Beginner Buying Guide to Straight Razors

[@DrewPicklesTheDark]

The Virgin Gillette Razor Blades so puny you need 5 of them Needs to be replaced after a week of use Leaves stubby neckbeard, gives rashes and pimples Handle made from cheap plastic, breaks easily, ends up in the ocean Looks like a colorful children's toy No alternative uses other than shaving The Chad Straight Razor One big, impressive, reliable blade Outlives it's users grandchildren Gives a perfectly smooth shave that Stacy's love Handle made from metal or renewable resources like wood or ivory Looks like an actual tool Can also be used as a butter knife or to slit your enemy's throats

[@absidyabsidy2727]

Please don’t buy an ivory handle

[@DrewPicklesTheDark]

@@absidyabsidy2727 Wood

[@absidyabsidy2727]

@@DrewPicklesTheDark much better, I’ve got my eyes on a beautiful but very expensive olivewood straight razor

[@ringadingbaby4332]

I know this was 3 years ago.. but thank you. This was the entertaining comment that I was looking for .

[@svtk5104]

haha, very well, exactly. God bless the Stacy's

[@borbetomagus]

Very informative. It would have been better if you had inset HD close-up photos of the different straight razor areas you described for better understanding, since this wasn't done very well using the video camera.

[@Misano-Red]

I gave up watching due to frustration to search for other videos.

[@StanleySweet14]

Agreed. The discussion on the types of points, the edges etc. Really needed a close up for each. Bob Ross status.

[@sukhenmal6004]

@@Misano-Red lll

[@jimf1964]

Just shaved for the first time with a straight edge this morning (only the easy parts this time). I would have had a little more confidence buying it if I had seen this earlier, but fortunately the seller was very very helpful. Even spent time teaching me how to shave, to strop, gave me advice on my purchase, sharpened it for me so that it would cut a loose hair the whole length of the blade. All in all a good experience trying this, and I can't wait for my beard to grow!

[@ministick4468]

Four years later, any good now?

[@jimf1964]

@@ministick4468 went back to the old two sided blades for now. Times are tough, and I can’t afford a new set of stones. Before this year is out, I’ll be shaving with it again, plus I found some possibly decent ones to refurbish. It’s sort of a hobby…..but with you’re face.

[@tytennant1296]

“Germany dominated the 1900s” lol

[@TonyHookedonVanlife]

Reminds me of the Norm MacDonald bit on Germany LOL: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q4nHpZScfMl8jK8

[@dongatello6969]

@@TonyHookedonVanlife I’m not sure if you guys are history buffs or not

[@AdamMGTF]

I'm fairness. Germany really did dominate European politics in the 1900s. France had only just recovered from 1871. Aus/Hun were the sick man of Europe. Russia was still agrarian and their internal problems were eclipsed only by their embarrassment on the world stage following Tsushima and the russo-japanese war. Italy was still becoming a true country. Germany had went from strength to strength since it actually became Germany in 1871. So Germany really was dominant in any metric in the 1900s. Be it military, political, diplomatic. Their industry was advanced (hence the comment in the video). They were world leaders in chemistry. Their social welfare was also revolutionary. It wasn't until ww1 that Germany fell from grace. And of course that wasn't until the mid 1910s

[@nicklewis7291]

That's funny you mentioned a lifted 4x4 as a first vehicle. That's exactly what my first vehicle was. I've still got my truck that I've had since I was 17 back in 1996. I just figured I'd share.

[@derekstynes9631]

You did a great Job and earned a Sub ! Gillette the Best A Man can Forget !!!

[@fiddlerosin]

Your comment about razors from the 1700's made me think of old violins and how we cherish them.

[@inferno7181]

Your comment made me laugh

[@tbpom1003]

I already have couple razors but it's great guide. All info I searched for hours in one video. Hope I watched it before I ever buy one before

[@chancevonfreund9145]

Great channel! I love true straight razors and have saved hundreds on not buying blades. It's about a quality Blade, sharpening, and stropping. Master these skills and you don't need to buy blades.

[@magnoliamike]

5/8, 11/16, and 6/8 are my favorite sizes. Not too big not too small the Goldilocks blades! Perfect maneuverability

[@stroys7061]

I always knew there was a lot I don’t know about straight razors. This video confirmed that! Very interesting, thanks!

[@mikerose51]

Hey Mat I'm 27 and just started wet shaving about 3 1/2 weeks ago and I choose to start off with a #ClassicSamari™ Shavette. Don't worry I did not bleed to death!!! With all of the wet shaver videos like yours along with GeoFatboy Nick shaves a cut above Ken surfs and kevy shaves helped me out alot! Thanks guys!!!! =]

[@yaboihenry1946]

masterclass for buying a straight razor. thanks dude!!

