We've shown you how to use a safety razor and save on overpriced blades, but if the ultimate in close shaves is what you're after, you can't beat a straight razor. This video from the Art of Manliness shows you how to do it, and what you'll need.
Strictly, if shaving with a safety razor is old school, using a straight razor is even more old school—and, to be fair, dangerous if you don't know what you're doing and don't apply common sense. The video above walks you through all of the items you'll need (including a mug, a shaving brush, shaving soap, aftershave, the straight razor itself, and a leather strop to keep that blade sharp and happy) along with the proper technique for holding the straight razor for the best possible control. You'll want to hold the blade at a 30-degree angle to your face, and shave in short strokes, pulling your skin taut and letting the weight of the blade do the work (don't apply pressure!) in the direction of your beard growth.
Even though a straight razor looks dangerous, it's really not much different than using a cartridge or a safety razor—it's just larger, the blade is fully exposed, and it looks scary. Since the straight razor is one item and there are no replaceable blades at all, you'll never need to buy razor blades or replacement cartridges. Just use the leather strop to keep the blade honed and edged. Over the long haul, you'll get a better, closer shave (which is better for your face, especially if you're prone to razor burn) and you'll save money. That said, if you're going into this purely to save money, you may not want to—it takes longer to shave this way, and while you'll get a better shave out of it, it's more of an enthusiast thing than a quick, money-saving thing.
Hit the link below to read more, or check the video description for links to the items used in the video.
How to Shave With a Straight Razor [VIDEO] | The Art of Manliness