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Top 5 Best Straight Razors for Men

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Lyndon Seitz
Your guide to this Review is Lyndon Seitz

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straight razor and man

Best Straight Razor – Top 5 Sharpest Reviews for March, 2024 with Buying Guide

For many men, shaving is often seen as a tedious task. However, there are certainly those who enjoy the opportunity to take a little time in some personal time while ensuring their grooming is precise to their liking. These men are the ones that eagerly embrace the resurgence of the best straight razor.

For a select few, though, shaving is truly an art. That’s because they have mastered the time-honored use of the old-fashioned straight razor.

Folding straight razors were first sold in England in the late 17th century and were basically the only option for men until the 1900s. The development of more convenient (and to most, less dangerous) safety razors, and later electric razors, turned the straight razor from a ubiquitous fixture in all bathrooms into a seldom-used relic.

Except, that is, for those daring souls who still swear by the straight razor for reasons of nostalgia and tradition, because they feel more masculine shaving the old fashioned way – or, in the majority of cases, because they believe a straight blade gives the closest shave possible with the greatest degree of control.

A straight razor enthusiast is someone who enjoys the finer things in life and has the patience to savor experiences such a fine wine. In fact, many manufacturers of safety and disposable razors have recently reported drops in sales, while those who sell straight razors say their sales are on the rise.

The straight razor, also called the barber razor, true razor – or for obvious reasons, the cutthroat razor – is making a comeback. Whether you’re one of those men thinking of giving it a try or a devotee of straight blades, the Groom+Style review team for art of shaving have investigated the options and put together our list of the top 5 best straight razors on the market.

Straight Razor Buying Considerations

best straight razor - beautiful straight razor

The GroomwithStyle team will explain the important features to consider when picking a straight razor. However, the most vital thing to remember has nothing to do with the razor itself. It’s all about how patient and disciplined you are.

Shaving with a straight razor isn’t for those who are always in a hurry or don’t want to spend time learning proper technique. Ensure you are ready to take your time and be deliberate while becoming accustomed to and mastering a blade before investing in purchasing top-notch straight razors.

How Much Will a Straight Razor Cost?

Big bucks? How much could a piece of steel attached to a handle cost, anyway? Well, a very good-quality straight razor will be in the hundred dollar range, and the very finest can run you over a thousand dollars. That’s because of the material they’re made from, and the exceptional craftsmanship and precision that goes into forging and honing them. Remember, though, that a straight razor is (theoretically, at least) a purchase that will last a lifetime.

How to Judge a High-Quality Straight Razor?

Judging a straight razor is even more complicated than learning to use it. For example, a blade can have a hard, medium or soft temper, which has a major bearing on how long it will keep its edge and how easy it will be to sharpen (hard temper is better for the former, soft for the latter).

The grind (the concave indentations on the blade) will also be important, because a full hollow makes the blade lighter and sharper but also more dangerous, while less of a hollow is a better choice for those newer to straight razors.

Each man’s needs and preferences will be different. Sticking with one of the major heritage manufacturers of straight razors (almost all of which are located in Germany or France) might be the best bet if you’re unsure about the ins and outs of knives and blades.

Straight Razor Width, Point, Balance and Material

There are two “blade questions” that don’t require much expertise. The first is the width (a wider blade is harder to manage but can hold more lather, a narrower blade can reach touch spots like under the nose or behind the ears) and the second is the blade’s point (a round point is simpler to manage, a square one is more precise but tougher to handle).

What’s easier to determine is whether a straight razor is well-balanced; that’s a key factor in how easy the blade is to use and how consistent a shave it will deliver. The handle must be comfortable and solid, ideally with scales that ensure a good grip.

The final thing to check is the blade’s material. Most inexpensive straight razors are made from stainless steel, which are said to cut better and last longer between sharpenings than old-school carbon-steel blades. However, landmark manufacturers still make their razors from carbon steel, because they have the experienced craftsmen able to create an extremely high-quality blade with it.

Let’s cut to the chase and get to our top 5 best straight razor reviews.

