How To Shave With a Straight Razor - Follow Along

Geo performs a Straight Razor Shave with a “Smiling” Straight Razor, likely 60-80 years old. This razor was made in Sheffield, England by George Wostenholm and Sons. It is a thick, hefty 6/8 blade, mini meat cleaver, so watch and see if it mows easily through Geo’s 2 day beardage. In the previous video the blade was sharpened on a Norton 4000/8000 combination stone then Naniwa 12,000 grit water stone. Then stropped, first on the fabric loaded with chromium oxide, then the smooth leather. Click on "Show More" (below) to purchase Straight Razors, Sharpening Stones, Chromium Oxide, Leather Razor Strops, creams, soap, etc. shown in the video or go to ShaveNation.com Let us know what you’d like to see in an upcoming video.
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How It All Started?
The Story of Geofatboy and Shave Nation
• The Story of Geofatboy...
Have A Great Shave, Have A Great Day!
Geo

[@longhaultanker]

Geo., I started straight razor shaving just over eight years ago. I watch you regularly when you use a straight. I wanted to tell you that you were an encouragement to me when I was starting out. I learned the basics of straights and honing from you, and a small hand full of others. I still watch your straight razor shaving videos as they come. Thank you.

[@troglodyte2042]

Sir I'm just starting out now and i could use your advice. The only question i have after watching Geo is what do you do when you feel resistance from the beard while shaving against the grain?

[@TheHappyBachelor]

​@@troglodyte2042 When you go against the grain you might try shaving with less of an angle; a flatter angle. Its also possible your edge might not be quite sharp enough to go against the grain. When you're first starting out, its tough because you have to acquire the skills of shaving while also acquiring the skills of honing. If you paid to have someone else put an edge on your razor, then its likely your edge is good, so you might try a flatter angle. I'm 43 and started shaving with a straight when I was 22, so I'm 21 years into it, and I can tell you that its a progression. Its like second nature to me now, but I certainly went through hard times figuring out how to make it all work. Not sure how helpful that is, but whatever you do, don't give up, and over time you'll be a master :)

[@tatsuo24]

I hope my son who is 15m old will once use my Rockwell 6s. I often laughed when my grandfather used all of that soap and brush and stuff when I was a kid. For me shaving was always a nightmare till i discovered or lets say got to know about safety razors....20 years lost....

[@hassanshabir6144]

I wish i never shaved i first shaved at 10 years old now I have a beard i don't like i use a shaver machine but it grows back after 2 days ps im 26 years old literally had this beard all my life is there anyway I can permanently get rid of my beard

[@jackm.1628]

@@hassanshabir6144 I think you can get it laser removed and it won't grow back for like 10 years. The thing that if you shave early or frequently then it grows back faster, is a myth.

[@DampSeagull9166]

@@hassanshabir6144can’t be serious lmao😭

[@LadyBits2023]

... can I ask you sincerely and I swear to God I'm not trolling I just honestly wanna know how did switching to something that is more complicated more difficult has a much thinner margin of error and for most people produces a more irritating and far more labor and time intensive shave.... How was that less of a nightmare than just using like a high-quality multi bladed Cartridge razor...? I know, people cry all the time about the cost of cartridge racers, but I am more interested in the actual shaving experience of how on earth switching to a safety razor or a straight razor was somehow a life-saving experience for you or somehow changed your view of shaving I'm just confused other than the fact that it's a fun, interesting hobby that you can get into it. I don't really understand.??

[@BenPGamer]

@@LadyBits2023 its the traditional method of shaving, offers cleaner shaves and once you use a straight razor enough, that "margin of error" will not be a problem. plus i just like the ritual of it and u mention more labour and takes time but personally i like that aspect as i can take my time for personal hygiene and self care plus the more you do it the faster you will become. and i'd like to mention its more manly than those disposable ones

[@Bionicycle]

Bravo sir... I don't know how much you edit your videos normally, but nothing makes you seem as honest than forgetting the shaving cream and leaving that in the video. I enjoy watching your videos keep up the good work Mr. Geo... William C. central Indiana.

[@troypower]

I’ve been watching your content for over five years now and still learning along the way. Love the end about the history of the razor, if only it could talk!

[@markleveson6093]

Hello from the UK Geo and thanks for another fun video. I always enjoy your light-hearted and informative videos.

[@dwilhelm43able]

Love seeing you back shaving with straight razor. I really enjoy those videos. Makes me grab my shave nation straight razor and shave

[@blueridgeboy7721]

An now I'm on the look out for old strait razors. Thankyou sir.

