Learn how to use your straight razor and how to care for your investment
How To Use and Care For Your Straight Razor
GATHER YOUR SKIN CARE ESSENTIALS
Prepping your skin before shaving is key to keeping it close and comfortable.
SHAVING CREAM
A good Shaving Cream (or Shaving Soap) is essential to softening hair and cushioning between skin and blade.
SHAVING BRUSH
Our PB12 Brush is made from high grade synthetic bristles to provide softness on skin and ridgity for creating a rich lather.
AFTERSHAVE BALM
Our quick absorbing Aftershave is formulated to hydrate and protect skin post-shave. Sandalwood scented.
BEFORE YOU BEGIN
A few steps of prep go a long way
PREP YOUR SKIN
Always start with a freshly cleansed face. This will help soften hair and remove natural oil build up before applying preshave oils and shaving creams/soaps.
CLEAN RAZOR
Starting with a clean razor will prevent skin irritation and keep your shave process smooth. We've got some tips below on how to properly clean your Straight Razors.
PREP THE BLADE
Prepare the cutting edge of your Straight Razor by stropping before use. This will clean and align the blade to achieve the closest shave possible.
GATHER YOUR SKIN CARE ESSENTIALS
Prepping your skin before shaving is key to keeping it close and comfortable.
SHAVING CREAM
A good Shaving Cream (or Shaving Soap) is essential to softening hair and cushioning between skin and blade.
SHAVING BRUSH
Our PB2 Brush is made from Silvertip Badger to provide softness on skin and ridgity for creating a rich lather.
AFTERSHAVE BALM
Our quick absorbing Aftershave is formulated to hydrate and protect skin post-shave. Sandalwood scented.
BEFORE YOU BEGIN
A few steps of prep go a long way
PREP YOUR SKIN
Always start with a freshly cleansed face. This will help soften hair and remove natural oil build up before applying preshave oils and shaving creams/soaps.
CLEAN RAZOR
Starting with a clean razor will prevent skin irritation and keep your shave process smooth. We've got some tips below on how to properly clean your Straight Razors.
PREP THE BLADE
Prepare the cutting edge of your Straight Razor by stropping before use. This will clean and align the blade to achieve the closest shave possible.
HOW TO SHAVE WITH A STRAIGHT RAZOR
This general guide will get you started, but keep in mind that your razor and skin type can call for some adjustment.
START WITH THE RIGHT ANGLE
Choose one side of your face to begin shaving. Starting at the sideburns, pull skin taught and hold the blade against your skin at a 30 degree angle.
KEEP GENTLE PRESSURE
Always shave with the grain, keeping the blade against the skin. Do not apply extra pressure to the blade with your fingers- the weight of the blade will create the right pressure.
WIPE THE BLADE AS YOU GO
Keep a barber towel or drip bowl handy to quickly wipe the blade free of lather and hair. This will provide you better visibility as well as ensure you're getting the closest shave with each stroke.
MIND NECK, JAW & MOUTH
Be sure to move slowly over sensitive areas. The skin on your neck is the thinnest, and prone to nicks & irritation. Your mouth/nose areas & jaw hold more angles, so keeping skin taught is key.
HOW TO SHAVE WITH A STRAIGHT RAZOR
This general guide will get you started, but keep in mind that your razor and skin type can call for some adjustment.
START WITH THE RIGHT ANGLE
Choose one side of your face to begin shaving. Starting at the sideburns, pull skin taught and hold the blade against your skin at a 30 degree angle.
KEEP GENTLE PRESSURE
Always shave with the grain, keeping the blade against the skin. Do not apply extra pressure to the blade with your fingers- the weight of the blade will create the right pressure.
WIPE THE BLADE AS YOU GO
Keep a barber towel or drip bowl handy to quickly wipe the blade free of lather and hair. This will provide you better visibility as well as ensure you're getting the closest shave with each stroke.
MIND NECK, JAW & MOUTH
Be sure to move slowly over sensitive areas. The skin on your neck is the thinnest, and prone to nicks & irritation. Your mouth/nose areas & jaw hold more angles, so keeping skin taught is key.