[@MikeSorcinelliOnline]

You are very good at explaining things. Love your analogies. Excellent teacher.

[@RazorEmporium]

Thanks Mike! And thank you for watching!

[@chrisblanc663]

I think it’s funny talking about the lifespan of a razor. 5/8 should last a lifetime, so something smaller should last at least half a lifetime. That’s still phenomenally great compared to disposable razors. So a first razor being smaller I would think is perfectly fine as far as longevity is concerned. You can learn on a smaller straight razor as your first because it’s unlikely to be the only razor you end up with.

[@chuckwilkins715]

Very informative. I now understand much more about straight razors. Thank-you for taking the time to make the video.

[@olivermoes-okun2468]

i like how proud he is of his little analogy at 1:05 lol

[@paganpoetprophet6441]

i am novice; this was a very informative video ; thanks for the excellent info

[@dannydemonic4799]

I’m just getting into straight razors and your videos are helping me so much. I’ve been using a dovo with disposable blades for practice and my wife had links for your website for my first real straight razor and strop.

[@machfiver753]

Unless you can buy something like a Dovo brand new then this video doesn't help much when buying a used razor of quality. Don't buy anything with fuzzy images, or that have celluloid scales, or whose spines are flat and wide, or that smile, or have any pitting or rust at the blade edge. Also never use tape on the spine the razor spine is meant to be ground away with the edge to properly maintain its geometry as it wears. If you alter that relationship with tape you will make sharpening its edge harder and harder as time goes on and eventually it will need to be professionally reset. The blade should be so thin that it actually curls a little from use. It straightens out again after 24hours or so but if you use tape the edge triangle becomes more and more equilateral in nature than pointy.

[@420-t3y]

40yo noob... I had questions, you gave answers! Thank you sir!

[@jimnoyb1209]

Thank you for sharing your vast knowledge of this craft. You have made another customer.

[@RazorEmporium]

jim noyb we are here to help! Thx :)

[@knightlylad]

Same with woodworking tools, old ones are bought, salvaged, restored and used, they are a pleasure to handle.

[@SomeoneStoleMyHandle]

"You usually don't get a 4x4 vehicle as your first vehicle..." Me: Yeaaaahhhh, definitely not.... *Hides keys to Ford Bronco that was my first vehicle*

[@JEST3R_]

Just Another Six Oh seriously. Rural Mississippi, all hail the Sport Trac XD everyone has a truck and a big truck was everyone's first vehicle

[@NothingProductiveProductions]

Just Another Six Oh I’m 19 haha I got a Tacoma as my first car

[@adamtarbaux7769]

2000 GMC Sierra 1500 ext cab.

[@00Dusty]

Just Another 6.Blow I got handed the keys to my dads van the biggest thing I could legally drive on my license and he made me drive it for a year before I could get a car 😂

[@scootermcgooginhime2464]

93 f250😂 I didn't have to worry about taking corners the corners needed to worry about me

[@donfraysier5079]

I think I actually learned something. Thanks.

[@geoffreydavis9019]

Negative I have both hollow and wedge. And also machinist and blacksmith your spine must always come down on a hollow in order to sharpen we’re as a wedge is well aligned with the spine plus .025 overage on the edge vs spine angle. Hollow ground was developed as a hair scoop and cosmetics like a fuller on swords.

[@isaacsierra7019]

I love straight razors as well

[@faridpuente2573]

Easily the most helpful video I've run into

[@c-mediagroup8311]

I bought a Wade & Butcher circa "1891" 5/8 straight and after a good hone and strop, just got such a great shave that it instantly became my new daily shaver as it has an incredibly smooth edge and a semi hollow blade that cuts buttery smooth. I will still try my back up 6/8 golden edge dubl duck from time to time, and it is also a great shaver, but my "1891" Wade & Butcher is the best straight I have every shaved with. I do not know why however as I hone all my blade the same, starting with a 10,000 wet stone and go up to 30,000 finish at times. I think the metal composition is a better quality on the old Wade & Butcher edge, only thing I can figure as to why the shave is so much better than any of my 20+ straights in my collection. I have actually over sharpened straights that were so sharp they sliced off the micro bumps on my face, not good, so I mostly use my trusted 10,000 wet stone with medium to feather light progression now to avoid the surgical sharp edge that is just not practical to shave with.Read more Show less

[@sheshaveswithjill4838]

Just bought a Boker Rasiermesser King Cutter Black Straight Razor today. My Christmas present to me.

