We hear from many customers that are not yet ready to make the switch to a safety razor but are still looking for ways to improve their shave with a cartridge razor. Along with using quality soaps or creams and maintaining a proper pre-shave routine, a sharp blade will make all the difference. Depending on how often you shave, replacing cartridge blades can get costly and it also produces quite a bit of waste. Modern technologies are helping to reduce…
We’ve already broken down traditional sharpening pastes, but we’ve received a lot of questions about diamond sharpening pastes. We’re breaking down diamond sharpening pastes a little more, so you’ll know when, and how, to use them. Background As the steel-making craft improved, making razors harder than the materials used to sharpen them, traditional paste materials began to meet their match. This contrast of a softer grit against a harder blade is counterproductive; it dulls rather than sharpens a blade. Fortunately,…
One of the best ways to sharpen and smooth a straight razor is by using a sharpening paste. Simply put, a sharpening paste is a compound that varies in abrasiveness. The micron of sharpening paste measures the size of abrasive grain used. How to Use Sharpening Pastes To restore a straight razor sharpness, a progression of sharpening pastes is used. Starting with a coarse grit paste makes removing residue easy and is a quick way to prepare the blade for…
It can be overwhelming, and slightly confusing, picking out the correct sharpening stone. We want to simplify the selection process by making it easier to understand, and identify, the differences between microns and grits. The micron of sharpening stone measures the size of abrasive grain used. The higher the micron, the coarser the stone. In contrast, a stone’s grit represents the overall coarseness of the stone. The lower the grit, the coarser the grit. Choosing the Right Stone COARSE STONES Coarse…
Learning how to sharpen kitchen knives can be tricky. If you sharpen the blades incorrectly, you are apt to ruin the blade. Sharpen too frequently and you’re cutting the life of your knife in half. These knife sharpening tips give you insight to this process for both Japanese blades and other blades.
If you’ve just entered the world of wet-shaving, don’t be overwhelmed by all the new terminology. Here’s a quick reference guide for the most popular shaving terms. A – Z Badger: The most popular type of shaving brush bristle, badger bristles range from frim to soft and help generate a rich and luscious lather. Blooming:Refers to softening soap. When a soap is ‘bloomed,’ it is submerged in water before being used to lather. Boar:The coarsest types of bristle, boar is…
We receive many inquiries about the condition of straight razors; Can I use my straight razor right from the box? Do I need to sharpen my straight razor before use? Well, it depends on the condition of the straight razor. If the razor is defined as ‘shave-ready’ the razor can be used without additional sharpening and honing. Most straight razors however do not come shave ready. Some stropping, sharpening, and honing will be required prior to use. WHAT IS SHAVE READY? …
Merging the precision and elegance of a straight razor with the comfort and convenience of a safety razor, shavettes are a top pick for many wet-shavers. What is a Shavette? Shavettes are sometimes classified as a type of straight razor. They are similar in style to straight razors but feature a disposable blade rather than a fixed blade. Unlike straight razors, shavettes do not require sharpening or honing prior to use and are a great way to ease into using a straight razor. How to Use…
As our Straight Razor blog series continues this week, we’re explore blade grinds. We’ve broken it down to highlight the main aspects of the grind. What’s the Grind? Simply put, the grind is determined by a blade’s hollowness. Blades that have a thinner edge have a hollower grind and vice versa. Grinding Methods Grinding methods refer to two aspects of the razor. The first describes the curvature of the straight razor’s cross section. The second involves the blade’s final shape…
I want to start using a straight razor, what should I do? We get a lot of questions from our customers who want to learn more about the basics of straight razor shaving, so we’ve put together some FAQ’s on straight razor shaving to help! Happy Shaving. Which straight razor should I use? If you’re new to wet-shaving, starting modestly with a 5/8” or a 6/8” blade, like the Boker King Cutter Straight Razor 5/8”, or something similar is ideal. You want…
Shapton is the world leader in producing high-quality and durable sharpening stones. Known for their impressive sharpening capabilities and unique composition, Shapton has proudly served its customers for over 50 years. Offering both glass and whetstone sharpening products, we will be taking a closer look at their new Kuromaku Professional Stones. Design Combining abrasives, like silicon carbide and alumina, with binders and other composite materials, gives Shapton stones their durability and longevity. Another defining feature of the Shapton stone is its exclusive design….
Chances are good that you’ve seen a barber using his strop, either in the movies or while you’ve sat in the chair; he deftly sharpens and polishes his straight razor to perfection, ready for use. But these leather accessories aren’t just for barbers and movie stars. If you have a straight razor, you should also be using a strop at home to keep your blades in tiptop shaving shape. With repeated use the blade of any razor gets dull; after honing…
