Straight Cut Throat Shaving Razor, Traditional Straight Shaving Razor (coolcut-4.s)

I had never used anything like this to shave before as Ive always gone for either electric or the plastic disposals therefore it was very new to me.Anyway, i was having a random couple weeks of being obsessed with shaving, foam/soap, brushes and shavers so inevitably this was purchased based on its high reviews and great price.I did some research prior to using it on youtube, one was a video on how to insert the blade as the set of blades arrive in a little pack but not already in the razor. I managed this fairly easily, slight difficult with lining the blade up straight and trying to close it but i managed it fine after a minute or two.I then watched videos on how others use it as if you've never used one before, it can be very confusing in terms of how to hold it in your hand and the angles to shave at.On to the first shave then, one thing i found was that you really have to have full control with every movement in terms or direction, speed and pressure. I struggled immensely at first but did ok for just the cheeks. Below chin and jaw seemed like a step too far for my first go so i skipped that and went onto the upper lip area below the nose. This is where it got serious and where i probably should have placed the razor down and called it a successful day for my first attempt. But no, i tried to go one step further and one split second of losing attention left me with a sharp but intense pain. Of course i cut myself but thats fine, its expected. What I'm trying to say is that if you're a beginner getting this thats great but expect to find it difficult and don't give up on the razor like i nearly did after cutting myself. When done right, you really cant compare to other shaves. Leaves the skin very smooth and fresh although the shave isn't so close that you look like a 12 year old child after, you still keep that manly appearance even with a fresh face. The only barrier is that you must put the effort and time to master this style of shaving.Putting my beginners lecture aside, the wood really does look great and of high quality, the sheathe is nothing special in terms of appearance but it keeps it safe if you choose to keep it there so thats irrelevant, this is an every day razor that is probably the best of its kind available for the price. Really enjoy using it now!

I switched to "traditional" single blade shaving quite a while ago as I find the multi blade cartridge razors (Mach 3, Fusion etc) as well as being ridiculously expensive, irritate my skin. I currently shave with a vintage straight razor most of the time (or a DE safety razor when I'm in a hurry).I'd recommend straight razor shaving to anyone who wants a traditional, close shave with no (or virtually no) skin irritation. But a decent quality straight razor (forget the cheap ones - they won't hold a sharp edge) will set you back around £100 and then it will periodically require honing on a series of stones and stropping on a leather strop before every shave to maintain the edge. Obviously a shavette such as this doesn't require any of that maintenance - you just change the blade when it starts to pull. So I bought one of these shavettes a while ago when I wanted to give single blade shaving a try without spending a fortune. For £7.95 including a pack of Wilkinson Sword blades (which retail at about £4 on their own) this is excellent value for money I think.For the price the build quality is actually pretty good. I had no trouble changing the blades. But if you're struggling there are plenty of YouTube videos on the subject (as well as videos on proper straight razor shaving technique which I'd highly recommend that anyone new to this style of shaving should watch).A few people have commented on the wooden handle. If you're concerned about that then just get the one with the metal handle. Having said that, I've had no problems with the wooden handle on mine. If you use the correct technique then the handle shouldn't be getting wet anyway. But as a precaution I coated mine in olive oil and let it dry to provide a measure of moisture protection. And as I've said, I haven't had any issues at all.After a couple of weeks the pins that hold the blade and handle together needed tightening up a bit. But they are brass screws so that was a two second job!The metal parts are well made and, if you look after this shavette (ie just clean and dry it after each use), I don't see why it wouldn't last for a very long time. Combine it with a decent Best or Super Badger brush and a good quality shaving soap or cream, such as Taylor of Old Bond Street and you'll be well on your way to seeing your daily shave as a pleasure not a chore.In summary, it's a good budget introduction to straight razor shaving and even if you decide not to "progress" to a straight razor or decide that single blade shaving just isn't for you, for £7.95 I really don't think you can go wrong with one of these. Dip your toe in the water and start shaving the old fashioned way!