[@Irish381]

Bravo 👏, like watching a skilled surgeon operate! As fascinating as it is educational! 💈💈

[@keweizhang5625]

I will be watching all time. Thanks mate 👍.

[@dwilhelm43able]

I really enjoy the straight razor shave videos. Miss those

[@carfusz]

Yeah I have those senior moments 2 but 😊 I'm a senior Thanks for another great demo

[@terrym1065]

Nice go at it Geo!💈💈 No blood equals success, I was terrible at using a str8. Thanks for showing it can be done without incident. Stay cool.

[@Bringmeoneofthosechickens]

What do you use now? Safety razor?

[@terrym1065]

Yes sir a safety razor Of which I have many, (rabbit hole), just couldn't get the straight right for my face. I love the idea but my technique failed me

[@Bringmeoneofthosechickens]

@@terrym1065 What is your routine if I may ask. I struggle with shaving bumps, so I'm gonna switch to safety razors with alum blocks. But I'm curious what works for others.

[@terrym1065]

@@Bringmeoneofthosechickens Well, I wish I could but what works for me might not work for you, everybody's skin is different. You Tube has plenty of content creators on the subject for you to follow, Geo here has several videos on this very question. You're making a good decision on using a DE razor, good luck and enjoy the journey..

[@fevrefuel1]

Me+straight razor= kitchen demo of the "magic-slicer"

[@denisp6724]

Nice job sir! I love to watch you shave

[@robertbuchanan9234]

Brilliant. Very classy.

[@romanbelic776]

I just bought a straight razor for the sake of learning how to, I think it's a cool skill and I'm excited to try

[@WolfRanger2008]

Congratulations on reaching a new level of subscriber-ship! That said, one of this year's Christmas gifts to myself will be a Shave Nation Buff. I am 100% serious.

[@Mike-bk5yc]

Just think of the history of that gorgeous razor

[@DasScaramooch]

HaaaaHaaa , Geo whilst watching I suddenly realised that I had been holding my breath without realising it … Great video as ever.

[@geofatboy]

I have that effect on people... 🤣

[@Ace-xf2yd]

As of right now i shave every 2-3 days head and face with the cheap disposable twin blades with no cream just straight dry shave. Since i prefer a clean look these days I would like to invest in a straight razor for the long term saving but the creaming and honing kinda sets me back. Respect for the straight razor mastering!

[@geofatboy]

shavenation.com/collections/straight-razors When you're ready:

[@mikemasiello5965]

Love your videos

[@w68FireWater]

You make it look so easy

[@tomassalazar2798]

What do glass and geofatboy have in common their both just as smooth 😅😂

[@ManaBrews]

Thank you for this video, just got my first derby blade straight edge to replace my gilette fusion. The nerve of outting the blade to face and was like hmm lets check a vid out first. Yours came up. Little stubble but no nicks. Thanks

[@mehdiallala7766]

very informative tuto thank you sm

[@MrBayeasy]

Awesome vid and great shave as always, just recently got my first Kamisori straight razor and it's amazing. It took some work to get it shave ready due to a bit of uneven parts in the grind of the bevel, but once I shaved with it, it was outstanding. I couldn't believe how good it was, honestly I think it's either my best or very close to my best shaving razor now. I'd be really interested to see a honing vid and shave with a kamisori blade from your channel if you could manage it in the future. I'm sure I'm not the only one. Also what was that at the end of the vid right as you were talking about video 500/600, you got some ghost action going on? Just moments after speaking on the age and use of the blade prior to you owning it too lol. Been watching you for a while now, more recently I've been watching your stuff with my brother and he's starting to venture into the wet shaving world. He's starting out with a henson that we picked up from your shop along with some TOBS and an R41 for myself, we had a good laugh recently because in the box you included a little card that said "the zen moment" with a figure 8 on it. He always laughs about that but now that he's started shaving with a brush and cream I think he gets it lol. He also finds it funny in your intro at the end when you hold your hand up with the blue light, he always says it looks like Darth Sidious shooting the lightning lol. Anyways great vids, hope you're well, looking forward to my next purchase as my proraso is getting a bit low and I'm also tempted to grab the TOBS peppermint too 😅

[@paulspeller968]

my kind of shave my friend. near wedge and a great cream 👍

[@Anthony-zw1qb]

Happy Saturday my friend

[@tennesseered586]

Having gotten the hang of the R41, perhaps it's time for me to man up and learn to use a straight razor. The potential for blood loss is significant, I fear. Thanks, Geo. I've learned so much from you via your videos. Some guy named Sweeney Todd is selling his collection of straight razors. He said to come over and try out a few.

