Straight Razor - Go From Sharp To Shave Ready !

Here's how to make your new straight razor even better!
Purchase from shavenation.com/ and use the links below to support my channel so that I can keep making these videos.
Thank you! Geo.
Gear Used in this Video:
Böker King Cutter Straight Razor: bit.ly/BokerSNStraightRazor
Naniwa 12K Super Stone: bit.ly/Naniwa12KstoneSN
Shave Nation Leather Strop: bit.ly/2LB3RVu
Chromium Oxide Bar: bit.ly/ChromiumOxideBarSN
Face Cloth: bit.ly/SNFaceCloth
Chubby 2 Shaving Brush: bit.ly/Chubby2BestSN
Fine American Blend Shaving Soap: bit.ly/FineAmericanSoapSN
Fine Soap Bowl: bit.ly/AllLatherBowlsSN
Thayers Aftershave: bit.ly/ThayersSN
Geofatboy's Attire:
Under Armour Shirt: amzn.to/2taPE7V
G-Shock Camo Watch: amzn.to/2v4P2A6
Headgear: bit.ly/HeadGearSN
My Current Filming Equipment:
Camera: amzn.to/2ukcw4e
Memory Card: amzn.to/2uozfgf
Tripod: amzn.to/2un6OPi
Microphone: amzn.to/2ufiSCx
Background Music: amzn.to/2sVSA40
KZbin: bit.ly/GeofatboyYT
Facebook: bit.ly/FBGeofatboy
Instagram: bit.ly/InstaGeofatboy
Instagram: bit.ly/InstaShaveNation
Twitter: bit.ly/TwitterGeofatboy
Ever Wonder How It All Started?
bit.ly/TheStoryofShaveNation
Have A Great Shave, Have A Great Day!
Geo.
Learn how to hone and strop a straight razor to get it sharper than from the factory using a sharpening stone, leather razor strop, and a chromium oxide bar.
How To Flatten the Stone: • How To Flatten Water S...
Honing on the Naniwa 12K Stone 2:42
Applying Chromium Oxide 4:47
Stropping on Fabric 5:12
Stropping on Smooth Leather 6:22
Hanging Hair Test 7:54
First Pass Lather 10:29
First Pass Shave 11:51
Second Pass Lather 16:56
Second Pass Shave 17:34
Third Pass Lather 21:00
Third Pass Shave 21.47
Summary 25:48

[@ARcinder]

Sir you are an entertaining man. I came here for tips on honing but stayed for the shaving.

[@geofatboy]

Thank you for watching and your positive comments!

[@princetonjoshua3028]

I dont mean to be so offtopic but does someone know of a way to get back into an Instagram account..? I was stupid forgot the account password. I appreciate any tips you can offer me

[@ziondakota5210]

@Princeton Joshua Instablaster :)

[@mc_sea]

This was a great video for learning how to sharpen properly. I just recently bought a new straight razor and I used this video as a guide on how to make it as sharp as necessary. My most recent shave went smoothly and I had no razor burn.

[@geofatboy]

Thanks MC, I'm glad I could help.

[@chrisblanc663]

I like that he pretty much goes over from sharpening, to honing, to a 3 pass shave in under 30 minutes. Kinda makes it seem possible. Until you get that blade to your throat…

[@garyjones3585]

Been hobby shaving 10 years and that is a great way to hone a razor. Thanks for the great shave video.

[@honestinsincerity2270]

I’ve never used a straight razor to shave before but goddamn do I want to now

[@geofatboy]

It's challenging, fun, satisfying, all at the same time!

[@Irish381]

Very informative and helpful for beginners to learn more about straight razor wet shaving Also this is by far the most interesting shaving channel on KZbin!

[@Martiniization]

First time seriously observing a straight razor demonstration. A lot of helpful instruction covering every step... from preparing a new straight razor through 2 passes. Thanks.

[@trustthybarber644]

You terrified me sir! Probably the most violent shaver I've seen, but no cuts! well done, just goes to show knowing your face is important!

[@ShabbaRanksMF]

He’s a very skilled guy. I don’t think he realises how skilled with a razor he is though.

[@Martiniization]

I'm watching your straight razor shaving videos again and sending them to myself for one more viewing again before daring to try my hand with a straight razor. These videos of yours are chock full of necessary useful info. Real clinics! Thanks for the very valuable guidance.

