Straight Razors

Straight razors comes in a big variety. At Gents you will find a selection of different types of knives in different designs and with different properties. The first and most important choise is between two completely different types of knives. The classical straight razor with a firm blade (cut throat razor) and the straight razor (shavette) with a replacable blade. Use this guide to find the one that fits you and your needs!

When you have purchased your straight razor it is important to take good care of it inbetween uses. Your razor needs to be sharpend and kept in a special case. We have the products for it.

How do i shave with a straight razor?

Wet your face with warm water and work up a shaving foam lather, using your fingers or a shaving brush. Let it sit for a few minutes before shaving.
The angle and pressure is the most important thing. Make sure to always tilt the razor in a 30 degree angle and be careful with the pressure.
Keep in mind which direction the hairs are growing in.
Prepare the skin by shaving one or two times in the direction the hair is growing in. Lather up again and shave one time against the direction of the hairs.
Do not forget to always pull your skin tight with one hand while shaving.
Start shaving the cheeks.
Then the chin.
Finish with the neck and upper lip.

How do i strop a straight razor?

Put the knife flat against the strop and pull in the direction of the back of the knife, first against yourself and then the other way. When you are turning the knife the other way make sure to do it with the back of the knife against the strop and not the edge. You should sometimes use strop paste for extra care.

You should strop you straight razor everytime before using it.