[@BryanDelMonte]

The sound.... epic. lol :D

[@BidensTaint]

Awesome video, I think I'm gonna start shaving with a straight razor now

[@Bigdogshaving]

Hell yeah dude!

[@aartdirks4188]

Thank you Geo, beautiful razor. I love your straight razor shaves. keep it up. p.s. I also prefer to shave with straight razors and the funny thing is I never cut myself with them, but with safety razors I do.

[@theoneandonlycarlton]

Well Stop Using The Damn Safety Razors Then Dummy HAHAHAHA Just Kidding,Use A Straight Razor Like A Real Man LOL 🤘😜🤘

[@diavalus]

Same here, it is so much easier with a straight razor than a DE.

[@3chmidt]

Started this year with a straight razor (that uses safety razor blades) and I'm heavily impressed how easy he makes it look, while I still try to not bleed.

[@Bringmeoneofthosechickens]

Your not a real man yet, you have to use the old school straight razor. No safety anything!

[@3chmidt]

@@Bringmeoneofthosechickens If you buy that for me... It's the same thing, just that you don't have to sharpen it and simply can change the blade. Also since I wrote that comment, thanks to copying Geo, I can shave with a straight razor without cutting myself.

[@Carzone2021]

Ur video's r fun n interesting

[@Envy701]

Many thanks for the video. I have to shave down first then up afterwards to get a close smooth shave. Can this be done with a cut throat razor? I have shaved for over 35 years and am tired of using very expensive throwaway blades so looking to start with a cut throat. All the best. Chris

[@muchasgracias6976]

Great shave Geo. HAGS HAGD!

[@SodaAnt7]

Looks so easy when you do it. When I try, my face looks like I’ve gone three rounds with a badger.

[@adamgroves5016]

Hey Geo, I am looking to purchase a Muhle Rocca, I have an R41 Twist and a R89 Grande, could you do direct comparisons between the Rocca and the R41 and R89 with Feather blades? I’ve read reviews that it’s fairly mild, closer to the R89, I’ve also read that it is very aggressive, closer to the R41, so its very confusing. Would really appreciate it. Love your videos.

[@ganrimmonim]

Sheffield were famous for their steel.

[@geofatboy]

True! I have some Sheffield straight razors.

[@potatokitty]

You have a fun energy about you my guy.

[@geofatboy]

Thanks so much! I appreciate that!

[@user-pn7we3rt9t]

🔥

[@barretwaltz6631]

The part around the mouth, particuarly the chin give me the most trouble. Been at it a while and I still shave everything else with my straightrazor then do the goatee area with my safety razor. More material on doing that part well would be appreciated.

[@Thebald1]

Down the neck... Oops!! Muscle Spasm.. Just kidding.. I have a few straight razors that came from my grandfather and I was trying to learn before using one.. Thanks to you it was a success.. Thank you so much for the info...

[@Thebald1]

And yes I did bleed some.. Lol

[@keegancan]

Looks like a great job. That hair sounds loud getting cut. Is the blade dull or your hair thick?

[@IORIYAGAMI32]

Hey Geo 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@silverbullet2008bb]

The steel used in the Brooklyn bridge was made in Sheffield. Generations of our family have worked in the industry, including my dad and myself. Margaret Thatcher decimated our steel industry, along with coal and our communities are still feeling it.

[@lukepevensie]

I have a vintage Sheffield tortoise shell scales full wedge razor but don't have the proper stone for honing or a proper strop

[@eternalspirit81]

I've been shaving with a double edge safety razor for a couple or yrs now because I learned how to by watching your videos and I've just got my first straight razor I'm going to try it for the first time next shave Wish me luck lol

[@trentleroux9501]

I feel like this guy is my dad 😂😭😂 Teaching Me how to shave

[@thecowboy9698]

How do you get the angle right? I've tried to shave with a straight edge, but can't get the angle right. That said, it always feels like it pulls on my beard. And I always end up with hair I missed.

[@brodyberry6253]

Niice! Which style razor do you usually shave with Geo?