[@jamesbassett7030]

Really appreciate your videos. You've helped me refine my straight razor technique considerably! The gear I purchased from you is top notch. My everyday shave is a pleasure. Thank you!

[@philochristos]

I really appreciate this video. My dad never taught me how to shave. I've been doing it wrong.

[@LerRhann]

My dad did teach me to shave. He taught me to shave against the grain. I needed blood transfusions everytime I shaved. I relearned how to shave and life got so much better.

[@geofatboy]

Uncle Geo is happy to help!

[@toddsplumbing]

Thanks for this video, been trying to hone my razor and shave with it for awhile. Gave up on it till I seen this video, now my #39 Wallace armor is shave ready! Thanks man!!

[@williamemilceleiro9857]

AWESOME video Geo! Unusual for you to put up such a lengthy video...I enjoyed every bit. I had such a late start watching it because only now I am getting interested in straight razors. Only been wet shaving for 4 years. And I didn't know you are so agile handling the straight. Thank you for a informative and entertaining video. Cheers!

[@parasiteunit]

As usual, a clear and concise video. No needless instruction or diversion. Incidentally, providing your bevel is all okay...this works just fine with other straights, which many consider "basic" range... Such as a GD 66. Sorted out a few of mine a treat. Oh, also as he mentioned - when shaving; the SOUND that the razor is making is a good indication of how pleasant the shave is going to end. If it sounds like your buttering toast, you're about right. If it sounds like your scraping burnt toast... You're going to get issues.

[@daven953]

Best straight forward sharpen and shave video I've seen yet. Thanks.

[@devanjackson509]

I recently received a 10k Super Stone on the plastic base and I love it! Wish they still offered these. I hone a lot but I often find that I’m happiest with edges that are as you put it, good enough to shave with. Thanks for the video!

[@cookin1965]

Excellent tutorial, best I’ve seen so far. Thanks.

[@iwgl1981JMR]

Love this video. I just ordered my first straight razor so thanks for all the tips.

[@easyaussietarget3355]

Man you are a legend! I purchased a straight razor a while back and I bled like a boss from every inch of my face and parts of my head as I shave that too. It really turned me off using it again. I tried to use it straight out of the box, perhaps that was the problem....not sharp enough maybe. Or just my dreadful technique. This was helpful thanks mate!

[@johnnyboydianno]

This is by far one of your best vids and I've been following your channel for a long time Gratz geo

[@Osprey1994]

Well done, no unnecessary shenanigans to the point and clearly explained.

[@marc-albertjaquat6364]

I've seen many "Master" honer... but as I've started wet shaving after watching your videos many years ago, I'm gonna follow your advice as I can see actual results. Great video as always! Cheers!

[@jessechapman6633]

Fantastic video tutorial my dad got my a cut throat razor for Xmas so been watching your videos mastered how to do the safety unbelievable will never go back to crappy cartridge razors. Thank you 🙏

[@daverojo77]

Geo, I salute that fact you do an educational shave video and shave your entire face! RESPECT!!!

[@AHappyBachelor]

Geofatboy bringing the heat! Your vids are always awesome; been watching you since you started. You've helped a lot of guys through the years learn to shave well.

[@SirKohga]

Perfect video it was exactly what I needed to know. I just got a razor as a early Xmas gift and this helped tremendously. Thank you very much for the help

[@DogTownP]

@geofatboy Thank you! This was my turning point video on giving up trying to straight razor shave or not! I had what I thought was a Nice Fromm 72R and a Dovo razor but both felt like dragging a semi-sharp rock across my face. Despite Hours of Stropping these blades. I followed your simple steps and I went from a 1000 grit fine stone to the fabric black and then smooth black strops I have and Wow, Finally a nice shave! I just ordered a 4000/8000 stone to put an even better polish on the blades. Thank you! You saved me from giving up. Also ordered a sample pack of shaving creams from you!

[@pastor1stephen]

Possibly the best straight razor video on the internet! Nice, nice job sir!

[@apb2887]

I have been putting off buying a Naniwa 12k stone for about a year now. I need one so badly, I think it's about time lol

[@AdamAhmed-sm3qr]

I know I'm 4 years late, but I'm living for that background

[@geofatboy]

Taste the Rainbow! Feel the Rainbow!

[@jpascal23]

Thanks so much for all your videos dad! Teaching a generation how to shave the right way!

[@fredrickfowler6312]

I liked your video very much. It was most informative. One of the best and most comprehensive, I've watched and I've watched many. Many thanks, Fredrick.

