A straight razor gives you the closest shave while at the same time leaving your skin feeling smooth. It is also durable and it helps to prevent skin irritation and ingrown hairs. However, straight razors are not used much during the current period but they remain the most effective shaving tools the barbers can use for excellent results. You should know how to choose the best straight razor for barbers.
If you are a professional barber and wish to offer straight razor shaves to your clients, it is important to choose the right product. In this guide, you will get details about how you can choose the best product and it also reviews some of the products that you can consider.
Table of Contents
Choosing the Best Straight Razor For Barbers
Some people believe that straight razors are similar but somehow, they are different and you can only notice this upon a closer comparison of different brands. Therefore, choosing the best straight razor is not that simple and you should consider different factors. It is vital to learn about the key features and components of different brands so that you make the best choice.
What Exactly is Straight Razor?
The most important thing that you should know before buying a straight razor is that it represents the oldest and most traditional way of shaving. This method of shaving is still viewed as the best in different societies. Also known as a cut-throat razor, this shaving tool can be dangerous and can cut your throat if you are not careful.
A straight razor consists of a straight blade that is attached to the handle and it can be folded to secure it. Both the handle and hinge have an old feel and different people still believe that using a straight razor represents the only way men shave. Shaving using a straight razor is fashionable these days and many people prefer this style.
The razor helps to give men the kind of traditional shave they miss in the modern world of shaving. Traditional shaving also gives other men this sense of self-importance and they can enjoy every stroke during the entire shaving process.
If you properly maintain your straight razor, you can pass it down to the next generation. Therefore, you should know that a straight razor is a priceless investment in your barbershop.
Is the Straight Razor Designed for Professionals?
The best straight razors that you can find in the market are specifically designed for professional barbers. However, straight razors are significantly gaining prominence, and razors that are designed for home use are common these days. Thus, even you can use the best straight razor for barbers.
Therefore, it is imperative to check if you have selected the ideal straight razor meant for a barbershop. You must check if the tool fits the professional standard expectations so that you can get value for money invested. When you get a quality straight razor designed for professionals, you can also easily develop your skills and techniques which help to improve your competencies.
A straight razor that is meant for barbershop use has water-tight design and a blade lock system that helps to prevent any movement of the blade. Razor blades that are specially designed for barbershop use are rigid and they offer resistance to everyday use. This also means that the razor will last longer and suitable for multiple uses in a barbershop.
Vintage vs Modern Straight Razors for Barbers
There are vintage styles and modern styles of straight razors that you can choose from. Vintage straight razors are the ones that belong to the old school and they may require some sort of restoration before using them.
They also require additional care but the good thing is that you can get them at reasonable prices. Once restored, a vintage straight razor is a very important procession. However, if you are still a new barber, a vintage straight razor might not be the best option for you.
On the other hand, there are also modern straight razor styles and the main advantage of these is that they come with advanced technology. A modern straight razor blade is easy to use and maintain which makes it ideal for barbers who are still new in the profession of shaving.
Price
When you are buying a straight razor just like any other product, it is imperative to consider its price. Since there are different brands of straight razors, their prices significantly differ due to different factors. Other brands are better than others in terms of quality and durability and these are usually expensive.
It is better to go for an expensive product as long as it has better quality. On the other hand, lower prices do not necessarily mean that the product is of poor quality. Do your homework and get a straight razor at a satisfactory price. You can also make use of customer reviews to get an insight about the product from other people who have used it.
Durability and Sharpness of the Blade
On top of considering the aspect of the price of the straight razor, you should also consider its durability. Some razors last longer than others depending on the quality of material used during their manufacture. The materials of the blades also differ considerably depending on factors like the brand.
Stainless steel blades, for instance, are the cheaper option and they can stay sharp for a long period. It is important to consider a razor with sharp blades since this helps to prevent skin irritation. Corrosion-resistant blades are also important since they can last longer and give you many shaves if you are a professional barber.
In the same vein, you must also consider the width of the blade. A large blade can cover a bigger area and it gives you control over the shaving area. Thus, if you are a professional barber you must have blades with varying sizes that are also easy to handle.
Review of Best Straight Razor for Barbers 2019
Now that you know what a straight razor is and factors to consider to get the best product, this guide gives you a review of the “best straight razors” that you can choose from the market. While your choice is a matter of personal preference, this guide outlines the pros and cons of each product which can help you to make informed decisions.
Feather SS Folding Handle Razor
Feather SS razor is perfectly engineered to give you a close and comfortable shave. The razor is made of stainless steel and it is designed to resist rust, chemicals as well as other impurities. The enamel handle is also designed to give you excellent grip and control. The razor blade can be easily dismantled for cleaning with running water. You can use ethanol to disinfect the razor.
Pros
- Quality engineered handle for excellent grip
- Heat resistant handle
- Corrosion-resistant
- Recommended for professional use
Cons
- No additional razor blade included
DOVO Inox Straight Razor
Dovo is designed in such a way that it gives you close shave always. The razor consists of carbon steel that is hard and it can retain its sharp edge and it can also last longer than stainless steel. However, the razor requires thorough cleaning after each use to prevent rusting.
Pros
- Beautifully designed olive wood
- Good grip
- Ideal for beginners
- Durable blade
Cons
- Multiple strokes at times
Classic Samurai CS-102 Straight Edge Razor
Classic Samurai CS-102 is made from original surgical stainless steel. It is perfect for both personal use and barber shop and it is also designed to minimize cuts.
Pros
- Stainless steel designed to last a lifetime
- Comes with 100 razor blades
- Smooth handle to minimize cuts
- Excellent quality for barbershop use
- Comes with a plastic pouch
- Minimizes cuts
Cons
- Can pose a danger if not properly handled
Utopia Care Professional Barber Straight Edge Razor
Utopia Care Professional Barber Straight Edge Razor has a classic design and it is made of brass that consists of chrome finish for a smooth shave. You should ensure that the blade is always securely locked for safety. You can just push the walls inside when you realize that they are getting weak.
Pros
- Comes with 100 razor blades
- 100 Percent Stainless Steel
- Affordable
Cons
- Quality not that excellent
Boker Straight Razor 5/8, King Cutter
Boker King Cutter razor has a very sharp blade and it offers higher performance. It gives you a smooth shave and it also consists of durable material that is also wear-resistant. On top of that, the straight razor is affordable.
Cons
- Affordable
- Very sharp blade
- Made of synthetic material that resists bacteria
- Durable
Cons
- Design not fancy
Conclusion
Feather SS Folding Handle Razor is the best among the reviewed straight razors above. It is perfectly engineered to give you a close and comfortable shave at the same time. The razor is made of durable stainless steel material that can resist rust, chemicals as well as other impurities. The razor also offers an excellent grip. However, your choice of straight razor for barber depends on your preference.
