Choosing A Straight Razor
As a beginner there are several factors to take into account.
Quality
All of the brands we stock are from manufacturers who are producing razors of quality which, properly cared for, will provide excellent service over a lifetime. There are many cheap razors on the market but these are made of inferior steel and will never take or keep a sharp enough edge to provide a clean shave.
Size
The size of razors is measured as the depth of the blade in eighths of an inch. A larger blade has more weight, which many users like, but can also be unwieldy for a beginner. I would therefore typically recommend a 5/8 or 6/8. The smaller razors (from 2/8 to 4/8) are usually used for detailing around a beard or moustache.
Grind
Razors are produced with different grinds. This is basically the amount of steel which is taken away in producing the razor, so how stiff or fine the razor is. If you have particularly thick or wiry beard growth you will probably find that a stiffer razor produces a better shave.
Scales
The scales (handle) of a razor are likely to be made of plastic, wood or horn. Plastic is obviously the cheapest and most durable. Wood or horn are more expensive and require a little more care but provide a more characterful and luxurious aspect to the razor. The price of razors is largely driven by the choice of scale material, though there are other factors such as spine decoration etc.
Choice of Steel
Razors are available in carbon steel or stainless steel. The vast majority sold are of carbon steel as this produces a finer edge. However, carbon steel does need to be looked after, as it can quickly discolour and corrode. So for anyone who doesn’t trust themselves to look after the razor, stainless may be the better option.
Reviews
We have always used the term "straight razor" but in truth most people know this type of razor as a "cut-throat razor" or, less frequently, as an "open razor". It really doesn't matter, all these terms relate to the same implement.
We have a variety of razor starter kits which include everything necessary to start your venture into straight razor shaving. They also make an ideal shaving gift. This section also includes some entry level razors which are good choices for a beginner. Alternatively you can put together your own choices and perhaps upgrade the razor or strop. Please just ask if you need help.
We ship Worldwide, and shipping is free to all countries for orders over £125, but there is a charge for orders of a lower value. Full details may be found in our Delivery and Returns Policy. Prices are determined in GBP. For your convenience you are able to see indicative prices in U.S. Dollars and Euros but payment will be taken in GBP and there will inevitably be some variation to the U.S. Dollar and Euro prices shown. We accept payment by all major credit and debit cards as well as through Paypal.
If you are just starting out with a straight razor then we have a wealth of information on the website for beginners. Please visit our Information section which includes advice about choosing a cut-throat razor, how to strop a razor and much more. We are also always happy to offer advice and assistance where we can. Please just ask.
Our aim is to help our customers keep their razors in use. Now and again every razor will benefit from being honed. As not all our customers wish to learn how to hone we offer a straight razor honing and stropping service where we will sharpen your cut-throat razor on our premises and return it to you. This service is available for all razors we sell, vintage razors and some other brands of new razor but there are brands of new razor that we will not accept. Please see our Sharpening Service section for more details. We also offer a service to fit scales (razor handles) purchased from us.
This term relates to the fact that once unfolded from the scales (i.e. the handle) the razor's edge is open or unprotected, as opposed to a safety razor where the edge is shielded to some extent.
