How to Choose the Right Straight Razor?
The straight razor holds a special place in the bathroom of the modern man. Some are driven by the desire to return to traditional grooming methods, while others are simply looking for the quality of a classic, old-fashioned shave. The economic and environmental aspects are also important considerations: made from durable materials, this shaving accessory will remain your trusted companion for many years. To help you make the most of it, Plisson 1808 takes a closer look at the key criteria to consider when choosing the right straight razor.
Which materials should you choose for your straight razor?
It is important to distinguish between the material used for the blade and the one used for the handle (or scales).
Straight razor blade: two dominant types of steel
Straight razor blades are generally made from either stainless steel or carbon steel. When designing its straight razors, Plisson 1808 exclusively chooses the latter. Softer and finer than stainless steel, carbon steel glides more smoothly and evenly across the skin. It helps prevent irritation while delivering superior shaving performance.
The handle: a component made from a wide range of materials
When it comes to handles, a wide variety of materials are available. These range from plastic and titanium to acetate, bamboo, olive wood, ironwood, mother-of-pearl and even buffalo horn. At Plisson 1808, we focus on premium craftsmanship by offering three high-quality products at accessible prices:
At this level of quality, the choice is above all a matter of aesthetics. It comes down to personal taste and style preferences. Wood and horn embody a traditional spirit, while acetate has a more modern appearance.
Straight razor: are there different handle shapes?
A straight razor always features a curved handle. Depending on the model, the curvature can be more or less carefully designed. If it is too pronounced or, on the contrary, insufficient, the level of ergonomics is affected. To ensure optimal handling, Plisson 1808 has found the perfect balance. Our straight razors therefore provide unparalleled comfort and shaving precision.
Straight razor profiles: how to choose the right one?
Between semi-hollow, hollow and extra-hollow blade profiles, it is easy to get confused, especially if you are new to straight razor shaving. To better understand the differences, let’s take a closer look at the characteristics of each profile.
The semi-hollow profile: perfect for beginners
Semi-hollow blades are thicker and heavier than hollow-ground blades. They are easier to use because they allow beginners to focus fully on mastering the right movements, ensuring a close shave with a reduced risk of cuts.
The hollow profile: suitable for experienced users
This intermediate blade profile offers a very high level of comfort. It provides a close shave and is suitable for most uses. We recommend it for both beard shaving and head shaving. Above all, the hollow-ground blade is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. This is one of the reasons why this profile is featured on all Plisson 1808 straight razors.
The extra-hollow profile: designed for experts
This profile is also known as a “singing” blade, due to the distinctive sound it produces when a fingernail is passed along the blade edge. The highest-quality hollow-ground blades feature this characteristic. The extra-hollow blade is the finest blade profile available. Extremely precise from the very first stroke, it is therefore not suitable for every user. Shaving with this type of blade requires the utmost concentration.
Which blade thickness should you choose?
The blade length generally varies between 7 and 9 cm. The blade width, meanwhile, is expressed in eighths of an inch (knowing that one inch equals 25.4 mm, 1/8 inch is therefore equal to 3.175 mm). The standard size is considered to be 5/8 inch, or 15.875 mm. This is the ideal choice if you are looking for a shave that is both quick and effective. Plisson 1808 also offers a 6/8 inch (19.05 mm) straight razor model, designed for men who are slightly less experienced.
Have you never used a straight razor before and feel a little hesitant? Discover our collection of shavettes! Equipped with a safety blade but offering performance comparable to a straight razor, they are ideal for beginners looking to learn the traditional shaving technique and easily master the contours of their beard. What’s more, shavettes require very little maintenance: there is no need to clean or sharpen the blade — simply replace it when needed.
