Top 10 Best Straight Razor Kit Reviews — Your Ultimate Guide

The subtle yet effective art of shaving probably dug roots back in Africa about 100,000 years ago. Back then, cavemen began to pluck away at their facial hair using notched seashells and crude tweezers. Now, while the reasons why they decided to suddenly rid themselves of facial hair is a mystery, more and more men are reaping the benefits today. If you are going to shave, there’s no better way to go that with a straight razor. Here are our top 10 most popular straight razor kits and why you need one of these bad boys today.

Shave Ready Gold Dollar Straight Razor

 

For the modern guys and first-time shavers out there, there seems to be quite the confusion on what exactly it means to be shave ready. I mean, don’t all razors come ready to mow down some stubble and beards? Well, according to dealers, shave ready refers to as razors that have been mechanically sharpened on some sort of waterstone type when and thereafter hand honed on a stone for the best results. We’ve already established that men are tired of having to buy blade after blade for eternity. It’s time to look for a more durable, more effective solution in the name of Shave Ready Gold Dollar Straight Razor Kit. What makes this beauty shave ready is the fact that you get it with the 6/8″ round point cut throat razor professionally sharpened and honed for you. Not only is the Gold Dollar straight razor built from real high carbon steel, but the manufacturer ensured it is kiln hardened and will never break. The entire straight razor kit consists of world renowned The Blades Grim luxury shaving cream as well as a satin tip synthetic brush to cleanly apply your shaving soap.

Pros

• Shave ready out of the box
• Comes with free lifetime sharpening
• Durable and sturdy construction

Cons

• Some customers have claimed that the blade is pretty easy to open; users are advised to be cautious if carrying the razor

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Parker SR1 Straight Razor Set

 

There are times when a man just feels like no tool is getting the job done correctly. It’s those times when your beard or stubble won’t stop growing no matter what you do. If you are tired of always having a dull shadow on your chin, it’s time to go back in time to the good old and proven methods that your grandpa used. We’re talking about getting yourself a neat shaving straight razor kit that will get the job done. Like most refined men, you probably want to use the Parker SR1 Straight Razor Set for a full, complete and refreshing shave. There is a reason why the SR1 has been a mainstay and most popular in many barbershops for years now. Perhaps it is the 100% stainless steel, durable construction. Or maybe men just can’t get enough of the clip mechanism that makes changing blades super easy and quick. Whatever it is, Parker is damn good at what they do. This straight razor kit includes a pure badger shave brush, a deluxe chrome stand from Parker and 100 shark half blades.

Pros

• Makes a great gift for new shavers
• Comes with a fancy stand for razor and accessories
• Designed for professional and barbershop use

Cons

• It might be a bit tough to switch out the blades at first, but you’ll get the hang of it

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A.P. Donovan – Excellent straight razor cut throat Razor Set – Mahogany

 

Have you ever seen a full grown man so well shaven that you wondered if he ever had any facial hair to begin with? I’ll rephrase; ever seen a man with a full grown beard go from scruffy and rugged to baby-smooth in a couple of minutes? That right there must have been the work of a perfectly honed A.P. Donovan Straight Razor. As they say, it’s the quality of your equipment that determines the closeness of your shave. If this is true, then this latest masterpiece from Donovan is a true work of blacksmith art. This particular straight razor kit uses a high quality, Japanese carbon tempered steel that achieves a hardness of 64HRC. This allows for immensely sharp blades to be produced for a close, effective yet gentle shave. This particular straight razor kit also includes foam that glides smoother than ever over the gruffest skin.

Pros

• Straight razor kit comes in decorative wood box
• Outstanding leather strip with Straight razor kit
• High-quality Japanese steel

Cons

• All in all a pretty fine selection for the more experienced gentleman; but be sure to rehone and strop the blade some

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Dovo Straight Razor with Wood Shave Set and Accessories

 

When it comes to a great straight razor, some brands tend to be s cut above the rest (pardon the pun). Currently, Dovo is on everyone’s lips as a brand which is trying to bring back old traditions and instill a clean and well groomed male society. But not just any straight razor kit will do! You need a straight razor that will allow today’s modern working gentleman to adopt the age-old shaving rituals of our forefathers. The Dovo Straight Razor kit with Wood Shave Set teaches young men the lost art of honing and stropping their razors to achieve the perfect edge. I don’t know what it is about a Dovo that just pulls you in from afar. It could be that expertly crafted and easy to sharpen the blade. Or perhaps it’s the well-balanced handle that allows you to maneuver about like an expert. Whatever it is, the geniuses over at Dovo are definitely doing something right.

