WARNING: RAZORS ARE EXTREMELY SHARP. MISUSE CAN CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY! SHOULD YOU ATTEMPT ANY OF THE TASKS DESCRIBED IN THIS ARTICLE, YOU DO SO AT YOUR OWN RISK.
Below are a few simple do's and don'ts for safely handling straight razors. This is by no means an exhaustive list; you are ultimately responsible for learning to safely handle your own blade, so take it upon yourself to become familiar with safe practices, and use them consistently. Above all, use common sense.
DO
- Handle your razor with extreme care and control.
- Keep your razor folded/sheathed when not in use.
- Fold/Sheath your razor before handing it to someone else, or if you must change focus for a while.
- Keep your razor dry, clean, and sharp.
- Shave in a well-lit room free from distractions and other hazards.
DO NOT
- Try to catch a falling blade.
- Use your razor for anything other than shaving hair.
- Test the edge with your finger! The safest way to test the edge's sharpness is with the "shine test" or the "hanging hair test."
- Let water or lather rest on the blade longer than is absolutely necessary, moisture on the blade will cause it to rust. Not a safety issue, but definitely a buzz-kill.
If you have never held a straight razor before, or are still inexperienced using them, we recommend you practice simply holding it. Open and close it until you feel comfortable you can perform this operation safely 100% of the time. Then, try a few different grips and manipulate the blade in one hand as if to shave. Remember that dropping the razor can damage the edge or scales and should be avoided.
