7 Best Straight Razor for Beginners: A Close and Comfortable Shave

Many things that have gone out of style often come back into fashion, such as fashions, trends, and entertainment.

Exactly like the straight razor. While the straight razor remains one of the most effective shaving tools, it is certainly not as widely used by modern men as the rechargeable or safety razor. However, if you are used to going to the barbershop or the barber, you may have already seen the latter use it on you.

But, in many ways, straight razors are the manliest shave. After all, they’re known as the “cut-throat” razor.

Put another way, using a straight razor is a bit like going pro. Mastering your technique means you have achieved an exceptional level of shaving. It is indeed a type of razor to be reserved for real shaving experts, in particular because it is difficult to handle. If this is not the case, cutting the beard is likely to be painful with a high risk of cutting.

That being said, we want to help you take it to the next level, if you so desire, with a list of the best straight razor brands in 2023. In this article, we’ll start with the Sapiens straight razor and finally introduce you to five high quality razors. You can also take advantage of our tips and tricks that will allow everyone to enjoy their cabbage razor.

Let’s start.

Top 7 Straight Razor for Beginners – Comparison Table

Our analysis and comparison of the best straight razors, including beginner and intermediate models.

A Straight Razor: More details

What it is: As we’ve told you before, straight razors have been around for many, many years. In this most basic sense, it’s a simple tool: It has its handle and blade (usually very sharp) that you slide across your face.

A traditional straight razor is a simple metal blade, usually stainless steel, which requires honing and honing to make it as sharp as possible. Single blades can last for many, many years (even a lifetime) with proper care.

Price: We’re not going to lie to each other: a quality straight razor is often expensive (several hundred dollars in most cases), especially when comparing the price to that of other razors. However, the good news is that it’s a good long-term investment and ultimately pays off, as you’ll be able to keep it for many years, maybe even the rest of your life. In addition, you will no longer need to spend a lot of money on blades, as is the case with rechargeable razors for example.

Learning curve: it must be said: a straight razor requires more technique than other types of razors and requires a significant learning curve. You won’t become straight razor pros in just a few shaves, but if you hang in there and survive the various cuts you’ll make on your face, you’ll enjoy a close, clean shave. Think of it this way: shaving with a straight razor is considered an art form on many levels. You can’t say the same for other types of shaving.

Of course, there are always the shavettes if you want to do several tries before moving up a gear.

Our Top Seven Straight Razors for Beginners

The straight razor is a beard care tool that dates back to the old days. If it has become very popular again in recent years, it is because it allows an effective shave without irritation. You will discover in this article some quality straight cut models and how to make a good choice.

THIERS-ISSARD Spartacus razor

The Spartacus THIERS-ISSARD razor is a traditional shaving accessory that has many advantages. Chief among them is that it allows you to get a close shave. This is particularly because its blade is of high quality and it manages to remove all the unwanted hair in a single pass.

This blade is made of carbon steel and is therefore very strong and very sharp. The design of this Spartacus THIERS-ISSARD razor is also perfectly successful. Its tortoiseshell handle is very elegant, but also very pleasant to hold.

This is particularly because its shape is perfectly studied in relation to the shape of the hand. It is also a very light razor, since it weighs only 45 grams. This allows you to enjoy remarkable maneuverability.

Even those who are just starting to shave with a straight razor can use the Spartacus THIERS-ISSARD razor. It is also a razor that is ready to use. Indeed, its blade is already sharpened and you can use it as soon as you receive it. However, you still need to maintain it.

This step is still very simple. All you have to do is sharpen it regularly using the leather provided and wipe it clean after each use.

Finally, it is a very economical razor. Its build quality is excellent. You can therefore keep it for many years without having to change any of its parts. If it is well cared for, you should even be able to keep it for life.

The Dovo 101.581 straight razor

If you want to start with traditional shaving and start using a straight razor, the Dovo solingen 101.581 will be perfect for you. This is particularly thanks to the configuration of its blade which is a 5/8 model, which means that the blade is 1.6 centimeters wide, a configuration which is perfect for beginners.

This blade is semi-hollowed, which makes it a little heavier than a hollowed blade, which provides better maneuverability. However, it is a straight razor that remains very light, its weight being 41 grams. In addition, its handle is made of black resin and is quite classic.

