Straight!

[Garland]

ok...so I decided to buy this really nice looking straight/open razor up in Jackson...

And I DO intend to start shaving with it...

but my mind naturally starts to wander to other areas of application, and I was wondering if any of you had any tips on quick opening methods for a straight razor. Any advice? Feel free to toss out shaving tips too.

[Hardball]

Srub your head or face with a warm face towel, wait 2 minutes apply shaving cream, wait 2 more minutes then start shaving in the direction your hair grows.

[Garland]

I usually go against the grain with disposable razors...
so I should go with the grain with a straight?

[DickHardman]

why even bother shaving with that thing, the risk of slicing yourself is very high. just get one of those remington beard trimmers.

and theres no point to using it as a weapon really, cause you could buy a pocket knife or box cutter instead and they would be stronger and more reliable.

[Garland]

because they're cool.

[DickHardman]

because they're cool.

pocket knives are way cooler....

[Ghost]

youre really no one till you shave with a bowie knife.

[Hardball]

Unless you have a problem with bumps then it doesnt matter. If you do have a problem with bumps then go with the grain.

[Tom Yum]

Also get yourself a shaving mirror so you can move it around to get hard to miss spots. You'll need a good aftershave to cover the bumps - I recommend Nivea Aftershave.

You pay a little more for it, but it doesn't burn and it treats your skin well.

[osopardo]

Prepare to bleed. Thiiss isabout as wack as camping when there's perfectly good motels with private showers and cable tv! I spose next you'll be rolling your own... oh wait a minnnit - yallreddy do dat!

[osopardo]

[Garland]

...you are such a bastard oso.

[Britt]

As for shaving with a straight razor, I wouldn't know. I understand the nostalgia, though. I do a lot of outdated things just because I like to. I write with a quill and ink from time to time, and I like antiques. However, shaving with a straight razor would be a baaaaad thing for me. I'm pretty sure I'd end up sawing my entire head off the first day.

Ditto. There's a reason modern razors are called "safety razors."

Right before my best friends wedding, he and I went to an old-timey barbershop for an old fashioned straight razor shave the bride-to-be set up for us. Despite my usual rule against letting people I've never met put blades to my throat, it was really cool, very refreshing. If I'd had to do it myself, though, I'm sure I'd have left my head behind.

I wouldn't carry it as a weapon either, for legal reasons. It would be an illegal knife for carry here, very probably in many other jurisdictions as well.

[Hardball]

Unless you get the sharpening strap that comes with the straight razor you may get a severe case of razor bumps. Hell, even with a good disposable razor I only use them once then out they go. I don't have a problem with bumps on my face or skull.

[Tom Yum]

Ditto. There's a reason modern razors are called "safety razors.".

Now I understand the meaning behind the 80's-hit "safety dance"...

Right before my best friends wedding, he and I went to an old-timey barbershop for an old fashioned straight razor shave the bride-to-be set up for us. Despite my usual rule against letting people I've never met put blades to my throat, it was really cool, very refreshing. If I'd had to do it myself, though, I'm sure I'd have left my head behind.

I wouldn't carry it as a weapon either, for legal reasons. It would be an illegal knife for carry here, very probably in many other jurisdictions as well.

Old time barbershops are making a comeback into a niche market. Ever been to a Rooster's before?

http://www.roostersmgc.com/

They've got one on Beecave road in Austin.