A straight razor is an essential part of a barber’s toolkit, but also a must-have for any bearded man who enjoys grooming his own beard and mustache. Although it is used for traditional shaving techniques, straight razor shaving has made a comeback in recent years. Many men who grow and maintain their beards gladly use this tool themselves. That’s why we have decided to highlight the benefits of shaving with a straight razor. We also suggest a few of our personal favourites. We believe our suggestions will help you pick out a great gift for someone who likes to be their own barber.
How to Use It
Straight razors are extremely sharp, which allow high precision and a wider range of use. This is one of the main advantages they have over conventional razors. While the hair removal process is similar to that of regular razors, a straight razor can do things a regular razor simply can’t! Thanks to its precise blade, a straight razor easily creates clean beard lines and removes hair more evenly and effectively.
When using a straight razor, you need to be very careful to avoid cuts and injuries. First, apply shaving foam, soap, cream, or a transparent shaving gel in circular motions (either across the whole face or only on the areas you plan to shave). This softens the hairs, making the shaving process smoother and more comfortable (without pulling or pain).
Always shave in the direction of hair growth and gently stretch the skin just above or below the area you are shaving. Don’t press the blade too hard against the skin – instead, use light, short, and consistent strokes down the face. For the lower part of the beard, it is recommended to pull the razor upward from the neck. Take your time and pay special attention to the areas around the lips and nose.
After shaving, be sure to rinse your face with cold water and gently pat it dry with a clean towel. Then apply your favourite cologne or a soothing aftershave balm.
A Straight Razor as a Gift – Why Not
If you want to truly delight someone who loves their beard and mustache, Viking tales, and traditional grooming techniques, a straight razor is an excellent gift. Below, we present a few of our top recommendations.
INFINITY Straight Razor – For the True Lover of Classic Barbering
If you are looking for a gift for someone who likes to be “their own master”, enjoys challenges, and wants to master new techniques, we highly recommend the INFINITY straight razor. This is a classic, foldable straight razor without disposable blades, made of high-quality stainless steel. It is primarily intended for professional use, as the blade needs to be regularly sharpened. A leather belt is typically used for this purpose, so it is a good idea to include one as part of the gift. The man receiving this set is sure to be thrilled. He will have the chance to learn how to properly sharpen a straight razor.
This product is incredibly practical to use, which is why it is popular not only among professionals, but also with beginners and hobbyists. It is designed for shaving beards, mustaches, and sideburns. The ergonomically shaped handle ensures a comfortable grip and easy handling. With a blade length of 7 cm and a width of 2 cm, it allows precise, effortless shaving and the creation of various styles (beard shaping and styling).
KIEPE Free Style 126 Straight Razor – for Effortless Shaving
For several reasons, one of our top picks is the KIEPE Free Style 126 Straight Razor. This is a foldable straight razor model that uses a disposable blade. Unlike similar models, this one uses a full blade that is easily inserted into the designated slot. The product comes with a pre-installed blade for precise shaving.
Anyone receiving this razor as a gift will surely appreciate the convenience of not having to break a blade in half each time to fit it into the razor, and then having to store the other half in sterile conditions. Another advantage of this razor is its lightweight, ergonomically designed plastic handle. It makes it very easy to use and ensures a pleasant shaving experience.
Let us know if you or someone close to you uses a straight razor for shaving beards and mustaches. Which models are your favourites, and why?