1. Dovo Straight Razor Carbon, Ebony Wood Handle

dovo straight razor carbon ebony handle
Dovo Straight Razor Carbon with ebony handle. Click on the photo to check the Price on Amazon.

Groom+Style mentioned landmark manufacturers of straight razors and the best of the best have historically been located in Solingen, Germany. Dovo has been setting the standard for Solingen straight razors for more than a century and this model is a wonderful example.

There are actually several terrific Dovo razors in the same general price range; the review team chose this one because it has a half-hollow blade and because we like the ebony handle more than the plastic one used on the company’s slightly less expensive full-hollow models.

Although it’s a half-hollow straight razor, this Dovo is still light and sharp but not as lethal a weapon in the hand of a novice user. What makes it really stand out is that it’s crafted from very high-quality carbon steel, which makes the blade hard, durable and elastic. The downside is that it will require sharpening more often – but for many devotees of straight razors, that’s half the fun.

The blade is 5/8” wide and has a rounded point, which might not satisfy an experienced user, but is definitely easier for new users and allows easy shaving of smaller areas of the face. The ebony-scaled handle is another plus since it’s both beautiful and provides a strong grip without slipping in the hand.

We should note that Dovo ships this straight razor “factory shave ready,” which is their normal approach and does not really mean “shave ready.” You’ll probably have to have it honed and/or strop it a bit before your first use – but it’s definitely worth it.

This is one great shave at a very reasonable price.

Facts and figures on the Dovo Straight Razor Carbon, Ebony Wood Handle:

  • Material: Carbon steel blade, ebony handle
  • Blade Width: 5/8”, half-hollow, rounded point
  • Shipped: Factory shave ready

Check The Dovo Straight Razor Carbon Price on Amazon

2. Feather SS Japanese Straight Razor

Feather Artist Club Black SS Straight Razor

While Germany is revered for its straight razor quality, not all terrific shaving products are German-manufactured. The Japanese-made Feather SS is on a par with the products from Solingen and it’s produced by another company, Jatai, that’s extremely well-respected in the industry.

You’ll obviously have to eventually change the replaceable blade on this razor (see link to the replacement blade option just below), but the body is made of stainless steel and the handle is manufactured from silicon resin; it could last a lifetime. You get a terrific, comfortable grip and the razor is heat-resistant up to 135°. 

Now, for the blade itself. You’ll have to purchase a Feather blade separately, and there are several different options including 4/8” and 5/8” blades – the same ones used by barbers. They’re well-constructed, very sharp, and deliver an extremely close shave without requiring a lot of pressure, just what you want from a quality straight blade. When it comes time to remove the blade for cleaning or replacement, a one-touch spring-mounted system makes it simple.

In fact, its design makes shaving a pleasure rather than a challenge for those new to straight razors, as you don’t have to hone and stop the blade.  Having said that, as the disposable blades are so sharp, those new to straight razor shaving should seek advice from an expert straight razor shaver to ensure you can shave safely with the replaceable blades.

This is a lightweight straight razor that’s very well-designed and the disposable blades designed for use with it are quite sharp; if you’re not fixated on a German model, Groom+Style loves the Feather SS.

Looking deeper at the Feather SS Japanese Straight Razor:

  • Material: Stainless steel with silicon resin handle
  • Blade: Not included; Feather Professional Blades purchased separately
  • Shipped: Requires separate blade purchase

Check the Feather SS Japanese Straight Razor Price on Amazon

Replacement Blades for Feather Artist Price on Amazon

3. Thiers-Issard 6/8″ Straight Razor, Round Tip, Festooned

best straight razor - thiers issard straight razor round tip festooned
Thiers-Issard 6/8″ Straight Razor. Click on the photo to check the Price on Amazon.

Germany isn’t the only nation known for its exquisite blades; France is also famed for producing outstanding handcrafted steel blades, and the name to know in French straight razors is Thiers-Issard.

This beauty will cost you more than double the price of the Dovo or Boker – but wow, what a shave.

