We're 120 years past the invention of the safety razor and 50 years past the invention of the cartridge razor. So yes, we understand how annoying it is to even suggest that you should shave with the thing that's even older—technically as old as shaving itself. Go ahead, make fun of the old-school dandy men's magazine saying you should be straight-razor shaving with a shaving cream that requires a boar hair brush and smells of tobacco.
But to turn shaving from a chore to something you look forward to, well, the straight razor is a one-way ticket to hobby town. Using an electric razor or beard trimmer is great for getting rid of scruff, but if you ever go for a clean shave a straight razor is the best tool—full stop. They are the best for your face, don't give you as many ingrown hairs, and (unlike the five-bladed cartridge razors) don't get clogged up with hairs after two shaves.
Plus they add a sense of elegance to your everyday routine, not to mention a bit of danger, à la Sweeney Todd. So sure, challenge our claim that straight razor shaving is as good as it gets. Or better yet, try it for a little bit and then tell us we’re wrong.
If you clean shave and care about grooming, consider picking up a straight razor and doing it the old-fashioned way. Frankly, most of these straight razors aren’t even technically straight razors. They are shavettes; hybrids with disposable blades so you don’t have to worry about honing and sharpening (and all the hazards that come with failing to do so).
You still get the straight razor vibe, but it’s safer and more convenient. For a starter shavette, you can pick up the Parker SRX straight edge. It's compatible universally with any double edge blades, so you won’t ever run out.
Take care of this stainless steel beauty and it will retain that sheen for years without a sign of rust. This all makes it a great, affordable, pick for intermediate shavers who prioritize performance. For a more gateway razor, I’d pick the Dovo shavette Fundamentally, this is the same thing as the previous Parker razor.
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