Pros

• Straight razor kit is ideal for both new shavers as well as veterans
• A pure Badger wooden brush for gentle exfoliation and hair lifting
• Included wood bowl for lathering up your cream into lather

Cons

• Some customers have claimed that the strop is not as effective since it comes folded and cupped

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Straight Razor Beginner’s Shaving Set

 

 

 

Just like everything about life, we all have to start somewhere. From a toddler to a boy and then to the ultimate form and image of masculinity; a man. But with manhood comes responsibility and a sharper sense of cleanliness. To be a man, you have to look the part, and that means sporting a neatly shaven chin. But again, even the maintenance of facial hair does not come easy. It takes skill, practice, and experience to not only achieve a smooth and seamless shave but to also finish up well without leaving cuts and slits all over your chin, throat and yes, even hands.

Fortunately, the Straight Razor Beginner’s Shaving Set is the only straight razor kit a young, bustling beginner needs to set him on the right path. If you aspire to be the ideal wet shaver who never misses a strand, then you will obviously need the entire straight razor kit that includes 6 accessories. You get a 6″ razor honing stone that gives you all the practice you need to get the stainless steel blade as shave ready as possible.

Pros

• Durable and efficient cowhide leather strop
• Hardy, stainless steel blade
• Includes strop paste as well as shaving soap

Cons

• This is ideal for beginners, but you might want to shift to more a defined brand afterward

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Men’s Wood 5 Pieces Cut Throat Straight Edge Razor

For those that are lucky and refined enough to own one of the best straight razor shaving kits will tell you right there and then that nothing beats the smooth and gentle shaving experience of a cut throat straight edge razor. Don’t get me wrong electric shaver dudes; your method may be fast and instant without any need for accessories, but try standing next to a straight razor shaver with your machine shave and see if it won’t show. It doesn’t matter if you shaved a few minutes ago, your stubble will look weeks old compared to that gentleman right there. Go ahead, ask him what he uses and you’ll most likely get an answer along the lines of the Men’s Wood 5 Pieces Cut Throat Straight Edge Razor. Made from real high carbon steel, this masterpiece ensures a better, closer shave than ever before. Of course, no wet shave is complete without a top of the line soap. The manufacturer included these in the straight razor kit with a brush and bowl for the full experience.

Pros

• Made of real high-quality carbon steel
• Straight razor kit comes with a traveling bag
• Includes sharpening strop

Cons

• There have been claims that the strops are a bit stiff and won’t strop as properly as one would like

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Colonel Conk Model 2316 Straight Razor Set with Santa Fe Bowl

 

 

 

 

No matter what product we are talking about, if it has the name Colonel Conk on it, then you know that you are getting your money’s worth. Today, no modern man’s arsenal of grooming is complete without a straight razor kit. As we all know, shaving with a straight razor is luxurious like driving the latest sports car, soaking in a hot, steamy bath or even dining on some fine cuisine. And just like all those, you wouldn’t purchase a brand new Bugatti and fill her up with bad oil or degenerate fuel now, would you? I thought so, so why would you maintain a clean and well-kept exterior only to work it with bad equipment? The Colonel Conk Model 2316 Straight Razor Set with Santa Fe Bowl offers a superior and highly close shave than other methods. In addition to sporting a very easy to sharpen carbon blade, this particular straight razor kit has an Acrylic handle for balanced wrist control.

