Men started using metal blades to shave their faces around 3,000 BC when copper became the medium of choice for all things utilitarian. Since then, shaving has advanced to electric razors that clean and lubricate themselves, cool your skin, play satellite radio, and that soon will (ostensibly) update your twitter feed. While it’s swell that the process has become more automated, the end goal is ultimately the same: get the damn hair off your face.
With that in mind, there’s something to be said for the simplicity of a straight razor shave. In spite of all the gadgets available to the millennial man, the straight razor market is stronger now than it’s ever been; even Bond used one in Skyfall. It may involve a little bit of blood at first and a few extra minutes of work, but using a straight razor makes for a close shave and involves a routine that feels timeless and empowering. If you’re ready to step up your shave game, here are the top five straight blades you ought to consider.
Additional contributions by John Zientek.
The DOVO German Classic 5/8 Blade
Best Straight Razor for the Classic Shaver: In terms of straight shaving, DOVO is what we would call a household name. Founded in 1906 in Solingen, Germany, DOVO produced only straight razors until the 1950s when they also began producing scissors, clippers and other fine grooming tools. While they have produced straight blades for over 100 years, it’s only in the past two years that DOVO has reestablished shaving as the driving force behind production and advertising. This particular blade, The German Classic, is the perfect blade for the beginning shaver or the frequent traveler. The scales are resin, which requires no real maintenance; the blade is high-carbon steel; and let’s not forget that it’s made in Germany, which means it’s made to last.
