Before safety, electric, and disposable razors became widely available, there was a time when men used nothing but a cut-throat razor and some shaving cream for manual shaving. Some men were confident enough to shave by themselves, while others preferred barber shops and professionals who had years of experience. Cut-throat razors are far superior to modern multi-blade razors, because of their larger blades and full size handles which give greater control.
In terms of numbers, cut-throat blades cannot compete with millions of mass produced disposable razors around the world. However, straight razors still hold a respectable market share. Hundreds of thousands of devoted customers around the world, who view them as works of art and demand first class shaving experience certainly contribute to that.
SHAVING
Using a cut-throat razor takes some skill and practice. However, once you master the art of cut-throat razor shaving, the results will be far superior to any modern multi-blade razor. It is very important that you use the razor slowly and carefully (in order to avoid cutting yourself). A perfect straight razor shave requires two things: a perfectly sharp razor and a consistent angle of 30 degrees. The results will be even better on soft facial hair/skin. The best way to soften your skin is to shower (or wrap your face in a warm wet towel) before you're about to shave.
You will need:
• A perfectly sharp cut-throat razor
• Some shaving cream
• A shaving brush
• A bowl of hot water
• A towel
First of all, fill the bowl with some hot water and soak the shaving brush. The brush needs to be flexible and soft before applying the shaving cream. Now, drain the excess water from the brush (not all) and throw away the water from the bowl. Your face needs to be wet before using the shaving cream. Make a lather in the bowl and lather up your face with the brush. Cover your facial hair with a thick layer of cream and let it sit for 5 minutes (if you notice any excess cream use the towel to remove it).
When you start shaving, make sure to stretch your skin as you shave (this will enable the razor to remove more hair and protect you from unwanted cuts). This is very important - make sure that you keep the blade at around 30 degrees and to use hardly ANY pressure. A cut-throat razor is not a toy, and can be dangerous not handled properly. Experiences show that most men use 3 passes for a perfectly smooth face. Also, make sure to lather up in-between the passes.
The best way to shave is to use short strokes at the beginning and finish off with longer ones.
Short instructions:
1. The first pass
Follow the direction of hair growth and shave with the grain. Once you're done, lather up once again.
2. The second pass
This pass is usually done sideways to the direction of hair growth.
3. The third pass
The last pass is done against the grain. Remember, most men cut themselves during this last step, so be extra careful. The best way to do the last pass is to use water ONLY. This way you will see both your skin and the razor all the time.
CARING
Caring for your cut throat razor is a must if you want to use it for years to come and keep your face perfectly smooth. First of all, take some toilet paper and dry your cut-throat razor after shaving (if you don't it might rust). Next, use a leather strop to strop the razor and some blade oil to protect the razor from rust. Depending on the condition of your razor blade, you might want to use a honing stone from time to time (n.b requires experience).
The cut-throat razor is a beautiful tool with some interesting background. Actually, the cut-throat razor wouldn't even exist without rivalry between England and France in the 1740s. An Englishman, Benjamin Huntsman invented the straight razor, but the razors weren't adopted so well until the British realised that the French are using Mr. Huntsman's process to produce their own version of cut-throat razors. So, it seems that one doesn't appreciate what he has until someone else shows interest.
Written by Rob Yates, of www.malevintagegrooming.com the place to buy traditional shaving and male grooming products.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robert_A_Yates
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