How To Find The Best Straight Edge Razor

What’s up guys, Daniel signing back in to give you another awesome manscaping product review to keep you looking sharper in the workplace.  Finding the best straight edge razor for your personal needs comes down to understanding what you intend to use your razor for.  If you are thinking about using a straight razor, you are of the caliber of man that considers grooming an art.  I congratulate you on your decision and welcome you to this exclusive gentleman’s club.

Straight razors were the only shaving option for the majority of the world since they first gained popularity in the 17th century.  Straight razors require a bit more skill to use and because of this, there is an art to grooming with a straight razor.  Unlike disposable razors you are going to need to take a little time to master using this blade or you may find yourself with unwanted nicks or cuts.

Up until the 1900’s, you could find a straight razor in nearly every gentleman’s bathroom.  The invention of the electric razor made straight razors seem almost obsolete, but the final nail in the coffin of the straight razor was the invention of the safety razor.  A safety razor is much easier to use and reduces the risk of nicks when compared to a straight razor.  For some of us, the straight razor never left.  The finest barbershops still swear by this dependable blade.

A straight razor gives you the highest degree of accuracy when shaving.  There is a reason this method of grooming led the industry for over 200 years.  Unlike the flimsy disposable razors of today, straight razors capture the nostalgia of days gone by.  When being a true gentleman was a thing of inspiration to us all.  Today it can seem like everything is built to be disposable and because of this, you may long for something with a bit more craftsmanship.  Straight razors give you this added quality and mastering the proper technique take your gentlemanly stature to the next level.

Straight Edge Razor – Blade Types

A straight razor can go by many different names but the most common is a barber razor.  Recently manufacturers have reported a growth in the straight razor sector.  This means we are not alone gentleman.  More and more men are becoming aware of the true art of grooming.  Straight edge razors come in three distinct types.

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Round Point – This type of blade has curved edges to give the user a more forgiving shaving experience.  This is a great starter blade and although it is not as accurate as other blade types, it is still the best way to get accustomed to shaving with a straight razor.

Sharp Point – This type of blade requires a little more skill to use.  The straight point profile gives you added accuracy but increases the chance of nicks for inexperienced users.

French Point – This type of blade is designed to help you shave hard to reach spots such as under your nose.  The profile of this blade resembles a quarter circle.  This blade takes a little experience to master.

The Best Straight Edges Razor – My Top 5

There is no shortage of barber razor manufacturers.  The internet is filled with pages of products all claiming to give you the closest shave possible.  We have sorted out the nonsense and narrowed down the selection to my picks for the top 5 best straight edge razors.

Parker Safety Razor Heavy Duty Professional Stainless Steel Straight Edge Barber Razor and 5 Shark Stainless blades

parker-safety-razor-heavy-duty-professional

Parker Safety Razor Heavy Duty Professional Stainless Steel Straight Edge Barber Razor and 5 Shark Stainless blades

 

The Parker Safety Razor Heavy Duty Professional Stainless Steel Straight Edge Barber Razor is designed to meet the demands of the pickiest groomers.  The rounded blade design makes this a great choice for beginners and experienced straight edge razor users alike.

Pros

  • Heavy Duty
  • Stainless Steel
  • 5 Shark Blades Included
  • Clip Blade Holder
  • Single / Double Edge

Cons

  • Lower Blade Quality

Parker has been producing straight edge razors for over 40 years.  The quality of this razor is superb for the price point and the unique styling gives this razor an edge over the competition.  If you are ready to venture into the world of straight edge razor shaving this is a smart way to begin your journey.

Straight Razor with Mahogany Wood Handle by Sawtooth Shave Co., 7/8 Full Hollow Ground Blade Lasts for Generations, Razor Only

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Straight Razor with Mahogany Wood Handle by Sawtooth Shave Co., 7/8 Full Hollow Ground Blade Lasts for Generations, Razor Only

 

The Straight Razor with Mahogany Wood Handle gives you superior performance from a stylish design that is sure to improve any groomer’s experience.  This razor is made from high-quality Japanese Stainless Steel and it come pre-sharpened, so you don’t have to spend any additional time sharpening this blade.