The mirror-polished 6/8” wide blade is (obviously) slightly longer than the first two reviewed products in our list of the top 5 best straight razors, so it’s more efficient even if takes a little more experience (or care) when used.

The full-hollow blade is forged and ground in France from TI Carbonsong C135 steel, with a round nose making it slightly less intimidating despite its length and grind. You can see the quality just from looking at it – it’s a masterpiece.

The handle is a masterpiece as well, made with blonde horn scales, and the Thiers-Issard eagle logo is etched in black on the blade to complete the elegant and striking look of this straight razor.

The grip is firm, the razor is extremely well-balanced and the shave is like nothing you’ve ever experienced. It will be a revelation. The razor, which still needs to be finished-honed once you’ve received it, comes with a premium calfskin travel pouch as well.

If the Thiers-Issard is that good, why isn’t it ranked at #1? Quite simply because this isn’t a beginner’s straight razor, and because it carries a premium price. If you’re ready for a razor like this, consider it our top choice.

Digging deeper on the Thiers-Issard 6/8″ Straight Razor, Round Tip, Festooned:

  • Material: TI Carbonsong C135 steel blade, horn-scaled handle
  • Blade Width: 6/8”, full hollow, rounded point
  • Shipped: Pre-honed

Check The Thiers-Issard Straight Razor Price on Amazon

4. Black Widow Executive Brand Professional Shavette/Straight Edge Razor

Professional Straight Edge Razor - Compatible with Straight Razor Edge for Barber - By Black Widow (1.5mm) (Gold)

You can never go wrong by choosing a straight razor that’s preferred by barbers, and you’ll find Black Widow’s stylish black-and-gold design in countless barbershops across America. Now the reason barbers love this product so much is because it uses replaceable blades, which means the blades can be easily switched out between each customer.

This does however mean that this product is not technically classified as a straight razor, but is categorized as a shavette!  Shavette’s are ideal for the person who does not want to learn how to care for a straight razor’s edge (all the stropping and honing).

The company makes high-quality shaving products from premium materials, and this model is constructed from 100% rust-resistant stainless steel, double-coated with matte paint to prevent chipping.

One important fact to know, though: this razor does not ship with blades. It’s designed to work with any standard 1.5” barber half-blade (or double-edge blade snapped in half) of your choice. Why no built-in blades? Because modern barber shops change blades for every customer, in order to avoid contamination. It also saves the time and effort required for honing, stropping and sharpening. The blade is held in place with an armature swing lock, ensuring safety.

There’s heft to the Black Widow, which weighs in at 2.6 ounces. That weight not only feels good in the hand, but makes it easier to control the razor and prevents most of the vibration normally created by shaving. The ergonomic design, ridged shank and thumb notch on the shoulder also help with control, even if your hands are a bit wet. Most importantly, the razor’s weight is very well-balanced, making it easy to do crisp cuts and precise detail work; just don’t try to get too fancy with this tool unless you’re experienced enough to handle it.

The Black Widow is a nicely-priced professional straight razor, and it’s a dream to use if you’re accustomed to a straight edge and don’t mind changing blades regularly.

Specifications for the Black Widow Executive Brand Professional Straight Edge Razor:

  • Material: Stainless steel
  • Blade: Not included; accommodates most 1.5” half-blades
  • Shipped: Requires separate blade purchase

Check the Black Widow Executive Price on Amazon

5. A.P. Donovan 7/8” Straight Razor Set

best straight razor - A.P. Donovan - Excellent straight razor 7/8 " cut throat Razor Set
A.P. Donovan 7/8” Straight Razor Set. Click on the photo to check the Price on Amazon.

Most straight razors come without any of the extras you need to actually shave. Those looking for a complete set, and who are confident enough to brave a 7/8 inch blade, should check out the A.P. Donovan offering.

This set comes complete with a badger hair, mahogany and stainless steel brush, a high-quality (but short) abrasive leather strop with a metal carabiner belt and abrasive paste, soap and a carved, decorative wooden box.

