Why the Straight Razor Shave Is Worth Trying Once

There is a reason the straight razor shave is the signature service at every upscale barbershop from Blind Barber in New York to Truefitt & Hill in London. The single open blade delivers the closest possible shave — closer than any cartridge or safety razor — because it cuts hair at the skin's surface with zero buffer between steel and stubble.

The experience alone justifies the price of admission. A proper straight razor shave involves hot towel prep, pre-shave oil, lathered shaving cream applied with a badger brush, three passes (with the grain, across, then against), cold towel closure, and an aftershave balm. The entire ritual takes 30 to 45 minutes and costs between $35 and $75 depending on the shop.

Closeness is the primary technical advantage. Multi-blade cartridges use a lift-and-cut mechanism that can cause ingrown hairs by cutting below the skin line. A straight razor glides along the surface, removing hair cleanly without tugging it beneath the skin. For men prone to razor bumps — particularly along the neck and jawline — this difference is transformative.

Skin quality improves noticeably after a straight razor shave. The blade acts as a gentle exfoliant, removing dead skin cells alongside the stubble. Many barbers follow the shave with a vitamin E or jojoba-based balm that penetrates freshly exfoliated skin more effectively. The result is a face that feels genuinely smooth, not just hair-free.

If you want to try it at home, the Dovo Shavette is a beginner-friendly option that uses disposable blades — eliminating the need for stropping and honing a traditional straight razor. The initial investment is around $40, and replacement blades cost pennies each. Watch tutorial videos from Beardbrand on YouTube before your first attempt.

Find a reputable barbershop through platforms like Booksy or Fresha, or check https://www.truefittandhill.com for their global locations. Call ahead to confirm they offer a traditional straight razor service — not all shops do, and some substitute a shavette, which is similar but not identical in technique.

Do it at least once. Even if you return to your Gillette the next morning, the straight razor shave recalibrates your understanding of what a close shave actually feels like — and the ritual itself is one of the last genuinely luxurious analog experiences a man can have.