[@Riccardo9245]

this is the most informative and therefore useful video about straight razor. One more about the hone and honing, and with the strop we've got the holy three! well done

[@gjdoc2]

just bought myself a vintage crop German hollow ground really nice razor for its age

[@svtk5104]

Thank you for the introduction!

[@eminusipi]

I had no idea that there were so many profiles of straight razors. Thanks for the well done video.

[@Wittar7090]

This was an excellent guide.

[@wadeschreffler2161]

Very Informative. I learned more about straights here than any other video I've seen. Thanks!

[@Jrosado8]

Great Video! Very thorough analysis on straight razors. I definitely obtained enough information to make an informed decision on my next purchase. Keep up the good work!

[@anthonyp7051]

Great breakdown TY I’ll be having some custom hollows made AEB-L and another in nitro v

[@joeframo3347]

I'm new to straight razors mat so I'm looking for one that's reliable I want to straight up straight razor with no adding a razor to it

[@channinghatcher8580]

Great information, thank you. Just starting my journey into using a straight razor and this was so helpful.

[@deshave5260]

Very informative video. Thanks for sharing. I am considering trying a straight razor and your advice is invaluable. Thanks again.

[@GraveDigger78]

Great video! I am just getting into straight razor shaving and your info is the best

[@acls1239]

I'm a blacksmith I'm watching this video For the sake of learning the general { spirit } of what it is I'm making next

[@mikebarbier1519]

Great video. Exactly the information I needed to get started. Gonna check out your store. Subbed. 👍

[@mikemarch5480]

Dude, that was an amazing video. Thank you..

[@ItsOkLilFella]

Awesome video, thanks for taking the time!

[@robertheinle8695]

I think the hardest part about a straight razor shaving is a sharpening the blade I've been doing this for not quite here about 10 months now and I that's a part of the trouble with some sometimes I do sometimes I don't I just got a gold dollar 66 my second one and this one had a little difficulty with thought I had two sets it twice I am. going on third time through the stones I have a 800grt, 3000grt. 8000kthen 10k waterstones. and stropping, again!! I have been doing this since last may. with arthritis kinda tough to do! some I get on second hone at setting the bevil! these utube videos help me !!!!

[@kegs666]

LOL the subtle burp @ 15:28

[@RazorEmporium]

Yup

[@saxman7131]

Hi Matt. I have many choppers now but my favorite shaver is a 5/8 shoulder less Böker extra hollow with a sort of swept forward blade. I love it.

[@firstfiddle1]

Excellent job! Thanks for taking the time to do this video, as well as your other videos.

[@runnerpsu]

Excellent video. Very information for rookies like me. I just started shaving with a DE and purchased the complete kit sample pack. Delivery was really fast! I want to get proficient with a safety razor then move to a straight razor. Thanks and keep up the good work!

[@RazorEmporium]

Thx!!! 💈

[@mooksdfe]

Loads of useful information for us, beginners. Thanks for this video!

[@fingal42]

Great video. Very encouraging, upbeat and informative.

[@lukepevensie]

safety razor causes a lot of tug for me, so i want to try the old fashion straight razor way, or a shavette for details because norelco razors leave a few remaining, while the conair beard and nose trimmer i tend to hold it like a real straight razor but not very clean.

[@christopherbennett4559]

Getting 1st one now. This really helps thanks for the information.

[@saxman7131]

I'm considering my first razor and then info was great. Thank you.

[@RazorEmporium]

+Scott Johnson Glad to hear- thanks!

[@Beanmachine91]

i think ill use a shavette like the kai kasho barbering razor, it uses the same blades as my safety razor the kai captain titan mild pink or pinks for short, theyre japanese blades that cut like a hot knife through butter! lol

[@hawkeye924]

Thanks for the video. Learned a couple of new things.

[@OsoSadBoy]

Our facial hair is like women’s eyebrows you’ll never get them even. Or as my mom would say my eyebrows are 1st cousins, not sisters. I ain’t understand wtf she meant til I went to do my mustache at the age of 2 weeks ago 😭

[@brodyberry6253]

I got my first straight razor and i keep freaking out that I might be putting too much or not enough mineral oil until my Camila oil comes in.