[@wintermachine]

As a retired meat cutter. I thought I might have known a bit about sharpening a knife. Watching your excellent video, brought back memories of dropping briskets left and right handed. At the time I would trade my well-saw with a friend for his knives. I spent 10 years with a knife in my hand, doing lots of different jobs. You were awesome with both hands sir! I learned a lot today.🤗

[@heathdeville9869]

Thanks for the video. Best tutorial that ive found on sharpening a straight razor that isnt shave ready out of the box.

[@polpan1973]

Dear Geo, just want to say thanks for all you videos. Very informative, and presented in such a way, not getting what you are saying from the first time around is next to the impossible. Greetings from a Greek guy, living in Qatar. I am so happy I am back to my good ol' safety razor shaving. I used to use a Gillette Knack TTO - V3 (I believe that it is from 1976). At some point, getting razor blades became so hard, I was forced to turn to other more modern solutions, however, I never gave up on wet shaving with a brush. I am so happy that safety razors are back and that so many people, like yourself, support it. Keep up the good job and we will keep on spreading the word around for you...

[@geofatboy]

Polpan, Thanks very much for your kind words and support. A greek in Qatar? You must be one of a kind! Regarding safety razor shaving - Sometimes, the old way is the best way!

[@jrbleau]

A superlative video. Great work Geofatboy!

[@Boomshankarim]

Thank you so much for your tutorial, so much knowledge, I was able to sharper my old straight razor and shave my itchy beard 🙏

[@drmatt357]

Old school Geo is back. Well done there sir. 😁

[@geofatboy]

Thanks Dr Matt! Hope all is well.

[@trueblu8]

Man the feedback on that razor is unbelievable! Razor sharp edge. 🔥

[@paullemay3218]

Thank you for sharing. Great instructional video. Hope you enjoy your day 😎

[@geofatboy]

Thanks Paul! You have a great day too.

[@philb8338]

Great video, super informative and motivating. Thanks Geo.

[@JamminGIJames32]

Great demo Geo! Thank you for sharing Bro 💈

[@geofatboy]

Thanks James!

[@erinfinnegan9088]

By far the best video on straight razor sharpening. Geofatboy ftw!

[@theinquisitor18]

I really liked the video. Very well done. Nice technique.

[@trueblu8]

Excellent tutorial. Thanks Geo!

[@Flame6302]

Great video! Very informative I’ve always wanted to learn to shave with a straight razor and I’m in my mid 20’s

[@nigelduncan-adam5988]

Excellent instructional vid found myself pulling faces with the razor movement

[@johnsmyth6283]

Thank you mate. My dad never showed me this. I’m 63. I learnt the hard way. Why am I I telling you this? Well I’ve given up on plastic disposables and have tried open and it’s been a bad experience. Until now. Your a star sunshine, a bloody star.

[@jonathanfriedlander3111]

You are the shavemaster & the ultimate teacher ! Theory and practice it is rare to have both skills .

[@nowonmetube]

There's no theory here. This guy is just practicality in person.

[@NeillWylie]

Great video. Learned so much about shaving.

[@josesantos2084]

Great lesson! Thanks so much!

[@TheWtfnonamez]

I know this is probably going to sound weird, but as a prepper, I think its really important that skills like shaving with a straight razor are taught and preserved. I have managed to squeeze 6 months out of a disposable 3-blade razor, but if the supply chain ever breaks down, there will come a point where people either shave with a blade, or live with a beard. Personally, I can just about do it. Although I would note, that I learned some valuable lessons from watching this video. Thank you.

[@chrisblanc663]

I don’t know if shaving would be my biggest concern if/when shtf. But it’s definitely a cool skill to learn.

[@TheWtfnonamez]

@@chrisblanc663 Depending on circumstances, it could be life and death mate. You cant get a good face seal with a respirator unless you are clean shaving mate. Negative pressure respirators (gas masks basically) work by sucking onto your face to create a seal when you inhale. If you are clean shave it will at worst let a couple of parts per million past. If you have stubble or a beard you are looking at parts per thousand. Basically, with certain toxic chemicals thats the difference between living and certain death. You will see a lot of bearded preppers lying about this on the internet because they dont want to shave off their manly mountain beard, but if you know CBRN you know its clean shaved or GTFO. Hope this explains mate.

