some type of shaving cream or a shaving mug, soap and brush, and a strop. You need to make sure your face is ready, that you hold the blade at the correct angle, and that you follow a certain path when shaving. It takes a while to learn, so be patient and take it one step at a time. You will end up with the closest and smoothest shave you have ever experienced.

Using a straight razor can be risky and one slip could cause a serious injury. Here are a few safety precautions:

• Make sure your blade is in perfect condition
• Only move the blade vertically because horizontal movement could cause cuts that could be serious
• It must be held at exactly the right angle; if it too flat it can cause tears in the stubble and if it is up too much it can cut the skin
• If you drop the razor don’t use it until you sharpen it again (stropping it is not enough)
• Never touch the blade with your fingers when cleaning it
• Keep the razor where it is out of the reach from othershttp://bestgroomingtools.com/faq.php?CDpath=0&cID=3#27

Whether you shower and then shave, or shave and then shower, it is important to prepare your beard for shaving. The better your beard is prepared the easier it will be to shave. Here are some suggestions for softening your beard:

• Wash your whiskers with hot water and soap
• Place lather on your face either from some type of canned shaving cream or from an old-fashioned shaving mug and a brush
• While you’re waiting for your beard to soften up, strop your razor
• Add some more lather with a little bit of water, and you’re ready to shave http://www.guidetoshaving.com/straight-razors

Hopefully you have practiced with a double-edged razor before attempting to shave with the straight edged one. Here are some tips for your first straight razor shave:

• Carefully open the razor. It should be held with your thumb and three fingers pointing the handle away from your face
• If this is your first time shaving with a straight razor, only shave your sideburns, and shave the rest of your face with your regular razor
• Each time you shave move a little further to your cheeks as you get used to the razor
• Be sure to pull the skin tight on the areas you are shaving to avoid injury
• Keep the blade at approximately a 30 degree angle and move in the direction your beard growshttp://bestgroomingtools.com/faq.php?CDpath=0&cID=3#27

The most difficult area to shave is the neck and chin. Here are some hints:

• As you approach the chin, lift the razor a little
• Use the middle of the blade
• Using steady strokes and begin to shave a little away from the chin and jawbone and move towards them
• Next shave the right and then left side of the upper lip going from the nose to the corners; do the center last and be sure to lift the nose to keep the skin tight
• Pull the skin tight under the corners of the mouth and stroke gently
• Begin shaving the chin from under the chin and move upward towards the bottom liphttp://bestgroomingtools.com/faq.php?CDpath=0&cID=3#27

You’re all through. It is time to run your hand over your face and see if it is smooth. If it feels good, you’re done. If not, you need to make a second pass where you use only water and a little bit of lather and shave against the grain to get any stubbles that are left.http://bestgroomingtools.com/faq.php?CDpath=0&cID=3#27

Clean your razor with water and pat it dry, do not use a cloth. Put a little oil on the blade if you’re not going to use it for a while. Make sure it is kept in a dry place that is airy. When you take it out to shave, be sure to strop it while it is dry. The blade is able to regenerate itself. Letting it rest for a day helps preserve the blade and aids in keeping its sharpness.http://bestgroomingtools.com/faq.php?CDpath=0&cID=3#27