Once you have honed and stropped your straight razor to perfection, you are ready to begin the process of leaning how to use a straight razor. Don’t be intimidated, but do remember that time and patience are two of the most important components of the perfect shave. It isn’t something that you should attempt if you woke up late, but you have to get to work early. Even if you slow down and shave at a relaxed pace, a beginner should expect to experience some nicks and cuts that are a natural part of the learning process. Keeping a Clubman Jumbo Styptic Pencil on hand is a convenient way to stop the occasional bleeding without resorting to dotting your face with toilet paper.
Prepare your face by running a towel under hot water and holding the towel against your beard for two minutes. This will help hydrate the hairs and make them easier to cut. After removing the towel from your face, apply lather with a wet shaving brush by swirling the tips of the bristles in a good, high-quality shaving soap or shaving cream for men, then massaging the product onto your face in a circular motion.
Once your straight razor and your face have both been adequately prepared, you may begin the slow process of shaving. Hold the handle so that it does not hang loose while you are shaving. Maintain a 90-degree angle between the razor and the direction in which you are moving the blade. Pass the blade over your skin without applying pressure. The weight of the blade is the only pressure you will need if you have sharpened it correctly. Adding pressure won’t ensure a better shave, but it will result in more cuts. When you are done, be sure to rinse your straight razor, dry it thoroughly and store it in its box away from the bathroom because the humidity in the typical bathroom can cause unwanted corrosion on metal. Rinse your face, apply an after shave product and you are ready to greet the world.