Oh yes, the razor. That’s great, too. The full-hollow 7/8 inch blade is made from Japanese carbon steel that’s as strong as the steel used on the Max Sprecher, and it’s balanced quite nicely by the mahogany handle (without scales).

The shave is comfortable and close, but don’t try this one as your first straight razor because of the size of the blade.

Priced higher than our top two choices because of the extras it’s packaged with, the A.P. Donovan isn’t quite up to par with the Dovo or Boker. It’s still a strong entrant, especially if you don’t want to have to run out to find everything else you’ll need to actually use it.

More info on the A.P. Donovan 7/8” Straight Razor Set:
• Material: Japanese carbon steel, mahogany handle
• Blade Width: 7/8”, full-hollow, rounded point
• Shipped: Pre-honed

Check the A.P. Donovan Price on Amazon

That is it for our updated list of the top 5 best straight razors for March, 2024 – if you are curious about our choices from previous years then continue reading.

Dovo Forestal Straight Razor

best straight razor - DOVO Forestal 5_8 Cocobolo Straight Razor Set
Dovo Forestal Straight Razor. Click on the photo to check the Price on Amazon.

For traditionalists, it is all about quality and Dovo delivers it with this brilliant razor – big time! Dovo are renowned for their masterpieces but have exceeded their own expectations with the Forestal. Durability, performance, agility and cut throat sharpness have all been packed into this monster.

Its carbon steel body provides the much-needed quality and durability while the wooden handle ensures equal distribution of weight for a closer shave. Forestal shines in overall value as the razor is absolutely low maintenance due to its subtle metal combination. What’s impressive is that this design comes with a length of just around 5-8 inches making it compact to store in your cupboard without expensive kits.

On the aesthetics, the comfortable, strong and beautiful curvature of the wooden handle just blows your mind. During our trials, the team found this to be a sheer delight to test for numerous reasons, but quality, both in terms of performance and aesthetics makes Forestal probably the best mid-range straight razor money can buy at the moment.

Check The Dovo Forestal Price on Amazon

Straight American, Straight Razor from GB Buckingham and Sons

best straight razor - Straight American Straight Razor from GB Buckingham and Sons
Straight American, Straight Razor from GB Buckingham and Sons. Click on the photo to check the Price on Amazon.

There is no need for an introduction to GB Buckingham and Sons if you are a shaving enthusiast. Groom+Style couldn’t wait to test this razor as soon as it was announced.

Unlike other straight razors, it comes as a kit with all the essential accessories, including straight razor, leather, cloth strop, and many other luxuries. All accessories are carefully added to the kit to improve the user’s experience. The strop, though provided as an accessory, is of premium quality and does its sharpening without breaking a sweat.

The straight razor itself has steel that is hardened to HRC 61, which is quite staggering and is specially made in the United States. This provides the much-needed durability to the users within this market segment. As with other GB models, a lifetime warranty is provided as an assurance of its quality.

Groom+Style recommends this as probably the best razor available for all beginners who want to start their straight razor (or cut-throat razor, sorry we just love saying those words, cut-throat razor) journey or for those who are after a razor in the mid-priced range.

Check Straight American Price on Amazon – Available on US Amazon Only

Simba Tec Razolution Straight Razor

best straight razor - Simba Tec Razolution Straight Razor
Simba Tec Razolution Straight Razor. Click on the photo to check the Price on Amazon.

Razolution is manufactured by Simba Tec, one of the leading razor manufacturers in the world. It is claimed to be specially made to keep the edge for an extended period of time.

Its features are well balanced and provide a great alternative in the budget market. An easy to use blade along with no-nonsense performance put this in an all-time reliable razor pedestal. It is tailor-made for our modern plug-and-play world- no more huge learning curves! Its carbon steel razor blade adds to its overall performance and is the favorite of mere mortals like us who can’t afford premium brands. Oh! Did we mention that due to its portability, it is aptly suited for travelers too…(although be sure to pack it in your hold luggage, not in your hand luggage)?