However, it offers several advantages. Indeed, not only does this make it possible to offer a quality straight razor at an attractive price but, moreover, the handle being lighter.

However, before using it, you will absolutely have to sharpen it using a leather, which you must purchase separately. This step is still very quick and allows you in a few minutes to enjoy excellent shaving conditions. The blade is then very sharp and makes it possible to remove all the hairs in a single pass.

To keep it in good condition, we therefore advise you to sharpen it before each use and to clean it as soon as you have finished using it. So you should be able to keep it for many years.

Böker Fleet straight razor

Böker is a German brand that offers many quality straight razors, including this Fleet model. However, it is intended above all for experienced users, among other things thanks to its fairly heavy handle.

In addition, its blade is particularly sharp, of course provided you sharpen it before using it. To do this, you must do this by rubbing its blade against a piece of leather. However, this step should not take you too long, especially because the blade of the Böker Fleet straight razor is particularly sharp.

It will therefore have no trouble removing all the hair from your face on its first pass. In addition, this blade is a 7/8 model,

In addition, this Böker Fleet straight razor also stands out thanks to its incredible lifespan. It has a stainless steel blade. The latter, provided it is well maintained, that is to say sharpened before each use and wiped after each shave, it could even last your entire life. It’s exactly the same for its handle which is particularly robust.

Finally, it is sold at a very low price, which allows you to make significant savings. Indeed, in addition to a very low purchase price, you can also enjoy a razor that does not incur the slightest maintenance costs.

Dovo ebony hollow 5/8 straight razor

Dovo is a brand that offers excellent straight razors. It is therefore not surprising that the 5/8 hollow ebony Dovo straight razor is the second model of this brand that finds its place in this selection. It has a hollow 5/8 blade, which makes it a model above all dedicated to beginners.

The blade is indeed quite wide, which allows for a large shaving surface while it is also very light, which offers better maneuverability. Even if the risk of cutting yourself is always present, it is therefore still reduced. However, this does not prevent the Dovo 5/8 hollow ebony straight razor from being very effective, all the hairs being removed from the first pass of the blade.

This is mainly because the latter is made of carbon. This allows it to be both efficient and robust. Regarding its handle, it is long and made of carbon. This allows you to enjoy excellent maneuverability and makes it quite simple to use. For added safety, especially when transporting it, the blade can be folded into its handle.

Although sober, its design is still very luxurious, thanks in particular to the quality of the materials used, but also thanks to the beautiful gilding on the blade.

Finally, it is a razor that allows you to make significant savings. Indeed, once you have paid the purchase price of this razor, you will not have the slightest expense to make.

Urbane Men Premium Razor

The Urbane Men premium straight razor can already impress visually with its combination of modern stainless steel blade and traditional wooden handle. However, variants with a plastic handle are also available, which are of lesser quality than the other materials. The buyer has the choice of the color in which he would like to receive the product. You can choose between matt black and a natural brown tone for the wood models.

The plastic variant, on the other hand, always comes with a transparent handle. The blade is either black or silver. There is also a wide range of available handle shapes. The plastic model comes with a rounded handle, for example. When buying, you should also pay attention to the handle length. In addition to models with a 130 millimeter handle, there are also models with a 120 millimeter handle.

The interchangeable blade knife, which weighs around 68 grams, is delivered in a box. The higher-priced variants also come with a black leather case, in which it can be easily transported on a trip without unsightly scratches occurring. The scope of delivery already includes ten Wilkinson Sword brand blades for the first time after purchase.

If you need a replacement afterwards, you can buy suitable replacement blades almost anywhere, as they are simple double plane razor blades. The Urbane Men premium razor is suitable for beginners and advanced users.

From the Angry Rasiermesser

According to the razor test, the handcrafted interchangeable blade knife from Van de Boos is not only a real eye-catcher, but also a very high-quality product. While the blade section is stainless steel so will not rust, the handle is a high quality piece of wood with an attractive and natural grain.

The knife folds easily for safe storage when not in use and also comes with an ergonomic handle. This allows the product to sit well in the hand, which ultimately pays off in terms of precision. The safety finger holder near the blade also ensures a good grip. It prevents the finger from slipping when shaving and thus increases safety.