[@makerl1fe388]

I just bought a cheap one from the web and I really was impressed by it. High quality material, cool packaging, receive even a leather case and 10 single edge blades. Though I’d cut myself so I started slow. Just did the contour on my cheeks first, no cut and 2 days later I did the contour on my whole beard and again no cut, even though I kept lining it up as much as I could. Straight razors are just awesome, same with safeties. I can’t understand how did Gillette manage to brain wash the population into moving to those nasty cartridges. Even with me showing my father and grandfather how well they cut, me with no experience of such thing they still use that cartridge. It being more expensive, clogs easy and doesn’t even cut right. Their only use I found is to manscape, but even that I feel can be done with a safety razor, the plastic ones that is.

[@frankforty9]

just tried for the first time, i am nicked up . hard with my non dominant

[@amitakadonny]

Hi, would you be able rexommend a shaving kit?

[@snuffman5497]

this may be a dumb question but what is your thoughts on blade angle. ive heard some people say they get the best shave with the spine extremely close to the face. basically laying flat against it all the way up to past your angle for width from face. i personally have noiticed the farther the spine from my face the sharper the cut and the less effort. it also cuts much smoother. it can feel pseudo-tuggy at this point. im using that term cause i dont know how else to describe the feling with the width being that obtuse. on the other hand the closer to the face the less you feel it cutting hair and its more comfortable but takes more swipes to get a decent job. so far ive found up to a spines width as high as i take it thoughu usually a quarter of a spines width is what i go for

[@geofatboy]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/i2WZn4GJm9SGd7s These are my thoughts on blade angle...

[@G.G.T.]

I tried a "shavette" to try and get a feel for a straight razor without the big $$$ outlay. It just felt so light and kinda skipped, i had a light touch but kinda had to push it a bit. it felt like it was only a matter of time before i got myself good. Back in the drawer it went I just think the heft/mass of a real razor like this is the ticket...until then my R41 ss grande is just like dragging a DE blade across my face anyway....ah well maybe another day lol

[@myonlylovejesus887]

this one is more like a guide rather than a in depth tutorial.

[@WildManDanWMD]

What angle is the bade at? In both direction?

[@dwilhelm43able]

Bring a shave with the Spartacus razor

[@keithakehurst9399]

We have made blades in Sheffield that are older then America itself😁

[@geofatboy]

Half the world is older than America! We're babies... We won't see 300 years if we don't get our sh*t together!

[@tgwu64]

I’m from Sheffield and live only 2 miles from where that razor was made.

[@jasonyoung7378]

The ending of the video made me laugh.

[@MatchesMalone98]

Just got a Dovo Alex in the mail, with the honing service added, supposed to be ready to go. Now I know it takes a long time to get good at it, but this was honestly the most uncomfortable shave I've ever done. Can't even go against the grain, tried at several angles

[@Charlie-qx4bb]

Held my breath watching this video 😂

[@mattwernecke2342]

That's nice. I just use a bar of soap because I'm cheap.

[@jeffhicks8428]

nice blade Geo

[@kevinchallinor9116]

Sheffield steel built the world

[@johnnyrunyon2352]

Is it okay to use regular shaving cream? I use the gellite close shaving cream.

[@geofatboy]

You can but, IMHO the experience is not the same... In feel and result.

[@joebator9858]

How do you feel about using shaving oil instead of lather?

[@geofatboy]

I prefer lather. Oil is usually too thick and cloggy...

[@TheCoolProfessor]

I've gotten better results with a straight razor than I ever had with those crappy big disposables or cartridge junk. One question, how often should you shave? Every day? Every other day?

[@Mike-bk5yc]

Geo was thar considerd a senior moment? 😂

[@toddd7444]

any Pucks, any hard soaps or ARKO Sticks will work? You can mix and match old soaps? to fit in any mug or cup that you like to use. like Mitchells' Wool Fat? Cut the bar soap up, put in a mug, cover the soap with a small amount of water, microwave for a minute or so? if it foams up, stop ? let cool you just went it to congeal' place in the sun, until soap hardens use dry brush more water i use Dove soaps there cheap and good wheelchair Larry Merry Christmas

[@geofatboy]

Thanks for sharing Larry.

[@toddd7444]

come to las Vegas😁hugggs larry@@geofatboy

[@lukepevensie]

My neck area and the chin are the coarsest

[@hectorvillalobos5612]

Rockstar Demonstration

[@kyzercube]

" ultimate challenge shaving with a straight razor is the chin " You ain't kidding friend. Not only does the chin have the most curves, but it's also where the hair is thickest. Everyone that sees straight razors in action in a video or in some movie initially perceives the neck as the most difficult ( well that's where the most " trust " is, but is not the most difficult 🤣).