Check Simba Tec Razolution Price on Amazon

Thiers-Issard 5/8″ straight razor

best straight razor - Thiers-Issard 5_8inch straight razor
Thiers-Issard 5/8″ straight razor. Click on the photo to check the Price on Amazon.

When people want to buy one of the best straight razors in the mid-priced range (typically slightly cheaper than the Straight American Razor) they will turn to Thiers-issard. It truly is a French marvel and renowned for quality. A fiercely backed razor by its well-known manufacturer, Thiers-Issard, punches above its weight.

The variant Groom+Style tried came equipped with Carbon song blade with special black etching. Its 5/8″ wide blade with round tip is sharp and doesn’t disappoint and we sometimes joked that this blade could outlive us. Easy maintenance and no learning curve makes this a very reliable product. Thiers-Issard comes with a premium calf skin pouch for storing the razor securely.

Check Thiers-Issard 5/8″ Price on Amazon

Boker King Cutter Straight Razor 140521

best straight razor - boker king cutter straight razor
Boker King Cutter Straight Razor 140521. Click on the photo to check the Price on Amazon.

* Unfortunately it looks like the Boker King Cutter might not be available, so please consider another product for now.

Dovo is one of the best-known razor and cutlery manufacturers in Solingen. Boker is the other, and its straight razors are of the same high quality.

The King Cutter, we should mention, might be marked “Boker USA” but that just means that the razor is assembled in America. The blades are still hand-ground in Solingen to the exquisite standards the company has been famous for.

The King Cutter has a 5/8” wide carbon-steel alloy blade, with the alloy actually an improvement on the traditional carbon steel because it lets the blade be ground to an even finer edge. The blade has a rounded point with a full-hollow grind, so it’s simpler for new straight razor users to maneuver but will be sharper than the half-hollow Dovo we’ve just looked at.

The bottom line is the shave, of course, and it’s an outstanding one, both in its closeness and its comfort.

The plastic-scaled handle is the only reason the King Cutter ranks second on our list. It’s not as solid as the handle on the Dovo and since it’s quite light, that creates a slight balance issue with the blade being heavier than the handle.

After using it a few times, though, you’ll get used to it and love the shave. This Boker straight razor supposedly comes “shave ready,” but it will still probably need some stropping before it’s ready for your face.

Priced similarly to the Dovo, it’s our second choice but might be many readers’ first choice.

Looking closer at the Boker King Cutter Straight Razor 140521:

  • Material: Carbon steel alloy blade, plastic handle
  • Blade Width: 5/8”, full hollow, rounded point
  • Shipped: Shave ready

Check the Boker King Cutter Price on Amazon

Bison + Max Sprecher Signature Straight Razor

best straight razor - Bison Max Sprecher Straight

This amazing shaver is hard to find at the moment and you might want to look at an alternative.

You didn’t believe how expensive straight razors can get? Get a gander at this model made by renowned razor artisan Max Sprecher, which sells for nearly a thousand dollars.

The large 8/8 inch quarter-hollow ground blade is imposing in and of itself, forged from 01 carbon steel with a hardness that will likely allow this razor to last for the rest of your life.

The wedge is made from banded faux-ivory, the assembly is done with brass pins, and the handle has scales built from ultra-high density carbon fiber uni plate (which looks like wood grain); they should last just as long as the blade, and will make you smile every time you look at this beauty.

Bison says this signature razor was created to be a family heirloom, and it really should be. It comes with an included Horween Chromexcel leather case, by the way.

This is a heavier-than-usual straight razor, coming in at more than 2.5 ounces because of the length and heft of the blade, but it doesn’t feel heavy once you begin shaving with it. It’s extremely well-balanced and the feel of the blade on your skin is, quite simply, a pleasure. This is obviously not a razor for the faint-hearted or those new to straight razors, but it’s fabulous and worth a look.

Is the shave from this Max Sprecher razor better than the Thiers-Issard we just reviewed? Yes, by a bit. Are most people ever going to pull out the credit card to experience it? Not likely. That’s why we rank it down here at #4.