The razor set consists of several parts. In addition to the knife, the scope of delivery already includes five stainless steel blades, a black leather travel case with a stylish embossing and easy-to-understand instructions that provide many tips. Incidentally, suitable blades can easily be bought almost anywhere, since they are not special products.

Sword Crown Razor

The very affordable interchangeable blade knife from Schwertkrone is a simple foldable product. It is made entirely of stainless steel and has a very pleasant shine. However, small scratches are quickly noticeable on this surface.

The handle with the dynamic hole decoration makes an extraordinarily filigree impression. So men with large hands need a little more sensitivity when using it to get the best result. The blade is also very fine and thus allows precise shaving.

Anyone who orders the product will receive 20 razor blades wrapped in wax paper in addition to the knife. They are double-sided blades that must first be broken by hand before use. So there are 40 blades. When breaking through, one should proceed very carefully in order not to injure oneself.

The unused half should be wrapped clean and dry in wax paper again. Matching blades that do not need to be broken are also commercially available. A storage bag is also included. However, this is not made of real leather, but of artificial leather.

Sapiens straight razor vs. bloony men’s straight razor

Sapiens straight razor

The main one is its excellent grip. It is indeed perfectly adapted to the contours of your face. This allows you to shave very close and have a flawless face. In addition, its interchangeable blades are very secure and allow you to shave safely while avoiding the slightest risk of cuts or irritation.

The blade change is done very easily and very quickly. Also, if you want to support the local economy, this is a French brand shaving accessory. Finally, please note that this Sapiens razor comes with a protective cover and 10 spare blades.

Bloony men’s straight razor

You are looking for a quality straight razor to enjoy a quality traditional shave. The Bloony razor is a model that does not lack advantages and which should largely convince you. This is in particular thanks to its very light weight which allows you to enjoy an incredible grip. You can precisely and closely shave all the hair on your face, especially those in the most difficult to reach areas.

In addition, its blade adjusts very precisely, which allows you to have very good shaving conditions. Finally, it is a model that is perfectly protected against rust.

Straight razors jaguar vs. nobel risk

Straight razors jaguar

The Jaguar razor is a vintage-style model that has many advantages. It offers an excellent grip and allows you to shave closely and very efficiently. For example, you can adjust the angle of its blade very easily, which will allow you to choose the one that will be best for shaving your beard.

In addition, it is a model mainly made of stainless steel and is perfectly protected against rust, which will allow you to keep it for many years in excellent condition.

Nobel risk

The Nobelisk Razor shavette is a very interesting tool for those who want to enjoy a perfect straight razor for beginners, but which will also delight experienced users. It is very easy to use, especially because the blades are very easy to change.

It works with double-edged blades that are usually found on a safety razor. For added convenience, it comes with 10 blades. It’s a tool that will give you a close shave, but has a lower risk of cuts than a classic straight razor.

7 Things To Consider While Buying These Tools

Choosing the right straight razor for you is an important decision. While straight razors have, for the most part, a rather simplistic design, you have to rely on something other than their design.

Plus, when you consider shaving with a straight razor a truly unique challenge, it may take a bit more knowledge to make sure you’re up for the challenge. However, although it is quite complicated to master it, it is a type of razor particularly appreciated, especially by barbers.

You might even want to gift a straight razor to someone close to you who wants to enjoy excellent shaving conditions. Before we get to our reviews of the best straight razors, here are a few things you should keep in mind when shopping for a straight razor.

Straight razor blades have different types of tips and are categorized as follows:

• Round tip

In this case, the profile of the tip of the blade of your straight razor is semi-circular and does not have a cutting edge. Its use is easier and less unforgivable. It is perfect for beginners.

• Square tip

Featuring a square (or sharp) tip, it has a straight tip profile that ends in a very sharp tip, perpendicular to the cutting edge of the razor. This perpendicularity is very useful for shaving small areas but requires some practice.

It is a type of blade that we do not recommend using without some experience, especially because of the difficulty you may encounter in handling it.

• French tip

The profile of the French point blade resembles a quarter circle and ends in a sharp point similar to the square point. It is also known as the “oblique point.

