Straight razors: types and functions
Which razor is best to use in a barbershop?
What types of razors exist and which one is better to use in a barbershop to ensure safety for the client and comfort for the barber?
Maxim Stifler , owner of TheSketch barbershop chain
There are cast blade razors and razors with replaceable blades.
A straight razor, or bladed one, is a razor with an open blade. The first such razor was made back in 1680 in the city of Sheffield (Great Britain). Calling the razor a “dangerous” razor began after the advent of the Gillette T-shaped razor, which was advertised as a “safety razor.”
To sharpen or restore a straight razor blade, use an abrasive stone. You need to keep the blades in good working condition and correct minor defects using a special leather belt and abrasive paste.
A shavet, a machine with replaceable blades, has a shape similar to a straight razor. Shavet blades have the appearance and shape of half a double-edged safety razor blade. The shaving technique is also similar. Supporters of the classic blade razor consider the chavette not as effective, but the design with a replaceable blade is less traumatic and eliminates the need to adjust the blade, and also increases hygiene when used in barbershops.
Barber's advice
At home, I recommend using a molded razor, although it needs regular trimming. To do this, it is not enough to just have a guard - to maintain the blades in good condition you need a belt or a special stone and paste.
You can use a cast razor in a barbershop if each client has a personal razor, it is in a special box and it is regularly disinfected. Therefore, barbershops often use a shavet with a replaceable blade.