Specifications for the Bison + Max Sprecher Signature Straight Razor:

  • Material: 01 carbon steel blade, carbon-fiber handle
  • Blade Width: 8/8”, quarter-hollow, rounded point
  • Shipped: Pre-honed

Check Bison + Max Sprecher Price on Amazon

Note: This razor comes in and out of availability on Amazon.  If it is not available and you want to buy it, try going straight to the manufacturer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it better to shave with a straight razor?

It depends on the preference. Shaving with a straight razor offers a closer shave and a traditional grooming experience. Some people enjoy the ritual and precision of using a straight razor, while others may find it more convenient to use other shaving methods, such as electric razors or cartridge razors.

Do barbers still use straight razors?

Yes, many barbers still use straight razors as part of their services. The use of straight razors requires skill and expertise, and barbers who specialize in traditional or classic grooming techniques often incorporate them into their practice.

How many shaves per straight razor?

On average, a well-maintained straight razor can provide anywhere from 50 to 100 shaves before it starts to lose its sharpness and effectiveness. However, the number of shaves you can get from a single straight razor can vary depending on several factors, such as the quality of the razor, the blade’s sharpness, and how well you maintain and care for the razor.

Conclusion

If you’re still undecided about which shaving method to choose, you can also explore the topic of whether straight razor shaving or safety razor shaving is better. Alternatively, you can dive right in and examine reviews of the top 5 best safety razors available in the market.

Author

  • Lyndon Seitz

    Every office has its clown, and for us, that’s Lyndon. As a fun-loving guy who likes to take the pressure out of tense situations, we rely on him for comedic support to get us through our hardest days. You’ll find him working on a lot of our food-related posts, from drinks to recipe tips, right on down to kitchen fixtures and kitchen gadgets. If there’s one thing we can say about him, it’s that he makes a mean chicken milanese, and he can’t sing (don’t ask him to, we beg of you). Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lyndon-seitz-bbb09471/

32 thoughts on “Top 5 Best Straight Razors for Men”

  1. Why are you taking the measurements as ballade lengths, th 5/8 6/8 measurements or not blade lengths they are blade widths, anyone who knows straight razors also knows that the a 5/8 round point razor is the best starter razor for a begginer due to its ability to hold lather and not cut you to pieces in difficult areas. Whilst I appreciate the info, for a begginer this article is misleading

    Reply
    • Hi Chiv,

      Thanks for the comment and thanks for helping us to improve our articles.

      Sorry if you felt the article was not clear about which dimensions we were referring to. We will update were necessary to ensure it is clear which dimensions; blade widths or blade lengths we are discussing.

      Kind Regards,
      Pierce

      Reply
  2. The person who wrote this review knows little to nothing about straight razors. The Feather SS is most certainly NOT for beginners because the disposable blades are AT LEAST ten times more sharp than a hand sharpened razor.

    Look elsewhere for advice.

    Reply
    • Hi Cameron,

      We appreciate the clarification.

      We tried to emphasize in the review that the blades are indeed *very* sharp.

      The reference to shaving “being a pleasure” for those new to straight razors wasn’t talking about the sharpness of the blade, though, it was referring to the fact that the Feather SS is quite comfortable and easy to handle, and the fact that beginners wouldn’t have worry about stropping and honing a traditional straight razor blades.

      We are certain that there is a strong argument for those people new to straight razor shaving not wanting to worry about having to deal with all the blade maintenance that comes with a fixed blade.

      Having said that your point is very valid and we will update the article to mention that the disposable blades are extremely sharp and should be handled with care.

      Kind Regards,
      Pierce

      Reply
  3. Thank you for this review! I read it a few months ago and ended up contacting Ezra Arthur (the current trademark for Bison Made) and ordered the Bison + Max Sprecher blade. After a few uses I love it. It took a while to receive, largely due to the out of country restrictions of shipping it to Canada.

