Best Straight Razor Kit for Beginners and Pro Shavers  (2022 Buying Guide)

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If you’re looking to get back the old-school gentleman’s touch, then a men’s straight razor kit is for you. This article will help walk through some of our favorite options in this category so that you can start enjoying wet shaving like never before!

The best straight razor kits also make an ideal Birthday, Father’s Day, or Christmas gift for friends, husbands, or lovers, who have been daydreaming of getting the perfect classic shave experience.

Many who have never tried the traditional way to shave often ask “what’s the point?”

Straight Razor Kit (Summary)

In shops today there are razors with five blades, ones that vibrate, and even a few that have shaving foam coming out of a pressurized container. These gadgets are accompanied by huge advertising campaigns that promise you an even better shave than the previous model that was released 6 months before.

These razors have to be better than using the same kind of equipment that your grandfather used, right? The latest is always the greatest? Does this mean that the traditional way of doing things becomes obsolete?

Classic shaving with the best straight razor is all about the return to the roots of the shaving experience.

Wet shaving is not just about getting a close shave, it’s also about the process. To get that perfect look and feel you need to have the right equipment like your best shaving brush and traditional shave cream for men for example. Take enough time out of today’s busy schedule with some wet-shaving because we all deserve something special!

That said, this buying guide will take you back to classic shaving and the essential items that a straight razor kit should include. Since a kit is a great way to start for a beginner, we will emphasize the best straight razor kit for beginners.

What to Look for in Men’s Straight Razor Kits

Companies such as DOVO, Parker, and Gibson all advertise themselves to have the best straight-cut razor shaving sets in today’s market. While each company has a different design of its product with an assortment of materials used for its construction, they are also unique and different from one another because they offer something that is not offered by other companies on the market.

Here are the 4 most important items that every straight-edge shave set should contain.

1. A Good Straight Edge Razor

The blade is arguably the most important item in any good straight razor kit. The blade you choose should be professionally honed to provide a clean, smooth shave with your new outfit – which is why it’s worth getting one that includes an affordable and easily available top-quality steel.

When you purchase a straight razor, it is important to keep in mind the size and shape of the blade as well. There are two main types of tips that can be on these blades: round nose or straight nose design. The steel grade also affects how the razor performs different tasks.

For a straight razor starter kit, you should set aside most of the cost for the straight razor alone. The size of the beginner blade I recommend is 5/8″ as it is more forgiving than a 6/8″ and easy to hold when you are learning the art.

2. Quality Strop (3″ or 2″ Wide)

Strops are essential for getting the most out of your razor. They ensure that you can shave without any accidents and they keep your razor sharp so you don’t have to deal with a dull blade scraping against your skin. Strops come in many different materials, some more affordable than others but they all serve one purpose – help maintain an already expensive investment!

There are many different types of strops, some with canvas finishing and others with leather. Though they may have similar components like linen or compressed felt, the way each one is made will make it unique in its own right.

The three main types include paddle strops, loom, and hanging strops. They all do the same thing – straighten the edge of a blade, but a paddle and loom strops are less popular. The hanging strops are the most common though they have to be attached to an immovable object and then stretched out tight when in use.

Strops come in two sizes: 3” and 2” each with its pros and cons. In the case of a 2” wide strop you will need to make an x pattern when stropping the razor blade; with a 3” strop, you can use a normal flat stroke.

3. Shaving Soap That Fits Your Skin Type

They made their first debut in the 14th century and have ever since remained an essential element in quality shaving. A quality shave soap or maybe the best shaving cream for a straight razor that features a high-fat content (tallow or vegetable) and glycerin. The glycerin from plant oil is useful as it helps to retain water keeping the skin hydrated. The fat in the soap provides for lubrication and protection while shaving causing the blade to glide over your skin with ease preventing minor nicks.

So yes, just in case you were wondering, shaving soap has many differences from your average shaving foam from your local grocery store.

4. A Quality Shave Brush

Before shaving brushes were invented, hairy men used to lather soap on their faces with sea sponges before they shaved.

But when these devices first came out the aquatics creatures quickly became a thing of the past and people started using them as well for many different purposes. So if you’re looking for that perfect gift on Father’s Day go ahead and get dad one today!

• A quality shaving brush will create a warm and rich lather by mixing air into the cream or soap
• A shaving brush will lift the hair off your face and before it softens it
• Heats the skin helping the pores to open up and add lubrication to the skin
• Sweeps away dead skin

If you’re looking for a new shaving brush, then it’s best to know which type of bristles is the right fit. Boar shaving brushes are strong and can withstand high water temperature levels without being damaged. Horsehair brushes work great on wet or dry hair because they absorb moisture well, but tend not to be as durable compared with other types of badger bristle fibers such as silver tips and super grade badgers that have longer hairs yielding softer strokes.

Ok, let’s get to the meat – here are some “best straight edge razor kits”, if it is the best, that depends on your personal preferences and also your budget. Let’s get to it – here are some of the best straight razor shaving kits available now:

Best Straight Razor Shaving Kit

1. DOVO Straight Razor Kit – Best Straight Razor Kit Overall

This kit comes in 2 versions – the difference is the straight razor – 1 kit comes with the DOVO Forestal straight razor and 1 version with DOVO Inox straight razor. The rest of the set is the same (Van Der Hagen scented luxury shave soap, leather travel case, Van der Hagen shaving brush, shaving bowl, and strop). This makes this sort of a custom straight razors kit.