Pros

  • Japanese Stainless Steel
  • Better Edge Retention
  • 59-61 Hardness
  • Mahogany Handle
  • Handmade

Cons

  • Blade Can Nick the Handle if Not Closed Carefully

The rounded blade on this razor is ideal for beginners and experts alike and the blade design makes judging the proper angle easier than ever.  I like the quality of this blade, it can hold its edge much longer than softer steel and it gets sharper than conventional blades.  If you are looking to take the next step in grooming, this is a smart razor to go with because you get quality and style in a durable package.

A.P. Donovan – Excellent 7/8″ straight razor – black sandal handle

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A.P. Donovan – Excellent 7/8″ straight razor – black sandal handle

 

The A.P. Donovan – Excellent 7/8″ straight razor utilizes high-quality Japanese Shiro Gami steel.  This resilient steel has a hardness of 63 Rockwell and allows this blade to reach exceptional sharpness.  The blade has gold etching that adds to the overall styling of this razor.

Pros

  • Japanese Shiro Gami Steel
  • Etched Blade
  • Sandalwood Handle
  • Perfect Balance
  • Stylish Storage Case

Cons

  • Sharpening Properly Takes Time

The handle of this razor gives you the perfect balance for shaving.  Made from durable Sandalwood, this handle gives you an added sense of quality when using this razor.  The decorative storage box continues this theme of superior quality by showcasing intricate carvings on the lid.  If you are serious groomer looking for a blade that can stand up to the most rigorous usage while meeting your stringent quality standards, this is the straight-edged razor for you.

The Best STRAIGHT RAZOR by Velvet Forge

the-best-straight-razor-by-velvet-forge

The Best STRAIGHT RAZOR by Velvet Forge

 

The Best STRAIGHT RAZOR by Velvet Forge utilizes a unique all black design that adds to the mystique of this blade.  This razor displays exquisite quality craftsmanship while retaining a very modern look and feel.  The genuine Stainless Steel blade is honed to perfection allowing you the best shave possible directly out the box.

Pros

  • Genuine Stainless Steel Blades
  • High-Quality Craftsmanship
  • Factory Honed
  • Modern Styling
  • Money Back Guarantee

Cons

  • Handle Is Heavy

The 4″ blade gives you an optimal shaving experience.  As far as I could see this is the only black tactical barber razor I could find on the market.  I love what they did here, by taking the traditional razor design, and adding a modern twist to it, they have succeeded in giving it an up-to-date feel and really capturing the essence of this new grooming renascence we are experiencing.

Gibson Handcrafted Luxury Damascus Straight Razor Black and White

gibson-handcrafted-luxury

Gibson Handcrafted Luxury Damascus Straight Razor Black and White

 

The Gibson Handcrafted Luxury Damascus Straight Razor represents a new age in grooming.  This razor is the #1 Damascus Straight Razor on the market.  The balance is perfect on this blade adding to the joy of shaving with this razor.  The handcrafted 6″ 15N20 Carbon Steel Damascus blade is folded over 300 times to achieve unmatched strength.

Pros

  • Perfect Balance
  • 15N20 Carbon Steel Damascus Blade
  • Unique Look
  • Hand Crafted
  • Camel Bone Inlay Handle

Cons

  • Requires Additional Honing

Let’s face it, guys, if you are using a straight razor to shave, you appreciate the art of grooming and nothing says this more than a high-quality razor such as this.  The unique blade look and feel is unmatched.  This is the type of razor that lasts a lifetime.  The hand inlaid handle feature camel-bone accents.  It’s going to be difficult to find a cooler razor than this.

The Best Straight Edge Razor – Final Thoughts

I am very excited to see so many men looking to get back into the art of grooming.  As you can see, many manufacturers are trying to cash in on this trend by providing innovative razor designs that have a modern appeal to them.  The best straight edged razor for you will depend mostly on your skill level and budget but if you stick to the choices on this list, you are guaranteed to avoid the garbage.

As always guys, thanks for lending me your ears and be sure to check in soon to see what other new and exciting products we will be putting under the microscope.

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