    I would strongly recommend this Razor

    Reply
  4. Black widow is not a straight razor. That is a shavette. If it has replaceable blades, its not a true straight razor. I have used straights exclusively for a few years now, and among the wet shaving community, the straight razor term is used for fixed blades only.

    Reply
    • Hi Mr Z,

      Thanks for your comment! We have updated our article to ensure this fact is clearly outlined and to avoid any future confusion. FYI we have included a shavette option (in this best straight razor article) as we actually found a lot of readers were interested in the flexibility provided by a shavette.

      Kind Regards,
      Pierce

      Reply
  5. why A.p. Donovan look exactly like the Titan brand?
    I say it because now I have a Titan in my hands … exactly the same as A.p’s. except for the brand.

    Reply
    • Hi Victor,

      Thanks for the comment. You are absolutely correct, the Titan and AP Donovan are produced by the same manufacturer.

      Kind Regards,
      Pierce

      Reply
  6. Hi,
    This is in regards to the image of the fully plain silver razor that is in the introduction to the feed. It doesn’t seem to have any details of it and iv tried clicking on the image. I was just wondering if you know the name of it please?
    Kind regards

    Reply
    • Hey Andy,

      Really sorry I am honestly not sure. This is a stock image that the graphics team really liked so we added it to the page, but I am not sure of the actual make/model of this blade.

      Cheers Pierce

      Reply
  7. Hi

    I would like to buy a straight razor after reading this article, nice one, thank you for sharing. But my budge just £25-30…Can you recommend me one around that prices? No need to be a good brand but good quality.

    Many thanks
    Nick

    Reply
    • Hey Nick,

      Thanks for the question. I would focus on a product range called Shavettes – these are effectively straight razors that take disposable blades.

      A great option in this range is the Parker SR1 Stainless Steel Straight razor. You can check out more via this link Amazon -> http://geni.us/parkersr1shavette

      Do let us know if have any other questions.

      Cheers Pierce

      Reply
  8. The links do not work – they just take you to Amazon. Is that how you make money?

    Anyway, where can the Thiers-Issard razor be found? I can’t find hat particular one (exactly) any where online!

    Cheers

    Reply
  9. What about grandpa’s old Razer? My grandfather was born in 1874 and died in 1981 i have his Razer it is a French maker dated 1888 it is very sharp i have his Stone and strap. I am first time user should I go old school of buy a new one? I have his 14 Razer he used so as to not have to sharpen them all are a matched set but I have a few that I don’t think got much use.

    Mark M

    Reply
  10. I use the Japanese “Feather” brand Artist Club DX straight with either Feather or Kai blades.Never any stropping and a BBS shave every time.

    Reply
  11. I use a Durham Duplex safety straight razor. The replaceable blades are still available from Durham Duplex in Sheffield. I strop the blades and it improves the sharpness further.
    I get as close a shave from the Durham as a normal straight razor but I don’t nick myself *at all* with the Durham.
    To me it’s the best shaving method. Respect and admiration to anyone who can shave themselves (without cuts) using a straight razor. They probably reign supreme in the ultimate shave Olympics but I obviously haven’t mastered the technique, to extract the maximal benefits.
    If anyone tries the Durham, they’ll be very impressed. Very impressed indeed.

    Reply
  12. Hello. How does the Shavette Razor with disposable blades rank? I am afraid I will not be able to get the “honed” sharpness.

    Reply
    • Hi Richard,

      Thanks for the great question – in the article above we have focused exclusively on traditional straight razors, and even though shavettes could be a whole article in and of itself, please find a brief introduction to shavette razors below.

      For those who do not know a shavette is effectively a straight razor (they can be fixed or folding blade) that uses a disposable blade – in fact shavette is a brand name for the original disposable straight razor made by Dovo that then became a general term. Effectively, a disposable blade is inserted and secured into the razor, the blades can be normal disposable blades (think of a DE [double edge] blade you use in a safety razor) split in half or specialised straight razor disposable blades (injector blades would be recommended for beginners) – the blade used will depend on which shavette model you go for. Like with any product their a pros and cons, and G+S find that shavettes can be used by people as a budget introduction to traditional straight razor shaving, as a time saving option to straight razor shaving, and in conjunction (as a travel option or just to change it up) with straight razor shaving.