The width of the straight razor blade refers to the distance between the back of the blade and the cutting edge. The width is expressed in eighths of an inch. The width of an 8/8 blade is therefore one inch (or 2.54 centimeters) while the width of a 4/8 blade is half an inch (or 1.27 centimeters). 

Please note that the most common blade size is 5/8. This blade size is best suited for novices.

• Blade width doesn’t make a big difference to the ability to shave close, as long as you sharpen or hone your blade properly. In general, smaller blades are easier to sharpen.
• A wider blade width provides a more “aggressive” shave but, especially for beginners, it is harder to shave under the nose and other hard-to-reach areas.
• The smaller blades make it easier to see where you’re shaving, which is especially handy for outlining the contours of the beard while showing great precision.

You have two options: buy a used (used) or new straight razor:

• Occasion

If you like buying old things and restoring them, a used straight razor is the best option for you. You can often buy one for a reasonable price. However, the straight razor is a type of razor that can be restored, but it may take a lot of effort to restore it to shave able condition. Beginners should become proficient with a new one first before trying their hand at the used market.

• New

New razors have all the benefits of modern technology, better craftsmanship (in most cases) and years of shaving experience and customer service behind them. A blade is often in better condition when new than when it is used. However, that of a used razor can still be in perfect condition if your razor is well maintained.

If some men can have a bad character, it is not of this type of character that we are talking about. When it comes to a straight razor blade, its temper can be soft, medium, or hard, which determines how long it will retain its edge or how easily it can be sharpened. In general, the harder its character, the longer it will stay sharp and hold up better to shaving.

However, the softer blades are easier to sharpen. It is therefore a criterion that is important for the maintenance of your razor.

Straight razors are made of stainless steel or carbon steel. Stainless steel razors are less expensive and require less sharpening, but carbon steel blades are of better overall quality. But most men prefer to take razors made up of stainless steel.

When it comes to hunting, i.e. the handle of your razor, it can be made of plastic, resin, bone, wood or horn.

The recess represents the concave recess of the blades. A full recess makes the blade lighter and sharper while a partial recess makes the blade less sharp and more suitable for beginners. You should choose the hollow of the blade according to your experience, but also the resistance of your skin to cuts.

Using a shavette is a bit like riding a bicycle with small wheels since it is ideal for those who are about to start shaving with a straight razor. This is what we advise beginners to do, before taking the next step and acquiring their straight razor. It looks like a straight razor but uses a double blade found on a safety razor.

It’s a way to get used to the movements and techniques of a straight razor at a much more attractive price.

How To Use a Straight Razor?

If you are a fan of impeccable shaving, this product is for you. Not only professional barbers are able to shave your face with virtuosity. Every man can do it using his own razor.

Male personal care product wherever there is, the market offers us a good range of brands and models to choose from, both for beginners and veterans in these matters.

Every razor depends on an essential accessory. It is about its respective sharpener that you have seen your barber use so many times.

Yes, it is that leather strap (or canvas, failing that), on which you press the knife, like spreading butter on bread, passing it over and over again until you get the right edge to be able to face the hair shafts of your mustache and beard.

Once you have sharpened your razor, it would be great to resort to that other accessory that is part of professional shaving: the shaving brush, which you have also seen and enjoyed at your lifelong barber.

Failing that, you can use the convenient commercial shaving creams or, simply, water –well lukewarm, on the hot side– and bath soap to lather your neck and face, moisturizing the skin and thus preparing it for contact with the cold metal edge.

Now you are ready to wield the knife. Do it with confidence and a calm pulse. Stand firmly in front of the mirror with both legs apart (an average distance of 30 centimeters optimizes body balance). Hold the product in your dominant hand.

The main thing is that you feel comfortable with the knife in your hand, so that you can maneuver safely. With your free hand, you tense the area of ​​skin that you are going to shave. Place the blade on your skin at an approximate angle of 30º. Using gentle movements, move in the same direction as the hair growth (ie from top to bottom).

Feel the comfort and well-being as you progress through your shaving process. Clean the foam from the blade of the razor, after each movement through the different areas of your face and neck.

Immediately, in the second phase of the shave, you are going to clean up those little details that you have missed: right there on the mustache, a little there on the right cheek, there on the chin and on the left sideburn. You are going to do these touch-ups, with great care and precision, from the bottom up.