[@kuldar.]

Got the same brand razor today but I am not sure if I will take it into use. Seems scary as never tried to shave with razor.

[@geofatboy]

Which razor did you get exactly?

[@kuldar.]

@@geofatboy S.Pearson & CO, Sheffield TIME. After some rust removal and sharpening this razor is now crazy sharp again, do you suggest me to take it into use?

[@Mike-bk5yc]

Wonder how many people owned that razor before you

[@Alex00789]

No matter how hard I try, I always get irritation on the third pass on the neck when I go against the grain. I use a Wilkinson Sword Classic razor(the black one), Gillette blue and red blades, a 24mm knot Maggard synthetic shaving brush, a cream(Palmolive, D'amaris, Denim or Proraso green) and an aftershave balm or splash. Anyone else who has irritation after the ATG pass? Could use some advice.

[@CamperVanPersie]

Hi Alex,after I have warmed My face with water,I use Pears Soap to create a lather and rub this into My beard,almost like a pre shave before applying shaving cream.I have found this virtually eliminates shaving rash etc....Also not everybody's skin can take an ATG 3rd pass.I always just repeat a WTG for a 'close enough shave'....The smoothest shave isn't always the closest shave.Hope this helps.

[@Alex00789]

@@CamperVanPersie Thanks.

[@dwilhelm43able]

Wish to see more straight razor shaves. Not safety razors.

[@chadparsons1972]

I have been shaving with a safety raver now for over 30 years, I would like to get a straight razer, but they make me nervous.

[@geofatboy]

Won't know till you try...

[@RockLight-vz5wg]

Note how classy that advertisement was on that tool. A Barely noticeable stamp. Nothing but style of the blade & handle

[@nosurrender4824]

It feels like it's pulling instead of cutting. I just got the razor too. 🤷‍♂️

[@Mike-bk5yc]

Geo I dont think youve ever forgot to lather your face shame on you🤪🤪🤪

[@binagarten4667]

I like the way he says Sheffield England. now owned by India as most things are owned by China, India, Saudi Arabia, Russia. The Brits are at the Dole Office, complaining and then go for Indian beer, a curry and in thier Japanese cars and made in China clothes! They call this Great Britian? The best steel I have found comes from the USA.

[@theoneandonlycarlton]

Edit "How To Shave Like A Man" LMAO Have A Great Shave, Have A Great Day Geo 🤘😜🤘 It Says 605 Videos Geo Keep 'Em Coming 👍

[@Charlie-qx4bb]

Clear the run ways needs to be on a t-shirt

[@devodasd]

I switched to a safety razor but I don't dare to shave my balls with it :D Will there be a tutorial about it? :D

[@dzikijohnny]

Instead of Shaving Soap, you turned me on to Arko Shaving sticks. I shave in the shower exclusively and these are fantastic for that.

[@keganjackson7609]

Nothing complicated 😂just pure enjoyment if you know how to sharpen and strop and upkeep 13 years of experience shaving with KAMISORI and straight razors up to the user to get a feel for it

[@internetpolification]

I wonder why safety razors are called ‘safety’ razors…..? And I wonder why they were invented and drove straight razors to the point of near-extinction?

[@geofatboy]

Wonder no more: shavenation.com/collections/100-pack

[@RKinNJ]

I can't for the life of me figure out why in the world people say 6/8 it's 3/4 it's why I can't go shopping at homedepot they list all the wood in these lazy man fractions, no one wants 5/4 that is 1 1/4.

[@ThecrosseyedTexan]

That's a big bag of nope for me lol

[@anugrahnair8211]

Being ambidextrous with a straight razor puts you on another level 🫡 Salute

[@toddd7444]

The best Shave Brush on the market today is my Simpson Trafalgar's T-3, better then boar cheaper in the long run, it is 29mm. i mic it' it's like buying a $275 Badger hair brush, no cleaning the brush, no need for a brush stand, NO SOAKING, fast drying time, well not fall apart like a Badger Hair or boar can, cheap to buy, I have owned it for 5 Years with no hair loss with no problems wheelchair Larry Merry Christmas

[@geofatboy]

bit.ly/TrafalgarSyntheticBrushSN Yes- It's a GREAT Brush!

[@toddd7444]

try the coffee you will like it happy new year hugs wheelchair larry@@geofatboy

[@brianeastman3547]

Time 2 use the Lawnboy 4 a shave