How to choose your first straight razor?

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How to choose your first straight razor?

• It is not a simple task to find the straight
  razor that goes in line with your needs as these
  come in different styles, colors and grinds. One
  of the most frequent questions people ask
  themselves is Where can I start?
• This article was written with the aim to guide
  you through this challenging step.
• What a straight razor is?
• Now that youve decided to purchase straight
  razor, you should know that this tool is just
  shaving device. Unlike the new versions, this
  model is not as safe as its counterparts. It is
  comprised of a cutting edge that must
  continuously be honed to keep its characteristic
  sharpness.
• The handle part
• The handle portion of this tool is called scales.
  This part is divided into two components usually
  made of wood, horn or celluloid. The best
  straight razors generally use steel. The wood and
  other materials that make it, can be replaced
  once this device becomes damaged after overused.
• The scales
• The scales cover the blades. A pair of washers or
  pins is what holds these covers together.
  Likewise, those pins allow the razor to pivot to
  close or open. Generally speaking, these can have
  two pins however, there are others that come
  with three. The best straight razors come with
  three pins and are particularly stronger and
  heavier than other models.
• Its correct usage
• These blades can be opened with only the thumb
  because they dont have any locking function. No
  matter what the sharpness of the blade is, always
  be careful of opening and closing this shaving
  tool for the first time. Those who use this
  product on a regular basis suggest using while
  being seated. They also recommend covering a desk
  with a towel and utilize the razor very close to
  it. You may be preventing cutting yourself if you
  do this.

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• The blades and their structure
• The blades are made of two main materials, the
  most common are stainless steel and carbon
  steel. Of the two, the carbon steel is more
  widely used in the construction of this tool
  because its softer. Besides that, it is easier
  to hone it and keep it sharp.
• Carbon steel vs Stainless steel
• At first, it may be kind of off-putting to hold a
  razor made of carbon steel but you will get used
  to this once you learn about their advantages.
  The reason is that stainless steel requires more
  time and effort to be honed.
• But stainless steel straight razors tend to be
  more resistant and you can clean them in a matter
  of minutes. On the other side, materials like
  carbon steel are more susceptible to rust.
• Never mind the type you use, it will always need
  cleaning. If you want to keep its edge really
  sharp, a coat of mineral oil could help.
• The razor blade is flat on one edge and thicker
  on the top edge. This portion is what we call the
  grind.
• Conclusion
• Even though we have only talked about razors for
  shaving, there are other models available made
  for different purposes? The best straight razor
  must shave smoothly and must cut without hurting
  your skin. Sadly, they have gotten out of fashion
  with the creation of todays razors for safety
  and obvious reasons. But they are still in use
  and are preferred by many middle-aged guys in
  Europe.
• http//ezinearticles.com/?Straight-Razor-Shaving--
  -Buying-Your-First-Straight-Razorid2438133
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