Best Straight Razor – 11 Super Sharp Blades!

Thinking of starting to shave like a real man? You might want to get yourself the best straight razor for this task.

Today we are going to show you why it is a good idea to start wet shaving and hope you find a straight razor.

Keep reading to see what all the fuss is about!

What To Look For

A straight razor can be defined as a razor capable of folding into its own handle. They are also alluded to as cut-throat razors and open razors.

Currently, there has been a reawakening of fascination in the art of shaving using a straight razor. It is just like a renaissance movement.

Countless men are showing interest in utilizing straight razors, and this has led to countless articles, new books, and websites.

If you are one of these men, then you understand that choosing your first straight razor can be a hassle. There are thousands of straight razors out there in the market.

All in distinct styles and sizes, so settling on what’s essential for you and breaking down the list of options is important.

In this section of the post, we are going to enlighten you and what you should look for in a straight razor.

Origin of manufacture

The nation from which the straight razor was manufactured can provide a clear indication of its quality; and by quality, I imply the balance between the blade and the handle (also known as scales), how sharp it is, the hardening (tempering) process, and the quality of its steel.

Generally speaking, most high-end straight razors are manufactured in France or Germany, though there is a mounting supply coming from the USA.

There is also a vast range of supply coming from China and Pakistan but these straight razors ought to be avoided regardless of the price. Note that a poor quality straight razor can tamper with your whole shaving experience.

Design and Style

In case you desire to purchase a straight razor that you can utilize for years to come, then you have to appreciate its beauty and style.

There are lots of diverse variations in this. From the overall shape, designs on the tang and blade, and the coloring.

Choose the straight razor that you find appealing to your sense of style. Besides, I am confident that you’ll show it off to all your friends.

The Blade Width

The blade’s width is an imperative measurement and it’s commonly denoted in terms of 1/8 of an inch. A familiar blade width is 5/8th of an inch with bigger razors going up to 7/8th of an inch and beyond.

The reason we are asking you to look out for this is the weight of the straight razor. The broader the straight razor, the more steel is used in it, and the heftier it becomes.

A wide razor can also make it hard to maneuver the razor around your nostrils and those hard-to-reach areas of your body.

The Handle Material

This is an aesthetic choice, but you ought to consider it. Would a wood handle entice you, or do you desire something more like plastic?

Straight razors retail in manifold designs’, so you need to check this prior to committing to a purchase.

Steel Type

The kind of steel the straight razor is manufactured from is extremely vital, though finding this out is not an easy task.

I recommend that you only buy your razor from a high-quality manufacturer (this way you won’t have to worry about the steel type), but in case you cannot, then try purchasing a carbon steel razor.

Some straight razors are also manufactured using low-cost stainless steel that is easy to sharpen but then again even easier to blunt.

Blade point

The nature of the blade point should be considered for 1 main reason, and this is practicality. In case you are a beginner, then a square nose straight razor has a high probability of causing cuts since its tip bears a 90-degree angle.

A round point razor will be friendlier to abrupt changes in direction or angle.

Straight Razor Shaving Benefits.

On this section of the post, we’ll highlight the benefits of shaving using a straight razor.

It’s cost friendly

Using a straight razor turns out to be a lot economical in the long run compared to any other form of shaving.

I agree that you might need up to $200 or even as much as $250 to purchase a straight razor, but that is nothing compared to the cash you might have to spend on blades or cartridges’ if you purchase a safety razor.

A straight razor alongside its other accessories (i.e., the strop and the shaving brush) might cost you up to a couple of hundred dollars, but they will last a lifetime.

Gets Rid Of Skin Irritation, Rashes And Bumps

The next fascinating advantage of utilizing a straight razor as opposed to a safety razor is the fact that it won’t irritate your skin closely as much.

A straight razor will cut off the hair cleanly with one single pass, consequently creating a clean and swift cut. This will save your skin a lot of redness and irritation.

Even more, using a straight razor can exfoliate your skin. This is something that most shaving tools cannot do. Since the razor provides a close shave, it also discards away dead skin cells.

Exterminating dead skin also exterminates bacteria on your face, oils, and unwanted toxins, which in turn aids in getting rid of irritation, rashes and redness.

Environment friendly

Today’s modern shaving tools create needles waste. Once you are done using a cartridge, you have to throw it away. When you opt to purchase a new one, then you are left with useless packaging materials.

Shaving with safety razors helps diminish this waste, but straight razors will take it a step further. Start using straight razors and the only waste you’ll be creating is decomposable shaving scum.