Pros

• Straight razor kit boasts of durable German craftsmanship
• Includes Col Conks after shave lotion for better skin care
• Santa Fe Bowl in straight razor kit for shaving soap

Cons

• Customers have noted that the blade is not really shave-ready; however, a few rounds with the strop should remedy that right up

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Vintage Cut Throat Straight Razor Solid Wood and Stainless Steel Combo Handle Bristle Shaving Brush Natural Whetstone and Wooden Box Set with Gift Bag

One thing that never changes is the absolute perfection that one can create with the right tool at hand. Whether it is Picasso with his art or Michelangelo with some clay, they were able to express themselves so well because of their tools. Now, try giving these guys a calculus problem or a 100-acre farm at the Alps and see how well they do. A skilled swordsman is only good as the blade he uses. This is why most men have trusted certain brands when it comes to grooming and shaping their facial hair. If you are looking for a way to join the ranks of veteran gentlemen and modern, well-shaved men, then look no further than the Vintage Cut Throat Straight Razor Solid Wood combo with Stainless Steel straight razor kit. The entire kit includes one well-maintained razor that is super easy to sharpen, a durable whetstone to do that job, a water hone for the aspiring wet shaver and a box with a paper gift bag to complete the package.

Pros

• Vintage straight razor kit is ideal for gifting someone
• Smooth whetstone and water hone for easy sharpening
• Sharp, stainless steel blade with Straight razor kit

Cons

• Some men do indeed feel that the manufacturer could have added more accessories to their straight razor kit

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Apothecary Set – Straight Razor

 

Are you looking for the exact experience that your forefathers enjoyed all those years ago? I’m sure there are some men out there that loved nothing more than watching their grandfathers and pops taking the time to sharpen and strop their straight razors for a couple of minutes. After which they would then gently yet firmly maneuver that sharp, stiff blade over their chins and neck, getting all the hairs as they move along. Today, kids can’t even stand the sound of an electric shaver in the morning leave alone coming and watching. The Apothecary Set – Straight Razor kit aims to bring back the tradition and art that was fine grooming. What’s so special about this particular straight razor kit? Glad you asked; the manufacturer was thoughtful enough to include a brush stand that is engineered specifically to hold their brushes. You also get a specially designed apothecary mug to boot.

Pros

• Black, balanced handle for better maneuverability
• Country Uncle large select shaving soap in straight razor kit
• Inclusive apothecary mug

Cons

• Some customers claim that the manufacturer could have given them more accessories to work with

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The Frontiersman: Straight Razor Shaving Kit

 

For too long now, we have been corralled into thinking that convenience and a quick result are the way to go. This is precisely why nobody knows how to do anything for themselves anymore. Whether it is grooming, cleaning, working or whatever, there’s always someone you can call over, isn’t there?

Well, we say nay to that. It’s high time men started acting like real men. Ask any real man where he shaves, and he’ll probably tell you the name of his straight razor kit shaving companion. I mean, enough with the aloe strips, 12 blades and electric shavers for Pete’s sake. It’s time for men to forcefully take back their dignity and step up to the only method really worth using to eradicate facial hair – the straight razor. If there was a weapon of mass grooming for men, it would have to be something from the geniuses over at The Frontiersman. Yeah yeah yeah, razors are dangerous and risky, but then again; isn’t anything worth doing a bit treacherous? Not to worry, The Frontiersman: Straight Razor Kit offers an unparalleled and very easy to follow 5 step shaving experience right out of the box. The kit includes 10 super stainless blades, a drying stand, and a re-usable field shave canister.

Pros

• Straight razor kit comes in a reclaimed cigar box
• Smooth and quick lathering shave soap
• Pleasant smelling and cooling aftershave from Bergamot

Cons

• One of the most complete straight razor kit ever, but they could have included a bowl for the soap

Why Straight Razor?

Almost like a renaissance movement, more and more men have been recently showing interest in the use of straight razor kits. Now, while there are so many reasons why a straight razor is probably the best possible tool for the job, there are a couple one or two things that men ought to know. Straight razor shaving is definitely not for everyone. It requires insanely high levels of discipline, planning, deliberation, forethought, pride and of course a bit of daring as well. If you have none of the above characteristics, then we recommend that you stick to those junky and flimsy razors that don’t require any skill whatsoever. Hey, who am I to teach a busy guy on the basics of shaving, grooming, primping, caring and indulging themselves on the best grooming techniques ever used? But for those willing to take the time and learn, there’s an entire world of wonders just waiting to be discovered. Here’s why you need to use straight razors today.

