How to choose, use, and care for your straight razor.
STRAIGHT RAZOR 101
MEET YOUR STRAIGHT RAZOR
Welcome to Royal Shave’s guide to perhaps the most classic, and intimidating, of wet shaving tools- the Straight Razor. There are many terms used in describing straight razors and understanding them will assist you in selecting the appropriate one.
Read on to become an expert, or shop our exclusive collection of Straight Razors at the click of a button.
MADE FROM QUALITY METALS
Two metals indicate a quality Straight Razor blade- Carbon Steel and Stainless Steel. One is not necessarily better than the other, and the correct choice for you depends on personal preference. Below are a few things to consider when making your choice.
CARBON STEEL
Carbon Steel is considered the benchmark metal when it comes to Straight Razors. This smooth metal creates a more flexible cutting edge- ideal for shaving the contours of the face. Carbon Steel remains sharper longer yet is still easy to strop when sharpening is needed. It should be noted that Carbon Steel is not rust resistant and requires a simple wipe down before being stored in a dry place post-shave.
STAINLESS STEEL
Don’t let the idea of less general maintenance sell you- Stainless Steel blades require experience when it comes to stropping. It presents a more firm, less flexible blade which leads to a more aggressive shave. We recommend Stainless Steel blades for those who have some experience.
MADE IN GERMANY
Royal Shave branded Straight Razors are made in Solingen, Germany in collaboration with Ralf Aust. All straight razors are ready-to-shave right out of the box!
MADE FROM QUALITY METALS
Two metals indicate a quality Straight Razor blade- Carbon Steel and Stainless Steel. One is not necessarily better than the other, and the correct choice for you depends on personal preference. Below are a few things to consider when making your choice.
CARBON STEEL
Carbon Steel is considered the benchmark metal when it comes to Straight Razors. This smooth metal creates a more flexible cutting edge- ideal for shaving the contours of the face. Carbon Steel remains sharper longer yet is still easy to strop when sharpening is needed. It should be noted that Carbon Steel is not rust resistant and requires a simple wipe down before being stored in a dry place post-shave.
STAINLESS STEEL
Don’t let the idea of less general maintenance sell you- Stainless Steel blades require experience when it comes to stropping. It presents a more firm, less flexible blade which leads to a more aggressive shave. We recommend Stainless Steel blades for those who have some experience.
MADE IN GERMANY!
Royal Shave branded Straight Razors are made in Solingen, Germany in collaboration with Ralf Aust. All straight razors are ready-to-shave right out of the box!
GET IN THE "GRIND"
The Grind of a Straight Razor refers to how much metal has been ground away from the blank. Terms used to describe grind will tell you how thin a blade may be, offering insight into how flexible (and forgiving) the shaving edge will be.
FULL HOLLOW
This grind allows for a thinner, more flexible blade. It is most forgiving and easy to maneuver making it ideal for wet shavers of all levels. Beginners should start here.
HALF HOLLOW
This slightly more weighty blade offers a balance between flexibility and ridigity. This grind is favored by intermediate or thick haired wet shavers.
FLAT GRIND/FULL WEDGE
This traditional grind leaves the blade thick and less forgiving. It offers a precise shave but rarely is used for full face shaving today.
GETTING TO THE "POINT"
The Point of a blade describes the shape of the end opposite the handle. It is important to know that the point directly relates to the safety of use when considering a shaver’s skill level. The point is also key when shaving tight areas that tend to be more sensitive and require great care- around the nose, lips, ears, and jaw.
Below are the 3 Point styles offered by Royal Shave.
ROUND POINT
Round Points are most popular due to their easy maneuverability. They naturally offer more protection without compromising precision, making them best for beginners.
SQUARE POINT
Square Point razors are favored by experienced shavers for their precision. A squared off edge allows for total control when it matters most.
SPANISH POINT
Spanish Points are concaved and feature an ultra sharp point at the cutting edge. This Point requires great skill to safely manuver.
