Gauthier's blog

Shaving with a straight razor...

After 15 years of use, I wanted to get rid of my safety razor (actually it was my first razor ever) for several reasons: cost of the blades, the cuts (even if the ads guarantee it's impossible) and I like the style of the ancient way to shave.

For the tool, I choose a Solingen blade. According to experts, the payback with that type of razor is about 5 to 10 years!
To complete my set, I found an old shaving brush my grandfather used.

That matters the most before shaving is to prepare the blade. The first time I did it, I took an old leather belt and sharpened the razor in a style Clint Eastwood would have admired.

Then, the fear... That blade in my right hand, the foam on my cheeks and, what's next?
With apprehension, I managed more or less to get a shave (not a close one, especially when the blade was on my throat). Need to pratice, volunteers...

Screen capture from the 1973 movie High Plains Drifter.

posted by Gauthier @ 8:16 PM