      Some additional points to consider when deciding whether to go for a straight razor or a shavette razor.
      The key advantages of shavettes vs traditional straight razors are that:
      – they are a great budget alternative to a traditional straight razor.
      – they are a great option for those who travel i.e. you don’t have to take the strop or hone
      – you don’t have to worry about stropping or sharpening your shavette. Some people just don’t like this part of straight razor shaving or occasionally want to save time.

      The key disadvantages of a shavette razor vs a traditional straight razor are that:
      – the shavette disposable blade is (typically) shorter (you can get long blades) than a traditional straight razor and therefore it can take you longer to shave
      – it is actually a little tricker to learn straight razor shaving with a shavette than with a traditional straight razor. It is generally considered easier to go from using a shavette to a traditional straight razor than from using a traditional straight razor to a shavette. The reason being is that the shavette is usually a lighter blade, generally sharper (unless you are amazing at honing your traditional blade). The feeling of lightness can mean that even experienced straight razor shavers can feel like they need to help the blade more than with a traditional blade (where you have the weight of the steel). If you maintain your concentration, keep your strokes smooth, don’t use any pressure and let the blade glide, and keep a steady hand you should be fine.
      – you miss out on all the fun of learning how to strop and hone a blade which in fact is one of the joys of straight razor shaving
      http://groomwithstyle.com/shave-straight-razor/

      Once again, in general, even though shavettes are often considered as a budget introduction to a straight razor shaving by beginners, they are typically not the best choice as they can be more temperamental. The alternative for beginners, is to go for a cheaper traditional straight razor or investigate second hand blades. As a beginner, if you do decide on a shavette, take your time and don’t rush the learning process.

      For experienced straight razor shavers shavettes can be a great alternative to save time occasionally and for travel.

      Groom+Style would recommend a shavette like the one linked below.
      http://geni.us/straightrazorsshavette

      Kind Regards,
      Pierce

      Reply
  13. Brook, for strop maintenance have him rub his hand on his face for a minute then rub it on the strop 7 or 8 times that’s all it needs. Most people over oil them.

    Reply
  14. I am buying the Dovo Forestal for my husband. I got him started on the straight razor with a kit, and then bought a beautiful piece of crap. Looking forward to seeing how this one works. Do you have an article on blade and strop care? I didn’t even know the strop needed care until I was looking at the Thiers-Issard website and saw they sell strop oil??

    Reply
    • Hi Victor,

      None of the team have played with the Wacker blades, however they are made in Solingen Germany (the same town where the Dovo and Boker blades are made). So it is hard to imagine based on the price, and location of build, that they are anything other than very high quality. If you like the design, and its ticks the boxes for you in terms of temper, grind, width, point and balance, and price, then go for it. Feel free to check out their site directly, or find some wacker blades available on amazon via this link http://amzn.to/2jClODX

      Good luck with the decision.

      Kind Regards,
      Pierce

      Reply
    • Hey Greg,

      Brilliant question, do straight razors work for left and right handed people…

      Unless otherwise stated on the blade which you buy, straight razors can be used by both left and right handed people i.e. straight razors are not designed like scissors which have a handedness (which my wife who is a lefty always complains about 🙂 ). There are some Japanese straight razors which I have heard about that are just designed for right handers but other than that you should be safe to go.

      In fact what you will most likely find is that you have to work with both hands to complete your shave with a straight razor – but at the end of the day this comes down to personal preference and practice.

      Check out our article on how to shave with a straight razor below.
      http://groomwithstyle.com/shave-straight-razor/

      Enjoy the straight shaving journey…

      Cheers Pierce

      Reply
  15. Thanks for your genuine review. The straight razor as a shaving tool, has stood the test of time.We thought the safety razor would replace it, it did not.It only complemented the straight razor. Customer loyalty to straight razors amazes me.

    Reply

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