[@Drake64958]

Would a 5/8 1/2 hollow ground razor be oke for a beginner? And is is hard to maintain them? I watched the video but I would like an example like 10 mins aday etc. Ty already for the video :)

[@machfiver753]

Good information for buying razors that are new or new old stock. Where the razor has little to no use. As for buying used razors there is a hell of a lot of nuances and things to look out for and avoid when buying one from somewhere like eBay. If money is not an issue then buying a new Dovo, or high end Boker, etc... is the way to go. But if you are on a budget then buying a vintage good quality brand used will be a better choice than spending the same money on a new razor of poorer quality. A bad razor will cut you more often and shaving will be torturous as it tears more than cuts your whiskers. So knowing what the difference is between a good used razor and a bad one or worn out one looks like will help you to pick a good razor even from a few photographs on eBay. I've had to inform sellers that they are misrepresenting their product either knowingly or unknowingly and.should alter their listings so as not to screw over the poor sod that buys it. Especially when I see razors with fancy scales and red rust that is a shadow of the scale pattern. Which is from celluloid rot and is doom unfixable doom to any razor. Which is caused from the off gassing of celluloid that corrodes the blade and is irreversible once it starts. And there are many other visual clues you can go on. Hell I should make my own video on how to buy a used straight razor. As shave ready in the description is rarely hanging hair shave ready.

[@jessejamesroy0069]

i was dissapointed when you said you had razors from the 1700''s open the box, im waiting for you to open the blade up and show it off and then you close the box.....come on really! otherwise good vid good info liked and sub'd

[@knoxdavidson291]

Great video, informative - and I agree with the other comments here SHOW US THE OLD BETTY!! If I plan on daily use, how often would I need to get an average quality 5/8 round edge hollow blade honed? (Wow! Listen to me, I learned quite a lot from your video!!)

[@joepeyton5140]

Just looked at your web site no straight razor kits found ! Looks like I will go with Naked Armor

[@spider2951]

I'm using a straight razor that has desposable blades however I want the ones like theses that just need to be sharpened. next pay check I'm ordering off of your website

[@RazorEmporium]

Sounds good, they are great shavers and you already have a head start after using a shavette!

[@jasonphelps6291]

In the video you mention that if the straight razor isn't going to be used for a while you should coat it in oil, but you don't say what type of oil. What type of oil should be used on a straight razor? Thanks for the help.

[@RazorEmporium]

Mineral oil

[@mafelay]

That was a very useful video. Thank you so much!

[@andyalvarez3852]

2:50 what kind of razor

[@innovationgroupofsouthflor4744]

Thank you for the great video

[@Realjulioabdiel]

Thank you for such an amazing video! I’ve seen a few Damascus steel straight razors. Is that metal good? Or just for show?

[@RazorEmporium]

If it's real it will be $500-$750 minimum. And yes they make for great blades.

[@darrenwoody5423]

I want to buy a razor

[@peterv1806]

Great info - you're so knowledgeable! Thank you.

[@stratmister009]

thanks for covering the gammot

[@knightingalesaid]

Great information, thanks Gary.

[@jasonpowell5662]

I got a question... can I use normal shaving cream or do I gotta use the brush with the shaving soap

[@brandoncjgrimes]

great video. found a good dovo to start with!

[@TyeNielsenVO]

For a first timer getting one to shave their head, would you recommend one where you can change the razor blade, or one where the blade is the permanent attachment?

[@RazorEmporium]

I would try a shavette first.

[@kahn04]

I’m thinking about making the switch from cartridge to straight razor, can I get away with skipping the safety razor or is that a bad idea?

[@RazorEmporium]

Yes. Start with a DE or shavette first.

[@kahn04]

@@RazorEmporium thanks, any suggestions in terms of brands? I’m a complete beginner

[@gogostyle33]

Love your Tankfarm T-Shirt!!!! Tankfarm Rocks!!!!

[@MrMalcovic]

Excellent video - thanks very much!

[@Hollyrock41]

I've been using a disposable blade straight razor for 15 or so, but have have never used a safety razor. I question is should I try. Safety razor before purchasing a real straight razor?

[@EydsteinHammer]

+patrick hollingsworth Hi Patrick. I have been shaving with straight razors now for two years, and I went directly from disposable blades to straight razors.I should have purchased a shavette first, because they are maintenance free and cheap and function a lot like straight razors. You should definitely check out geofatboy he has a great channel with all the information you'll need for straight razor shaving safety razor shaving maintenance and so on. Have a nice day :)

[@Hollyrock41]

+Eyðstein Hammer thanks a lot, I've checked out Geofatboy video and it was very helpful. Again thanks a million.

[@EydsteinHammer]

You're very welcome.

[@LockheedHav]

Great videos! Is it ok to shave every day with the same straight razor? I read something that it is better to let it rest for a couple of days. Thanks you!