WHEN "WIDTH" MATTERS MOST
Width is another important consideration when it comes to choosing the right blade style. How wide your blade is changes weight, balance, and overall ability to see when using your razor. Straight Razor measurements are give in inches, and in 1/8" increments.
Royal Shave Straight Razors are offered in two widths:
A 5/8" width offers the most versatility for all wet shavers, including beginners. This width supplies the razor with a balanced weight for effortless glide. Users will appreciate having steady control over pressure as they achieve a close, comfortable shave.
A 6/8" width is a more weighted blade that adds its own pressure to skin, requring a steady skill. This blade width is also favored by those with thicker, tougher beard growth. We find this width is favored by intermediate to expert level shavers.
GETTING TO THE "POINT"
The Point of a blade describes the shape of the end opposite the handle. It is important to know that the point directly relates to the safety of use when considering a shaver’s skill level. The point is also key when shaving tight areas that tend to be more sensitive and require great care- around the nose, lips, ears, and jaw.
Below are the 3 Point styles offered by Royal Shave.
ROUND POINT
Round Points are most popular due to their easy maneuverability. They naturally offer more protection without compromising precision, making them best for beginners.
SQUARE POINT
Square Point razors are favored by experienced shavers for their precision. A squared off edge allows for total control when it matters most.
SPANISH POINT
Spanish Points are concaved and feature an ultra sharp point at the cutting edge. This Point requires great skill to safely manuver.
WHEN "WIDTH" MATTERS MOST
Width is another important consideration when it comes to choosing the right blade style. How wide your blade is changes weight, balance, and overall ability to see when using your razor. Straight Razor measurements are give in inches, and in 1/8" increments.
Royal Shave Straight Razors are offered in two widths:
A 5/8" width offers the most versatility for all wet shavers, including beginners. This width supplies the razor with a balanced weight for effortless glide. Users will appreciate having steady control over pressure as they achieve a close, comfortable shave.
A 6/8" width is a more weighted blade that adds its own pressure to skin, requring a steady skill. This blade width is also favored by those with thicker, tougher beard growth. We find this width is favored by intermediate to expert level shavers.
MAKE YOUR SELECTION
Royal Shave presents our collection of 5 high-quality German made Straight Razors.
FOR BEGINNERS
5/8" Full Hollow Round Point Carbon Steel
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INTERMEDIATE +
5/8" Full Hollow Square Point Carbon Steel
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INTERMEDIATE +
6/8" Full Hollow Round Point Carbon Steel
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INTERMEDIATE +
6/8" Full Hollow Round Point Stainless Steel
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EXPERT
6/8" Full Hollow Spanish Point Carbon Steel
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FOR BEGINNERS
5/8" Full Hollow Round Point Carbon Steel
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INTERMEDIATE +
5/8" Full Hollow Square Point Carbon Steel
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INTERMEDIATE +
6/8" Full Hollow Round Point Carbon Steel
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INTERMEDIATE +
6/8" Full Hollow Round Point Stainless Steel
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EXPERT
6/8" Full Hollow Spanish Point Carbon Steel
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THE STROP: STRAIGHT RAZOR CARE
Keeping your Straight Razor in line is key to maintaining a close, comfortable shave. Your Royal Shave Straight Razor is ready-to-shave right out of the box, however stropping (aka aligning) the blade before every shave thereafter will help eliminate skin irritation as well as ensure that your razor maintains its quality.
Royal Shave strops feature two materials. One piece is made from smooth Latigo Leather for subtle sharpening and realigning your blade.. The second is crafted from tightly webbed fabric to remove debris and polish the blade post-sharpening.
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.
STRAIGHT RAZOR ACCESSORIES
Our recommended accessories will help you achieve your best shave yet.
STROP
3" Latigo Leather with Nylon Underside Webbing.
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DRIP BOWL
Easily wipe blade between passes for a clean blade
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BARBER TOWEL
Extra long, herringbone woven towels to wipe away mess.
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RAZOR + BRUSH STAND
Chrome Straight Razor and Brush stand properly stores shaving tools.
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STRAIGHT RAZOR ACCESSORIES
See our inclusive set or shop all we have to offer below.
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