Razor to Shave Back
That only uses replaceable Feather Artist Club Professional Blades, ” she says. Princess adds that if you are having trouble maneuvering the handle for home use, go for one of the Feather Straight Handle Razors. (Feather razors can be a bit heavier on the handle, but have a better grip.) Feather blades are super sharp, can shave through all hair textures and last longer without having to replace the blade during shaving.
For first-time straight razor users, she recommends MD Dragon Razor – a light folding back handle that uses smaller replaceable blades such as Derby Single Edge, Feather Platinum Single Edge & Astra Platinum Double Edge blades that you break in half. All are used by professionals, but easy enough for home use too. MD Barber Razors are a more affordable for shaving multiple times a week at home.
The Brush
Shaving Cream
Fellow Barber currently has their own shave regimen set which includes a Shave Cream, Cleansing & Hydrating Tonic & Aftershave Lotion. Princess uses it because it’s super light, doesn’t require much for application and can be reactivated with water to keep skin moisturized during the entire shave. We’ve got a whole slew of shaving creams for you to try if this doesn’t satisfy.
Preparation & Process
Pre-Shave
If you have time to prep your face with a hot towel, you should. “Soak a towel in warm water with some tea tree oil and microwave for 90 seconds, ” she says. Or, take a hot shower to open up your pores and start the shave right after.
Face Prep
“I would recommended spritzing your face with our Fellow Barber Tonic then adding jojoba oil to your facial hair/skin. You might splash your face with some warm water, then apply a small amount of the Shave Cream on your face using circular motions.”Holding the Razor
Though a straight razor comes with a handle, you should disregard it almost entirely and instead hold the blade. With a standard grip, you’ll want to fold the razor back in on itself and put your thumb just beneath the blade. Your index and middle fingers should be on the back part of the blade, and your little finger should be between the handle and the blade’s tail-like appendage. Your ring finger can be on either side of the handle, whichever is most comfortable for you.
As you get used to shaving, you’ll discover how to hold your razor at different angles.
Shaving
Keep the area fully covered with a thick lather of cream. Before beginning, always add water to each area to allow the blade to glide smoothly down your skin. Remember to pull your skin tight and follow your hair growth direction to avoid ingrown hairs. Make every stroke count to avoid cutting and over irritating skin. Once finished with the first pass (and for more detailed work), add a small amount of jojoba oil and some water over your skin for a second pass to shave off any areas you missed.
Aftercare
She recommends using Fellow Barber’s tonic or another moisturizing lotion. “Most importantly, you want to remove impurities and hydrate the skin, ” she says.
If You Cut Yourself
Most men cut themselves while shaving–even when using a disposable razor and even after 50 years of the same morning ritual. If you happen to cut yourself while shaving, which you will, simply apply styptic to the cut. Clubman makes a fine styptic pencil that will stop the bleeding right away.
For further guidance on how to shave with a straight razor, we recommend getting a straight shave from an experienced barber like Pocaigue. Every man should get a straight shave from a barber and discuss the affairs of the day. The conversations might have changed from the Prussian War to the new season of Game of Thrones, but the straight shave itself has stayed the same since the days of old.
