Although cartridge and disposable razors currently dominate the razor market, the low quality of their shave and the cost leaves much to be desired. As a result, many people are turning to older methods that not only provide a much closer and more comfortable shave, but are also cheaper in the long run. Straight razors are one of the best ways to shave and offer some unique advantages over other shaving methods.
1. Lower Cost
Straight razors may cost more initially than disposable razors, but the savings from needing nothing but shaving cream more than makes up the difference over time. A quality straight razor can easily outlast the person who buys it, and the only maintenance required is a quick sharpening on a leather strop after each shave.
2. Less Irritation
The relatively dull blades found on cheap razors tend to be rough on the skin and can cause razor burn, ingrown hairs, and frequent cuts. Even worse, as the blades cannot be sharpened, the irritation only increases after the first shave. Straight razors tend to be much less irritating, as they only use one blade which can easily be maintained by the user.
3. A Closer Shave
Since straight razors are stropped after each use, their blades are always at their sharpest. This allows them to cut closer to the skin than other razor styles are able to, and eliminates the need to frequently buy cartridges or replacement blades for a good shave.
4. Time to Relax
Shaving with a straight razor is a great way to get away from the rush of daily life. The slow and meticulous routine gives many people time to slow down and reflect.
5. Quality
Today’s mass-market razors are mostly cheap, plastic, and poorly made. Straight razors tend to be much higher quality, and the experience of using a device handcrafted by an artisan can be rewarding in itself.
6. Less Waste
Standard razors almost always have some sort of non-biodegradable waste, whether it is from the packaging or the razor itself. A straight razor produces virtually nothing that harms the environment or contributes to ever-growing landfills.
Using a straight razor can seem like a daunting task at first, but once proper technique is learned, the result is well worth the effort. Many people find that they even look forward to their daily shave after switching to a straight razor.
Information credited to vintagebladesllc.com, straight razor shaving set.