• The Closest Shave

If you have been paying attention to different shaving methods, then you know that straight razors are by far the best method for shaving while achieving the closest shave. Sure modern advertisements will try to tell you how multiple blades equal a much closer shave, but let’s take time to analyze that. The only thing that multiple blades help is in lessening the time it takes to shave. Admittedly, a straight razor kit will take more time to shave, but after you are done, your face will feel as smooth as the cream you used.

• Less Irritation

Basic shaving laws dictate that the fewer times a razor blade goes over your skin, the less irritated it will feel. As such, straight razors result in less post shave irritation as opposed to multiple blades and electric shavers. Since you only have to pass a straight razor kit only once over your chin and neck, these areas get far less irritation. Try using a mach with 3 blades and see how irritated your skin will be compared to using even the most simple straight razor kits to shave.

• Most Environmentally Friendly Shaving Method

It is our duty to keep our planet clean and as conducive as possible for generations to come. Sadly, human beings create unsustainable amounts of trash and pollute the environment in a million different ways. Even our shaving methods don’t do any single thing to help the situation out. While most people do it subconsciously, the amount of plastic and metal we waste with disposable razors is really a nightmare. Straight razor kits eliminate the trash and make shaving a very user and environmentally friendly experience.

Choosing a Razor: What to Look For

While choosing a blade is a matter of personal preference, there are a few brands that are well known for their quality craftsmanship. These include Dovo, Boker, Thiers-Issard, Gold Dollar among others. There are even vintage straight razor kits that offer significant quality and performance. Here are other factors to consider when selecting your straight razor kit.

• Steel Quality

Veteran shavers understand that a straight razor with a great temper sharpens much better than low-quality steels. This is because their construction and materials allow for easier stropping and less degeneration over time. You can check the temper of your blade by catching the point of the blade under your nail and letting it slip out promptly. If you get a good and very clear ring, then the blade is definitely well tempered. Any other result will mean that your blade is unevenly tempered.

• Hollowed Blade

Most modern straight razor kits come with blades that are ground hollow. This causes a concave shape on each side of the blade that makes the razor lighter, sharper and very easy to maneuver. There are also different degrees of hollowing for different shavers. Now, full concaves will achieve the sharpest edge on the planet but are definitely not recommended for beginners. Maybe start off with half or slight concaves before moving on to the big boy toys.

Competition

As always, we have to go through our entire catalog and find the best straight razor kit for you. This task is always arduous, especially when you consider that our list features 10 of the best straight razor kits in the market.

For example, the Straight Razor Beginner’s Shaving Set really struck a note since most customers are new to this. And just like everything about life, we all have to start somewhere. From a toddler to a boy and then to the ultimate form and image of masculinity; a man. But with manhood comes responsibility and a sharper sense of cleanliness. To be a man, you have to look the part, and that means sporting a neatly shaven chin. But again, even the maintenance of facial hair does not come easy. It takes skill, practice, and experience to not only achieve a smooth and seamless shave but to also finish up well without leaving cuts and slits all over your chin, throat and yes, even hands. Fortunately, the Straight Razor Beginner’s Shaving Set is the only straight razor kit a young, bustling beginner needs to set him on the right path. If you aspire to be the ideal wet shaver who never misses a strand, then you will obviously need the entire straight razor kit that includes 6 accessories.

However, there can only be one winner, and that is the Dovo Straight Razor with Wood Shave Set and accessories. When it comes to a great straight razor, some brands tend to be a cut above the rest (pardon the pun). Currently, Dovo is on everyone’s lips as a brand which is trying to bring back old traditions and instill a clean and well groomed male society. But not just any straight razor kit will do! You need a straight razor that will allow today’s modern working gentleman to adopt the age-old shaving rituals of our forefathers. The Dovo Straight Razor kit with Wood Shave Set teaches young men the lost art of honing and stropping their razors to achieve the perfect edge. I don’t know what it is about a Dovo that just pulls you in from afar. It could be that expertly crafted and easy to sharpen blade. Or perhaps it’s the well-balanced handle that allows you to maneuver about like an expert. Whatever it is, the geniuses over at Dovo are definitely doing something right. And that is why they are our champions hands down.

Sources:

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