STRAIGHT RAZOR ACCESSORIES
Pre and post shave, these essentials will help protect your investment
SHAVING STAND
Storing your Straight Razor on a stand will keep it clean and allow for proper airflow- preventing corrosion or rust.
DRIP BOWL
Our handy drip bowl is designed for you to easily wipe a straight razors blade clean as you shave, making for easy clean up.
LATIGO LEATHER STROP
Keep the blade of your Straight Razor in tip-top shape with our Latigo Leather and Nylon strop.
CARING FOR YOUR STRAIGHT RAZOR
This method requires a soap puck and seperate shaving bowl
CARBON VS. STAINLESS STEEL
Carbon Steel is most common, but it is not stainless. It requires a thorough wipe down before storing in a dry environment. Stainless Steel blades are most rust resistant but should always be stored properly.
USING ALCOHOL
Alcohol can be used on the blade to clean. Use a cotton ball and wipe over each side. Allow the blade to completely dry before applying any form of blade oil. DO NOT allow the alcohol to touch scales.
OIL YOUR BLADE
Royal Shave's Straight Razors will arrive to you with pre-oiled blades. To re-oil apply a few drops of Camellia Oil. This is especially important for long term storage.
STRAIGHT RAZOR ACCESSORIES
Pre and post shave, these essentials will help protect your investment
SHAVING STAND
Storing your Straight Razor on a stand will keep it clean and allow for proper airflow- preventing corrosion or rust.
DRIP BOWL
Our handy drip bowl is designed for you to easily wipe a straight razors blade clean as you shave, making for easy clean up.
LATIGO LEATHER STROP
Keep the blade of your Straight Razor in tip-top shape with our Latigo Leather and Nylon strop.
CARING FOR YOUR RAZOR
This method requires a soap puck and seperate shaving bowl
CARBON VS. STAINLESS STEEL
Carbon Steel is most common, but it is not stainless. It requires a thorough wipe down before storing in a dry environment. Stainless Steel blades are mostly rust resistant but should always be stored properly.
USING ALCOHOL
Alcohol can be used on the blade to clean. Use a cotton ball and wipe over each side. Allow the blade to completely dry before applying any form of blade oil. DO NOT allow the alcohol to touch scales.
OIL YOUR BLADE
Royal Shave's Straight Razors will arrive to you with pre-oiled blades. To re-oil apply a few drops of Camellia Oil. This is especially important for long term storage.
QUICK GUIDE TO USING A STROP
Below is a general overview on using a Strop to care for your Straight Razor.
1.SECURE STROP
Attach hanging loop to a secure, immovable object. The Strop MUST be pulled taut when in use.
2. MOVE BLADE TOWARD YOU
With the blade flat against the leather, glide the blade toward you with light & even pressure.
3. FLIP & MOVE AWAY
At the end of the belt, twist wrist to flip the blade over. Keep the blade flat as you upstroke. Repeat up + down motions 40-50 times.
4. USE UNDERSIDE WEBBING
Repeat steps 2-3 to smooth and polish the blade. 3-5 passes in generally all that's required to leave the blade shave ready.
QUICK GUIDE TO USING A STROP
Below is a general overview on using a Strop to care for your Straight Razor.
1.SECURE STROP
Attach hanging loop to a secure, immovable object. The Strop MUST be pulled taut when in use.
2. MOVE BLADE TOWARD YOU
With the blade flat against the leather, glide the blade toward you with light & even pressure.
3. FLIP & MOVE AWAY
At the end of the belt, twist wrist to flip the blade over. Keep the blade flat as you upstroke. Repeat up + down motions 40-50 times.
4. USE UNDERSIDE WEBBING
Repeat steps 2-3 to smooth and polish the blade. 3-5 passes in generally all that's required to leave the blade shave ready.
5/8" Full Hollow Round Point Special Carbon Straight Razor
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6/8" Full Hollow Round Point Carbon Steel Straight Razor
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Royal Shave 5/8" Full Hollow Square Point Carbon Steel Straight Razor
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5/8" Full Hollow Round Point Special Carbon Straight Razor
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6/8" Full Hollow Round Point Carbon Steel Straight Razor
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Royal Shave 5/8" Full Hollow Square Point Carbon Steel Straight Razor
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