While pretty much everyone has at least some idea of what a straight razor is, very few of us have actually considered using one. Frankly, it’s because they are a bit intimidating – there’s no protective mechanism around the blade, and because usage dropped off so much in the late 20th century, there aren’t so many people around to share the knowledge.
The reality is that straight-edge razors aren’t that difficult to learn to use, and they come with a number of benefits. These are our top 4 to keep in mind when considering switching.
1. Unparalleled shave quality
First off, while straight razors might be made using the oldest razor technology available, they still provide the tightest shave of any option on the market. If you really want to get the best end result possible, then it’s an option that you’ve got to try.
If you still want to benefit from a single, sharp blade but don’t feel comfortable with the higher level of risk inherent to straight razors, then you could give a safety razor a go. They still have some of that old-school appeal, but require slightly less skill to operate.
2. A lovely ritual
So many of the things we do in life nowadays are purely utilitarian, but it’s really important to bring back a little ritual wherever possible. Straight razors are a lovely way of embracing this – because they require more care and attention to use, they force you to slow down and really think about what you’re doing. Additionally, you can’t just throw them back in the cupboard when you’re finished. Drying and honing the blade forms part of that ritual as well, helping you to be present and enjoy your shaving routine.
3. Affordable
While some straight-edge razors can be relatively expensive, it’s important to note that even luxury options will save you money in the long run. This is primarily due to the fact that you don’t need to buy replacement blades – if you look after it properly, it will quite literally last your whole lifetime and longer.
To put these savings into perspective, if previously, you were spending £5 a month on new blades, that adds up to £3000 over a 50-year period. Spending £50 or even £100 on a straight-edge razor is a tiny fraction in comparison.
4. Eco-friendly
Lastly, many of us are starting to think more about how our regular purchases impact the environment. Most razor technologies – especially cartridge razors – are pretty bad in this area. Even if you stretch each cartridge and make it last as long as possible, you’ll still be throwing away a lot of plastic and metal throughout the year.
If you buy a straight-edge razor and then really look after it, the only waste involved will be the initial packaging. The razor itself will likely outlast you, and be passed onto future generations.
With the internet, we have heaps of tutorials at the tips of our fingers. If you’re considering making the jump but want to learn a bit more first, take a look at some videos online – straight-edge razors really aren’t too difficult to get the hang of, and we promise it’ll be worth it in the end.
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