As is common with the circular nature of fashion trends, straight-edge razors are currently having a big comeback and are also perfect for travelling with.
It’s often wise to be cautious of these kinds of fashion revivals and to question why it is that they’re coming back around. Perhaps surprisingly, there are a few good reasons behind why straight-edge razors are having their comeback.
Straight-Edge Razors
Personally, I switched to a straight-edge razor a long time ago and can highly recommend them. I find them perfect for when at home but also when out on travel adventures.
They’re Great to Travel With
A potentially unexpected benefit to straight-edge razors is that they’re perfect to travel with. With other kinds of razors, whether electric or cartridge varieties, you’ll need to replace the blades. If you’re travelling for extended periods of time to places where you’re not sure you’ll be able to buy new ones, that can start to become a limiting factor.
With straight-edge razors, you don’t need to replace the blades – instead, you just need to hone it on a piece of leather between uses. This means that you’ll never be without a sharp blade, no matter where you find yourself in the world.
They Have a Great Aesthetic
It might seem obvious, but it’s worth pointing out that straight-edge razors aren’t just making a comeback because of practical reasons. People also love straight razors for their vintage aesthetic – they undeniably look better than any of the other options out there, and feel a lot cooler to use as well.
No matter what people might say, fashion and design impact the tools people choose to use. Although looks were not my primary concern when getting a straight-edge razor, it was the great shaving experience I get out of it, they do look great.
They Provide a Premium Shaving Experience
While straight-edge razors certainly do look great, they’re also one of the most effective tools out there for providing close shaving. Due to the angle, the sharpness of the blade and the proximity of the edge to your skin, you can generally get a closer end result compared to any other option on the market.
You do need to work for that end result of course – they’re not super easy to use, and you need to put some effort into learning the right techniques. With just a bit of extra time and effort, however, you’ll find yourself with a shaving routine that surpasses most others.
They’re impressively sustainable
Lastly, straight-edge razors are likely the most sustainable shaving technology on the market. They’re the only option that doesn’t require buying new blades on a regular basis; instead, you simply need to resharpen the device between uses, by honing it on a strip of leather.
Not only does this mean that you’ll save a substantial amount of money in the long run, but you’ll also be doing the environment a favour.
Straight-edge razors might seem a little old hat, but we reckon there’s good reason to believe that they’ll be around for a long time yet. The old saying that if it’s not broken, don’t fix it definitely applies here. Straight-edge razors are a sustainable, effective tool for shaving, and we reckon they’re absolutely worth giving a go.
Travel Smart
Taking a straight-edge razor travelling is a great idea and from my own experience, I can’t recommend it enough. I will not be going back to my regular shaves again!
Especially if you plan getting off-the-beaten-path in your travels, having a razor that you won’t need to replace will help out a lot.
For more gear advice have a look at my gear guides.
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