[@chrisblanc663]

@@TheWtfnonamez makes sense. I worked a job where they asked at least done of us stay clean shaven in case there was a gas leak. (Most of us didn’t shave so they wouldn’t send us to that specific job).

[@BobSmith-gj4bo]

Best sharpening, shaving video I've seen... ever.

[@markford1646]

Hi Geo, thanks for another great video.

[@geofatboy]

Thanks Mark!

[@PastorPeewee20]

Love your pictures in the background! I ride and play pool I have these in my game room but the easy Rider pic I have is in color!

[@Bluenblack17]

Thank you for this video. Greetings from the Netherlands!

[@96limpfold]

Great job buddy thanks for the lesson.

[@brianb.2894]

Good job and products Geo. Thank you.

[@Martins-Shaves123]

Wonderful instructive video, especially for those of us new to straight razor shaving, most of my new razors ( being new I binged out on new gear) were pretty useless! Thank you 🙏.

[@geofatboy]

Thanks Martin! Glad I could help

[@Martins-Shaves123]

I keep coming back to this fabulous video, absolutely the best !!!! Thanks again 👌🙏

[@geofatboy]

Great!

[@GeorgeCampbell1964]

Great shave video. I've heard good and bad about using CROX. I personally have never had any positive luck with it. Some swear by it while others detest it.

[@spiker702]

Awesome. Very helpful thanks!

[@sjd7aa]

Very useful video. I have the same razor and rolled the edge through poor stropping technique. It was frustrating and I lost patience and purchased a feather SS kamisori which gives equally close shaves but is unforgiving to poor technique. I didn’t want to give up on the Boker so I bought a Naniwa 12K stone and CrOx bar. This technique works beautifully to restore the razor’s edge. I can take my Boker from dull (really pulls during shaving) to zapping hanging hairs with ease. It finishes a honing with my 4K/8K Norton water stone the same. I still use the Feather from time to time, as it’s handy when I don’t have time to strop or I’m traveling and I’m not going to strop. And since I switched to ProGuard blades I get far fewer nicks than with the Pro blades. It’s a toss-up which gives a closer shave; I get BBS consistently with both. But there is definitely something very satisfying pulling off an incredibly close shave using a straight razor you’ve put time into and taken from an unusable state to an extremely sharp condition. And the straight is more forgiving, the sharper I get it. And it has that bad@ss SR look ;) If you’re frustrated shaving with a dulled SR then invest in a Naniwa 12K stone, a CrOx bar (50,000 grit looks like what GFB uses here, it’s the same as mine) and a good combination linen/leather strop and follow the author’s steps in this vid. You’ll be glad you did. Piece of advice: really get your stropping technique down before dropping serious dollars on a good leather strop. It is too easy to nick your new $100 leather strop and that hurts. You can gently buff out the marks with 2000 grit emory paper but the deep ones may still remain. Good luck!

[@EliteSniperFMJ]

I have no clue how to use a razor and Not get a massively bumped face, I was jus checking some knife making vids and ended up here.....but I did enjoy the sharpening and learned how to really make sure I bump up if i use a razor lol. Nice job effective, fast, and scary sharp as far as im concerned, ive never gotten anything hair popping sharp, I also only have abrasives up to maybe 2k

[@MJW114]

Well presented and really enjoyed watching this

[@geofatboy]

Thanks Martin! Greatly appreciated.

[@timelessrazor4449]

Thank you Ron. Great video

[@TheDjinh]

You might think you included the boring bits, but it's great to see the entire process really from start to finish!

[@robertovalenzuela832]

Thanks,i actually learned something!!

[@johnclaudio8799]

I really have learn a lot so I'll go and get a good shave.

[@johnnyboydianno]

Ahh retro geo glad to see the straight razor routine again gratis!

[@geofatboy]

Thanks Johnny!

[@redlee7376]

hey I'm just getting into throat cuts grate video dude

[@philliphealey7573]

WOW looks hard to do thanks great job

[@jimh3500]

My man you have a most excellent and useful video here. I learned something valuable, thanks.

[@geofatboy]

Thanks!

[@TheHungryTrollRawr]

That's a great video right there! I watched the entire thing even thou i was searching for how to sharpen a straight razor

[@geofatboy]

Excellent! Thanks Colonel.

[@chrismorley3074]

Very Useful Video Geo.......!!

[@akhalil777]

Amazing vid....... Thank you Sir

[@OndrejSc]

This is so peaceful.

