An Argument for Straight Razor Shaving

What’s Happening

Okay so Two doctors explain why it’s the best option for sensitive skin.

FOR A LONG time, I saw straight razors more as weapons than as grooming tools. Maybe it was Sweeney Todd , maybe it was the ear-cutting scene from Reservoir Dogs , but these nifty blades always seemed more likely to slice skin than shave hair. (shocking, we know)

That impression isn’t entirely inaccurate.

The Details

Straight razors can nick you when used incorrectly, and they are certainly a weapon—just not in the way I initially thought. They don’t threaten your skin so much as your stubble and irritation, eliminating the shortcuts that lead to a rough shave.

When used properly, a straight razor is the best weapon in your grooming arsenal for a precise, close shave. Every form of shaving has its benefits.

Why This Matters

Electric razors are the quickest and require the least prep, cartridge razors are the most convenient and best for travel, and safety razors leave the least amount of ingrown hairs or irritation. But, none of these options can offer a shave as close as a straight razor. According to dermatologist Dr.

Medical professionals are taking note of this development.

Key Takeaways

• David Johnson, MD , straight razors offer the closest shave possible because they slice hair exactly where it exits the follicle.
• This comes down to the design.
• A straight razor is a single, exposed blade that folds into its handle and shaves without guards, cartridges, or moving parts.
• It gives the shaver complete control over angle and pressure, delivering unmatched precision when handled with care.

The Bottom Line

But it is the most rewarding, soothing shave you can have without going to the barber, so I use mine as a treat when I have an extra few minutes or want my skin to look especially smooth. How Straight Razors Compare to Other Razor Types Straight razors stand apart from other shavers because they strip the process down to its simplest, most effective form: one exposed blade, no guards, no cartridges, no motors—just your hand and the steel.

We want to hear your thoughts on this.