[@ElementalHeroJoe]

After buying a straight razor do you need to take it to be honed before your first use?

[@mellamoarts]

It's a good idea

[@magnoliamike]

The frame-Back ones look tough

[@timothythomas1626]

I am looking at a vintage IVY 20 for the first one. Any thoughts ? It is a curved blade

[@Zr0ck79]

Idk if anyone still checks the comments on these vids, but if someone gifted me a very large very heavy straight razor as my first should I get a new one or adapt and learn to save money. If it's anything less then experience ruining I'd like to just learn with the large one

[@bassethsalamjohn6540]

Is there a sharpening stone sold on the website, and if not where can I buy one?

[@ryeradio80]

Learned a lot. Thank you Sir

[@shaunharris3690]

As a beginner, what is a good make to buy?

[@RazorEmporium]

Ralf Aust

[@lastmanstanding5423]

who else came here after watching Gillette "woke" commercial??

[@lastmanstanding5423]

@@misterpspdude same here... was thinking about it for years... but couldn't be bothered... Gillette made me a favor... My new cut-throat is in the mail and I can't wait to test it... :) *_masculinity intensifies_* lol

[@CyclingInKilkenny]

To be honest if you get all upset about a commercial then you should really stick to a cardridge razor. You might actually hurt yourself otherwise 🙄

[@mt8149]

Damn right!! It's always good to get away from dependence on everyday items. In this case, I can shave and sharpen the rest of my life without having to water the tree that hangs me (Gillette). Screw you Gillette!! I'm going my own way.

[@verybigheart]

Me too. Screw Gillette.

[@TwiggyAlienorCameron]

@@misterpspdude Dude, it was a commercial rallying against toxic masculinity... If you aren't a guy who rapes, catcalls, belittles or acts aggressive towards other people in order to uphold your masculinity why would you even care? I really don't think Gillette was saying all men are inherently bad. The whole idea behind toxic masculinity is that there are norms being reinforced culturally that lead to negative outcomes. Feminists actually have similar critiques about beauty and sexual norms that are reinforced under femininity as well. They aren't saying that everybody is a horrible person, just that culturally we reinforce some pretty shitty, illogical and unproductive norms. With all that being said, straight razors will give you a better shave so congrats on switching. Just try not to let some commercial from a major company trying to make money off of a progressive message keep you up at night. Unless you're actually assaulting/raping/treating people like objects then definitely try to make a change away from that also.

[@thelongslowgoodbye]

What is the brand name of that big wedge razor?

[@ttdenadaabba2149]

Very well explained!

[@isaakhyde8327]

Thanks for the informative video. Do you guys do black friday/holiday deals? I've been wanting to get a straight razor for a while now, and this year I'll do it. But smarter to wait a few weeks for that if there is an annual promotion of sorts.

[@Yourmomma568]

as a chef, i have to disagree with the weight point. clumsy cuts are made when human force is applied. a heavy sharp knife will be much easier to control than a light blade. when extra force is applied to overcome resistance, the force change required to stop or control a cut is much greater as well. hence why they say a sharp knife is less likely to vut you than a dull one. easy cuts make for good control.

[@hyungjoonpark83]

6:57

[@Aweber87]

Interested in a strait razor. I was tired of buying razors by the time I was 18 so I just use a bare electric trimmer. I have quite thick facial hair and was curious what a good blade might be. I see (on your website) the beginners kit. Is that something I should look into and would last a while. or would I soon be finding myself wanting a different blade? I'd personally rather spend more money once than save money only to buy something more expensive later if you know what I mean

[@RazorEmporium]

Hello! The 208 Gold Dollar is great for learning shaving and stropping technique, we suggest everyone start with our beginner kit. If you would like to upgrade to a razor that will hold an edge longer all of our vintage blades will do this. Keep in mind the stropping is what maintains your edge so it doesn't matter if your razor is worth $50 or $500 your technique is pretty important! shoot us an e-mail at [e-mail] if you would like some links to suggestions!

[@jujuhu3713]

Which is the straight razor with the green handle- near the box on the left side?

[@ehook14]

Great Job! Thank you!

[@MrSemperfit]

Your facial hair isn't centered on your face.

[@RazorEmporium]

Lol thx - facial hair sculpting was never my forte :)

[@SimplePLan4life23]

BCboneless because he used a straight razor.

[@MrSemperfit]

definitely a con

[@dippinggainsreviews1955]

BCboneless i believe the camera angle contributed to that

[@artknight3683]

His hair is perfect. His face is all wrong.

[@AzureSymbiote]

Thanks a ton. I guess hollowed ones would be bad for me.