Straight Razor - Go From Sharp To Shave Ready !

[@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 :)

[@garyjones3585]

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

[@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…

[@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.

[@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.🤗

[@AdamAhmed-sm3qr]

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

[@geofatboy]

Taste the Rainbow! Feel the Rainbow!

[@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.

[@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).

[@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!

[@Osprey1994]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@trueblu8]

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

[@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!

[@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!

[@FabrizioNannini]

It’s almost unbelievable! You are a true master! I am chopping my face off, even with a cartridge shaver! RESPECT!

[@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!

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@Keviin2310]

Hello Sir, your Video is a Blessing to me. I spent a lot of time to figure out, if on a new Razor the Bevel should be set on a 1K Stone. But thankfully, due to your Video, I could improve the Factory Sharpness of my Dovo Straight Razor. Without taping the spine, on a Jnat Nakayama Awasedo and natural untreaded Leather its much sharper then when its left the factory. Best Regards from Germany

[@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!

[@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 🙏

[@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!

[@daverojo77]

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

[@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!!

[@heathdeville9869]

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

[@TheDjinh]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@JAY-lf6uj]

How many ppl dropped there Gillette and went and bought a straight razor to have a more manly shaving experience and to stay paying for overpriced garbage I know I did 😎 just waiting on it to arrive from Japan

[@baqiralfahdawi5886]

I bought a 300 AUD mini custom dimascuss steel, copper dipped spine razor from KWB. Has green dye burl wooden scales. took 6 months to get to me as he was setting up new workshop. Worth the money and wait! Dont care bout price, i love a nice looking useful blade esp when its handmade.

[@mikebarnacle1469]

@@baqiralfahdawi5886 lol a damascus straight razor - no judgement because it looking cool is perfectly valid reason to want something, but the whole idea behind demascus in swords and knives is to be able to avoid shattering from violent impacts that could happen if the entire thing was made of the hardened edge. A straight razor is not used for chopping chicken bones or logs hehe. : ) To be fair... most knives I see aren't properly laminated this way anyway. Just different kinds of steel arbitrarily mixed together to make a cool pattern with no regard for the metalurgy. Old katanas had a very specific pattern of ultra high-carbon steel at just the cutting edge.

[@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

[@nigelduncan-adam5988]

Excellent instructional vid found myself pulling faces with the razor movement

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@pastor1stephen]

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

[@Efinn9088]

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

[@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.

[@michaelneale7813]

Great Introduction Instruction How To Sharpen , N , Strop , Look After Your Straight Razor And How To Shave Safely . Im Thinking About Shaving With a Straight Razor How Much Would Full Kit Cost Me . Stone , Strop , Razor . Thanks Geofatboy . Happy Shaving .

[@geofatboy]

Check them out here: shavenation.com/search?q=r41 shavenation.com/collections/all-sharpening-stones shavenation.com/collections/all-razor-strops

[@BobSmith-gj4bo]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@drmatt357]

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

[@geofatboy]

Thanks Dr Matt! Hope all is well.

[@jpascal23]

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

[@johnclaudio8799]

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

[@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

[@thegrimreaper4915]

Ok, I just stropped the blade. No wonder my blade is not cutting as well. This just seems like too much trouble to go to. Not sure where to get this stuff from, and although, your bids are very instructive, you don't give any feed back from comments made.

[@geofatboy]

Does this help: shavenation.com/collections/all-sharpening-stones shavenation.com/collections/all-razor-strops

[@thegrimreaper4915]

Yes it does. Thank you. My straight razor is German & it only goes up in value. It is a mammoth tusk. I was beginning to think that you didn't read people's posts, but I appreciate your response. I will need a smaller razor I suppose 🤗 I will get this kit together, and have another go. Have managed cut my face to ribbons at times, but I am extremely ugly, so this doesn't matter.

[@daven953]

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

[@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

[@MBJ2023]

How often do you recommend for someone to sharpen and hone their razor?

[@jamesoliveri4704]

Can the straight razor be sharpen with just the strop only without the stone? Please respond to this. I enjoy your videos and learn something. When stropping will you go slower for the new people who never used a straight razor before and explain how to get the proper angle on blade. How will I know if you respond to my questions and comments?

[@geofatboy]

It depends on what condition your straight razor is in. If the strop doesn't do it than go to the stone then back to the strop.

[@codysykes5568]

Little known secret, newspaper actually has enough fine abrasive qualities that you can "finish" a round of honing by taking a single sheet and placing it on top of your stone (make sure paper is COMPLETELY flat and damp so it sticks) to strop with.

[@Martins-Shaves123]

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

[@geofatboy]

Great!

[@jimh3500]

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

[@geofatboy]

Thanks!

[@Stigg]

I've tried everything. I can't get my razor sharp enough. I guess I keep trying. Great video btw.

[@wolffforge4839]

It may be the razor, some cheap razors won't take a keen edge. If it doesn't cost at least $50 , cheap side, then I would be hesitant to use it.

[@nirhaber6149]

@@wolffforge4839 yeah. Mine costed me 250 u.s. Dollars

[@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

[@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

[@Therealgrinch]

You can also use electric tape on the non blade side so you don't scratch the blade

[@magnoliamike]

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

[@nirhaber6149]

Is chromium oxide necessary?