You’ll Feel Like A Bad Ass

You’ll be shaving using a “lethal weapon”. Placing the razor on your throat each morning will remind you that you are alive.

How To Use A Straight Razor

Preparing the face

If you have enough time to prepare your face using a hot towel, then you should. You can also catch a warm shower to open up the pores then start the shave immediately.

After the warm shower, I recommend that you apply a significant amount of Jojoba or Argan oil to your face using circular motions.

Holding razor

Although a straight razor comes with an elegant handle, you ought to disregard it if you are a beginner and hold the blade instead.

Your middle and index fingers ought to be on the back area of the blade, with your little finger in between the blade’s tail like appendage and the handle.

You can place your ring finger on any side of the handle. As you become more proficient in using a straight razor, you’ll uncover how to hold the razor at various angles.

Shaving

Keep the area you are shaving entirely covered by a thick layer of cream. Prior to starting, smear a little amount of water to each area so that the razor can smoothly glide down your skin.

Recall to follow the hair growth direction so you can avoid ingrown hairs. Make each stroke count and avoid over irritating or cutting the skin.

Once you are done, smear a couple drops of jojoba oil and some water over your skin then perform a second pass to shave any parts you missed.

Recommendations

Feather SS.

With the feather SS, you do not have to question whether you are purchasing a sharp enough blade since this is among the sharpest blades in the industry.

You will also be buying from the most respected Japanese Company in the razor industry (Jatai).

Below are various pros and cons of the product:

Pros:

• Its Lightweight design makes it easier to utilize.
• Easy to replace blades
• The Blade’s sharpness is 2nd to none

Cons:

• More expensive compared to other straight razors.

Dovo Carbon

Bearing in mind that the German company (Dovo) is responsible for some of the best quality straight razors in the market, this is a fantastic choice. Dovo carbon straight razor is hard to beat.

It is also a top competitor for the best razor for beginners’.

Below are some of the pros and cons of the product:

Pros:

• Finely crafted blade
• Excellent for beginners
• The wooden handle makes it look great and also provides great grip

Cons:

• The straight razor requires repeating strokes some other times.

AP Donovan

Lots of straight razors are sold without most of the extra accessories needed to actually shave. In case you are looking for a complete shaving kit, and you are courageous enough to handle a 7/8 inch blade, then this product was meant just for you.

This product comes with a soap, an abrasive paste, a carved decorative wooden box, a high quality leather strop, and a metal carabiner belt.

This straight razor provides a close and comfy shave, but don’t you try this as your first straight razor because of the blade’s size.

Below are some of the pros and cons of the product:

Pros:

• The edges of this product are curved to assist you attain a detailed shave.
• You can use this product immediately after you take it out of the box.
• It is comfy and easy to hold.
• The blade will feel smooth against the skin.

Cons:

• Shaving with this product can be challenging for beginners.
• Its weight is not comfy for most people.

Dovo Black

In case you are hoping to save a couple of bucks then this is for you. This black straight razor manufactured by Dovo is sold when sharpen enough so one can use it for weeks before feeling the need to sharpen it.

Generally, this Dovo product is easy to handle and lightweight for a precise and comfortable shaving.

Below are various pros and cons of the product:

Pros:

• Is easy to utilize since it’s already well sharpened.
• For its price, this product will offer true value for your cash.
• The performance, feel, and look of this razor can be compared to the expensive straight razors out there in the market.
• The blade features an elegant appeal.
• It is beginner friendly, so no amateur will have trouble using this product.

Cons:

• The handle can feel a bit flimsy for some people.
• The handle looks like it’s manufactured from poor quality plastic.
• Still expensive for some individuals.

Dovo Natural

Made to fascinating standards, Dovo natural is consistent with the latest high quality Dovo products. Just like every other Dovo product, this straight razor retails with a factory edge that’s guaranteed for two years by Dovo Razors.

The razor is also finished using bamboo (bamboo is well-known for being extremely stable and durable). This bamboo provides a nice earthy touch to this razors design.

Below are some of the pros and cons of the product:

Pros:

• The feel and fit of the straight razor in the shavers hand is impeccable.
• Even if your whiskers are thick, you can anticipate to have a close shave using this razor without discomfort.
• The razor is sharp enough.
• In case the razor loses its sharpness, you can easily hone it by passing it 5 to 10 times over the honing stone.

Cons:

• If you do not keep the razor sharp, the blade may get blunt after a couple of shaves.
• The handle would be better made using some other material other than bamboo.