[@EasyTarget82]

I did try a straight razor for a bit but its too much maintenance so I stick with my safety razor but I'm happy to have at least used it.

[@cwferguson1664]

expert advise from a knowledgeable man

[@Strwrsgrl01]

Not all of us are Gents, lol. I love to shave my husband and wanted to learn how to hone as well. Thx

[@justinpurvis7449]

Wow. Any more women like you out there?! That’s some real love and trust

[@markwoodard4012]

Does he have a large insurance policy? 😉

[@Strwrsgrl01]

@@markwoodard4012 LOL, yes, but that's not why I do it. I used to love watching my dad shave as a little girl and I always found it to be a very sensuous thing after I got older.

[@driveramd12]

Thanks man! awesome!

[@Avengers-uw5vs]

What an amazing shaving video. You sir have tought me so much. I am looking forward to buy my straight razor. "La crème de la crème". :)

[@geofatboy]

Thanks!

[@magnoliamike]

Nice G-Shock. I just got a White DW 6900

[@malthus101]

Great video man, love the rainbow lol ;) Do you need to do this conditioning of the blade every time you shave, or just when it's new from the factory? Thanks.

[@dabandpuke]

Thanks for your video !

[@robertdeutsch8606]

Great video!

[@edgardoliveira2547]

Glass finish! Even better than the BBS finish! Someday I'll reach that! Lol

[@erman0006]

Great video thanks a lot. Should I apply any kind of paste on leather side? I have red and green paste and a strop leather which has Cork of one side

[@Martiniization]

This was the second time in around a month or so that I've watched this video. I know I gave it a "thumbs up" after the first time. I can't remember whether I left a comment or not the first time. I have one question, in addition to thanking you for a very instructive video. I haven't yet shaved with a straight razor, so I'm wary about how to approach the face with one. You are experienced, of course, so it appears you start each stroke anywhere on your face with relative ease. My question regards the method you might advise an absolute straight razor beginner so that the beginner approaches his face with adequate caution. Is there a tip or "stepping stone" in the process of approaching so as to prepare a beginner to do what's necessary to make sure of the right angle and not produce any gashes or slices? Thank you for the thoroughly informative videos you provide on wet shaving. Best wishes.

[@mmh4]

Super Video !! Greetings from Germany

[@geofatboy]

Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@guerrerosdigitales]

which is a good one to get that I will not feel the need to buy the next better one up? not necessary the best of the best, but a very good one. thanks

[@Khaled-xc5ku]

finally found all i need to know about prepping,but how often do you recommend to do the process of sharpening?

[@mohdalisyed]

Thanks for the great video. I love all your videos and wanted to support the channel by shopping at shavenation. Unfortunately, the postage to Australia was too much. Kindly consider choosing different/cheaper shipping providers.

[@SVIMAZfromD5]

YES SIR IT SOUNDS GOOD..SOOOO GOOD.

[@mohdzaudikhasni8829]

Great video 👍👍👍 left and right hand work each other.. Amazing skills

[@geofatboy]

Thanks Mohd-Years of practice!

[@mohdzaudikhasni8829]

geofatboy You're welcome 🤗🤗🤗

[@TheWtfnonamez]

Superb video

[@luxuryvienna6253]

Hi Geo! Thank you very much for the great video. I bought a Naniwa 12000 and a chromium oxide bar and tried it. It worked out absolutely amazing! I have a Ralf Aust razor for 4 months now and learned a lot from your videos.

[@movetotherhythm]

Awesome tutorial , you think you could ever break out that TI Spartacus again for a video? Always loved that razor and I miss the one I had.

[@geofatboy]

Thanks! I'll put the Spartacus on the list.

[@KarlNRedman]

Beautiful! Very helpful and appreciated. All of these videos by @geofatboy are gems unto themselves. Much love sir, thank you. [edit]: I'm naturally ambidextrous but had not considered using both hands to shave this way until this video. So valuable. So helpful. additionally, I will say, relative to these videos, it is helpful to understand the lathering and preparation process. Again, extremely helpful to have the example.

[@geofatboy]

Much appreciated Karl! I'm glad you gleaned some new methods and ideas. It's always nice to hear kind words.

[@brooklynproduction]

Nice shaving :) Good luck :)

[@RonnieGreher]

Great video Geo! Why so many strops in your bathroom? Keep up the regular new content. We appreciate it.

[@geofatboy]

Thanks Ronnie! That's just the Shave Nation strop testing station.