Rinse your face well with cold water to close the pores. Dry off and apply aftershave lotion. Your razor will remain faithful to you in use and will thank you for rinsing it of all traces of suds and hair and drying it thoroughly, ridding it of moisture.

The use of this barbershop product is rewarding and addictive, constituting a legitimate act of male self-indulgence. To decide on which model is the best for you, you have to assess, for example, that the handle of the knife feels comfortable in your hand.

You will imagine that ergonomics is fundamental here. Next, you look at the tips of the razor (the rounded one is safer and recommended for beginners; you have the straight tip and the fancy “French” tip, great for veterans). From then on, you can consider budget aspects and the respective accessories.

Frequently asked questions

How to sharpen a razor

Sharpening a razor is not a complicated thing, but it does require some practice and dexterity. New razors do not present any problem, but after a while they need to be sharpened periodically, for this you can use a strip of leather, as done by professional barbers or use a sharpening stone. The razor blade must be kept sharp for optimal shaving results, as a dull blade can cause discomfort and pull hairs.

The leather strips act as an abrasive against the blade, although they do not really sharpen as such, the truth is that the process is closer to polishing than sharpening. However, it is possible to remove the irregular edges and imperfections caused by the shaving process. The leather must be firm and avoid curves and the knife must move up and down, alternating both sides in order to generate an X-shaped movement.

The stone, for its part, provides the correct sharpening that the blade of the knife needs, it provides sharp angles to a certain extent; but to perform this task you will need to have a stone indicated for this task, which you must clean and oil before sharpening.

How to change the razor blade

First of all, you must be very careful when handling the blade. This comes wrapped in wax paper for added edge protection; Without removing the paper, fold it in half and part the blade in two (lengthwise). Then you proceed to open the knife and remove the mechanism where the blade goes, you are going to place half inside this gear, verifying that all the points coincide perfectly and the blade is mounted correctly.

Once the blade is assembled, proceed to insert the mechanism inside the knife; You will be able to realize that it only protrudes approximately a millimeter from the edge of the blade, which is the one that will achieve the perfect shave. When you verify that it is firm, you can proceed to do a small test with the hair on your arms, remembering that the skin must remain taut to avoid a cut.

Shave with a razor or blade

Since disposable blades were invented, men’s shaving has evolved considerably. These small accessories are essential in the bathrooms of gentlemen and are used daily in personal hygiene. They have the advantage that they have an ergonomic handle and their blades are already sharpened to offer close shaves without cuts.

There are models where only the cartridge is replaced and the body of the shaver remains unchanged; other models are totally disposable and when the blade dulls, it all goes in the trash. These disposable razors are nowadays widely used in professional salons, either for reasons of hygiene and because they do not need regular sharpening. Also, since its sharpness is reduced, there is less risk of making a deep cut, which could happen with a knife (if you do not have the necessary experience).

For its part, the razor is still the favorite of many men, especially if you have enough time to enjoy a shave at home, with great benefits for your skin.

Conclusion

The winner of our comparison, the ERBE straight razor with an olive wood handle , is relatively thin (4/8″ or almost 13 mm) and very manoeuvrable. The full concavity ensures maximum blade flexibility and an extremely sharp blade. The electrochemical etching on the blade is done in a very sophisticated “retro” style.

The branding on the tang guarantees that the razor was made in Solingen, Germany. The blade is well centered in relation to the handle, which is not surprising for a premium product.

Dovo Razor Carbon Steel Ebony 26810 can help you make daily shaving more comfortable and productive. It is a must-have for anyone who only appreciates traditional shaving methods. The handle is made of ebony and has metal inlays.

The high-quality steel from which the blade is made ensures increased hardness of the cutting edge. The elegant wooden handle looks exquisite and is very convenient to use. The blade is made of patterned carbon steel and gold plated. The edge of the blade is etched and deeply gilded.

The gold badger razor with olive wood handle is made of carbon steel. The model offers excellent quality, the razor is versatile: it can be used by beginners and advanced users alike. It is the safest model that allows you to enjoy a shave without unexpected wounds or cuts. It is easy to care for and makes a great gift.