Boker

Besides Dovo, Boker is the other best known straight razors manufacturer in Solingen, Germany. Both Dovo and Boker produce straight razors of an identical high quality.

This straight razor bears a 5/8” carbon steel alloy blade, with the alloy being an improvement of the conventional carbon steel. The blade also has a round point making it easier for beginners to maneuver as they shave.

Below are various pros and cons of the product:

Pros:

• The blade is easy to use and beginner friendly.
• The branding and packaging is awesome.
• Long-lasting if properly maintained.
• The overall quality is brilliant.

Cons:

• A bit expensive.
• Requires repeating strokes when blunt.

Sawtooth Shave Co.

Regardless of whether you are trying straight shaving for the 1st time, or are simply upgrading from your current straight razor, this product could be your best choice.

This straight razor is impeccable for experts and beginners as well. Since it comes already pre-sharpened, Sawtooth shave co. can be used right out the box.

With its hardness of 59 to 61, this straight razor will hold an edge longer compared to softer steels, and sharpens relatively easier compared to harder steels.

Below are some of the pros and cons of the product:

Pros:

• The handle fits in the hand perfectly.
• The product is long-lasting.
• It is beginner friendly and easy to use.
• The blade comes ready for use.

Cons:

• Relatively expensive compared to most straight razors.
• Needs to be sharpened every couple of weeks.

Topman

Impress your friend and clients with this sleek and vintage style straight razor. The handle was manufactured using scented rosewood and its 100% natural.

Grant yourself an ultra-smooth and luxurious shave using this straight razor, and you can even utilize it for finishing around the sideburns, ears, and necks.

Below are some of the pros and cons of the product:

Pros:

• The razor has a high quality stainless steel blade with a “mirror” finish.
• The handle is aesthetic since it’s made from 100% natural wood.
• Highly comfy when using.
• This straight razor was designed with stability and comfortability in mind.

Cons:

• It’s a new product so, not so many testimonials to reference from.
• A bit expensive.

Dovo Best

This German made classic straight razor is the idyllic cutting edge for an amateur and even a regular shaver. Its blade’s width is 5/8th of an inch and it is prominent due to its impressive level of flexibility, hardness, and resistance to wear.

Most users around the world have consistently praised the products sharpness and ability to last long.

There are many reasons as to why most people are in love with this Dovo straight razor. Even if you are just starting out, you’ll eventually fall in love with this blade the moment you harness your shaving techniques.

Below are various pros and cons of the product:

Pros:

• You will fall in love with the upgraded design on the handles.
• To ensure that the blade stays sharpened, give the straight razor an occasional stropping.
• The blade is beginner friendly and easy to utilize.
• The blade is already sharpened so you can start using it immediately after you purchase it.

Cons:

• The handle should have been made from any other material other than plastic.
• A complaint was made regarding the flimsy quality of the product’s handle.

Dovo Gentleman

The Dovo Gentleman straight razor features a satin finish and a full hollow blade with the Gentleman motif.

This made in Germany product also features a steel product with round point implying that it is user-friendly and not even amateurs’ will have issues utilizing the product.

This is an elegant straight razor indeed.

Below are various pros and cons of the product:

Pros:

• Beginner friendly and easy to use.
• The product is lightweight.
• Has a nice build quality.
• Sharp enough to shave in only a few passes.
• The visual look of the razor is impressive..

Cons:

• Takes some time to learn how you can sharpen and hone the blade.

Boker Elite

Like we had mentioned before, Boker straight razors are among the most prominent straight razors out there in the market. This product offers a number of benefits though it does have its setbacks.

For years now, clients all over the world have chosen Boker elite for their shaving needs. Most of the customers who’ve given this product a try claim that it’s one of their best razors due to its ease of use, lightweight, and perfectly balanced high quality materials.

This item is manufactured in Germany by craftsmen who pay keen attention to details.

Below are some of the pros and cons of the product:

Pros:

• Features a lightweight razor.
• Has a long-lasting and strong blade.
• Gives a smooth shave.
• Features a durable and water resistant handle.
• Beginner friendly and easy to use.

Cons:

• Needs stooping prior to use.
• Some claim that the full hollow does not hold an edge well.
• Although the blade is stain resistant, the blade needs regular maintenance.

Conclusion

So if we haven’t scared you away from trying one of these sharp razors, you have 11 awesome choices to think about.

Just be sure to do your homework before you buy, there are tons of reviews to compare. No two beards or skin types are alike so just keep that in mind when reading them.

However, you are sure to find some you can relate to.

Do you own one of these razors? Let us know how you like it in the comments below!