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…
Tag: Straight razor hones
Choosing the Right Leather Strop for Your Straight Razor
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…
How to Use a Straight Razor Part 1: It All Begins With Honing
For men, there is no better way to get a fabulously smooth shave than by using a straight razor. Like so many other worthwhile endeavors, learning how to use a straight razor takes time and patience. Like riding a bicycle, it may take persistence to get the hang of wet-shaving, but the skill will last forever once you learn it. The first thing you must realize is that nicks and cuts are inevitable while you are learning. This is normal…
What Artificial Hones Are Available Today?
DMT Dia-Sharp Diamond Sharpeners and Bench Stones DMT stands for Diamond Machining Technology. DMT Dia-Sharp Diamond Sharpeners are ideal for straight razor users because they require no maintenance. Users do not soak, oil or lap these precision-made diamond plate hones. The surface of these hones remains consistent throughout years of use thanks to sturdy construction and materials. There are several different types of hones by DMT. The DMT Dia-Sharp Bench Stone is available as a coarse hone that comes in…
What Makes Artificial Hones Different?
When it comes to sharpening a straight razor, men can choose between natural hones and artificial hones. Artificial hones pose a greater variety of choices and greater availability. Unlike natural hones, which are mined from quarries, artificial hones are manufactured so their availability is virtually unlimited. When demand exceeds supply, manufacturers can simply produce more. Of course, supply is not the only way in which artificial hones have the edge on their natural counterparts. Artificial hones are more consistent when…
Know Your Hones: Natural or Artificial?
There are two basic types of hones, natural hones and artificial hones, however, they both serve the same purpose, to sharpen straight razors in between uses. In addition, there are many different variations within the two main categories of hones. Hones are also commonly known as sharpening stones. Some common natural hones are Belgian Yellow Coticule or Belgian Blue Coticule. The names of these hones accurately reflect what they are, both in origin and in substance. These stones are mined…