[@Vv20vV]

2 questions; 1. How often do you shave? 2. How often do you sharpen your blade?

[@geofatboy]

Sometimes I shave every day, every other day. every 3 days, etc. I like to have something to shave off when I make a shaving video.You won't see me shaving with smooth skin...What's the point of that, it doesn't test anything of a razor's performance...

[@SarcoidosisWarrior]

I also do the "Fools Pass" - never had an issue with a missing nose 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 Great video Geo 🤘

[@geofatboy]

Legend!

[@SarcoidosisWarrior]

@@geofatboy Thanks Geo 😊

[@johnnyboydianno]

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

[@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.

[@BlueTigerReal]

German straight razor 🇩🇪👍🏻

[@geofatboy]

YESSS!

[@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.

[@andypelky12345]

Do I angle the blade at all when stropping or just lay it flat with a twist towards the edge?

[@MJW114]

Well presented and really enjoyed watching this

[@geofatboy]

Thanks Martin! Greatly appreciated.

[@ramonaruthhurst1280]

Thank you so much. Hi from Texas USA

[@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 🙏

[@jonkovacs4870]

don't know if anyone ever mentioned this to you. the way your strop you are twisting the strop to the left. When you move the blade back and forth you are missing 1/2 the blade on your forward stroke.

[@ManosRK]

Can I prolong the keen-ness of the edge with chromium oxide paste on a leather or fabric strop before I need to hone it again ?

[@geofatboy]

Yes you can!

[@ManosRK]

@@geofatboy Thank you 🙂

[@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.

[@brettwhite9216]

Great video but I am curious. Is there there a reason you go blade first on the stone? Or is it a preference?

[@iangarner8857]

I've just bought a straight razor and stropped it but it's so blunt it doesn't even cut arm hairs at all. I think I need to do the stone lol

[@MichaelGrant_mlkgrant]

I use the green compound on the smooth side of the leather and the suede side I do the 50 strokes... and my razor came out like yours! does it make a huge difference switching it around? I mean... that means I screwed up my leather paddle... LOL My strops a paddle style with smooth leather on one side and soft suede on the other... and I did my stropping the other way from yours and got the same results! I should be Olay to continue using it that way right... otherwise I need another paddle strop! lol...

[@OndrejSc]

This is so peaceful.

[@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!

[@trueblu8]

Excellent tutorial. Thanks Geo!

[@eugenekrabs4141]

just wanna know how long the Naniwa 12K Super Stone, Shave Nation Leather Strop, and Chromium Oxide Bar will last because theyre so expensive

[@philliphealey7573]

WOW looks hard to do thanks great job

[@johnnyboydianno]

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

[@geofatboy]

Thanks Johnny!

[@Wittar7090]

I have a strop with 2 full pieces of leather - a brown piece and a black piece. There is only one handle. I cannot tell a difference in terms of roughness between either side. Do you have guidance as to which side to use first?

[@geofatboy]

If both sides are equally smooth, it won't matter. You could put dressing on one and leave the other one plain.

[@Wittar7090]

One other daft question. I have a 15+ year old Thiers Issard. It is carbon steel and it has a limited amount of corrosion on it - mostly on the spine. Should I leave it as is and apply an appropriate oil or should I do something to remove the corrosion? Thanks.

[@geofatboy]

@@Wittar7090 I used this product a couple of weeks ago and it removed rust easily from 6 carbon steel Thiers Issard straight razors: amzn.to/3w7h28I

[@cwferguson1664]

expert advise from a knowledgeable man

[@zack16saturday]

So have a question. I have a straight razor from my grandfather's. And think it's from his dad. Anyways, noticed yours was like a rounded tip. But mine has a bit of a slight square tip, giving it a very sharp pointy tip. and it's also allot longer, I think mines like 5" in length? Or 6". Heavy too. .. has no brand name or anything either but I've been told it's silver. Just wanted to ask about the tip lol

[@evenagareda5204]

How do you not cut your face?! AMAZING!

[@nowonmetube]

Because the blade is actually sharp

[@cookin1965]

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

[@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

[@toffeltoffel7589]

How many times Can you use the shaver before sharpen again ?

[@geofatboy]

Depends on your beard and shaving technique.

[@redlee7376]

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

[@edgardoliveira2547]

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

[@vitalizur493]

What gets a closer shave? 3 passes with a safety razor or 3 with a straight razor?

[@geofatboy]

Straight razor when done properly provides the closest shave!

[@beez7005]

Great channel!! Straight razors still scare me a tad

[@geofatboy]

Thanks... You gotta ease yourself into them...

[@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.

[@rastanurahrt9686]

Can we consider shavette equivalent to a straight razor.

[@iwgl1981JMR]

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

[@Rweber110]

Great video..great description of what you were doing.. I wonder if you have ever done a budget video of everything you showed us..I visited your links in description box below.. and sir.. I'm not sure I could afford the expense to start up.. I've watched your safety razor videos.. and I did pull together a shave set up in my budget...is there a straight razor set up that's budget friendly? Ty

[@Rweber110]

...I'm dumb....so I'm leaving this up...I browsed your web page...took 3 seconds...found budget straight razor kit....I'm the worst...lol...happy holidays ✌👍

[@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.