My personal opinion is that the version with DOVO Inox is the best straight razor kit for beginners due to the Stainless steel blade, while the DOVO Forestal is a better choice if you are a bit more experienced.

It pays to get a shaving kit instead of just a straight razor or safety razor as a wet shaving beginner. Aside from the convenience a kit offers, you get to save cash and use tools that complement each other. Now, there’s the option of building a shaving kit or buying one that has been professionally pieced together.

One of the best shaving sets we’ve come across is the DOVO Forestal Cocobolo Scales Luxury Shave Set and the sibling DOVO Olivewood Scales and Luxury Shave Set. Below is what it offers and why you should consider it.

Dovo Forestal Cocobolo Straight Razor Kit

Dovo is known for creating beautiful and high-quality straight razors, but they outdid themselves with the Dovo Forestal. Before diving deeper, we should point out that the Dovo Forestal is a rare premium straight razor. So if you or your spouse love rare gems, this is one to get.

Aside from that, the Dovo Forestal features a full hollow grind carbon blade with a round point. The full hollow grind makes it perfect for precise and thorough shaving, while the round point helps reduce the risk of injury.

On the side is a tasteful and classic ‘Forestal’ engraving. The blade is nimble and paired with a smooth tang. What makes this straight razor rare is the use of discontinued Cocobolo scales. Cocobolo is attractive hardwood indigenous to Central America. However, its widespread use on guitar necks, knife handles, and pool cues threatened its existence. To elevate its beauty, it needs to be oiled well. On the bright side, it’s moisture resistant.

Dovo Inox Straight Razor Kit

Compared to other straight razor manufacturers, Dovo has a solid reputation for creating some of the sturdiest and sharpest razors. The DOVO Inox 41 is no different.

The DOVO Inox 41 is made with stainless steel blades which are rust-resistant and, unlike carbon steel, don’t require a lot of maintenance to preserve its shine. The blade is a 5/8”, full hollow with a round point.

The 5/8-inch width makes it perfect for maneuvering hard-to-reach spots, while the full hollow makes the blade sharp, fine, and flexible edge. To reduce the chances of nicks and cuts for beginners, they added a round point.

Adding to its beauty is the 24k cold plating on the blade side and olivewood scales. Olive wood is hard and rich in color. Though natural olive wood lacks natural oils making it susceptible to rot, DOVO treats the wood it uses. The treatment process makes it rot and water-resistant, a factor that complements the long-lasting stainless steel blade.

Read review: DOVO Inox

Van Der Hagen Scented Luxury Shave Soap

If you love scented shaving soaps, you’ll fall in love with the Van Der Hagen shave soap included in the luxury set. The soap combines mango butter, shea butter, and cocoa butter, all ingredients that produce a great smell. Even better, the shave soap lathers easily in the hand or a bowl. This is one of the best shaving soaps for straight razors with a very fair price point.

Shaving Bowl

Using a shaving bowl is a great way of experimenting and learning how to build quality lather for wet shaving beginners. It’s an essential step before you gain confidence and progress to face lathering. With that said, this shaving bowl comes in handy. But as an expert, it’s, unfortunately, more of an indulgence piece.

Van der Hagen Shaving Brush

This badger shaving brush feels great on the skin. It does a great job of lifting hairs and lightly exfoliating before shaving. Coupled with the Van Der Hagen shave soap and bowl, you’ll have an easy time whipping up a quality lather.

Strop

While DOVO put’s in great effort to ensure its razors arrive shave-ready, this isn’t always the case. Instead, we find the razors need initial light honing to ‘activate’ the sharpness. With this in mind, the luxury set comes with a quality 2-inch double-sided leather strop.

2. Naked Armor Solomon Straight Razor Shaving Kit – Bestseller with Great Value & the Perfect Gift

The 21st century came bearing gifts like the internet, smartphones, and tech advancements in many industries. And while we have embraced these changes for their convenience, we prefer enjoying some items as our forefathers did. The straight razor is a perfect example of a tool stuck in time, and we are okay with it. Its uncomplicated design, effectiveness, and cool effect have bearded men falling head over heels for it.

If you don’t have one yet, you are missing out on an old shaving tradition in men’s grooming. But though we’ve borrowed it from our forefathers, straight razors exude class and masculinity.
Since you are here, you are ready to join the cool wet shavers’ squad. That’s great, but before you learn about the straight razor parts, take some time to find the perfect straight razor kit. You might have mastered classic wet shaving techniques, but without the perfect straight razor kit for your needs, you’ll never get the results and experience you envision.

However, the industry is full of straight razor kits, and it can be confusing. Luckily for you, we’ve tested a range of kits, and here’s one that stood out from the pack – the Naked Armor Solomon Straight Razor Shaving Kit.

Here’s a quick take of what it offers and how it holds up against the competition.

A straight razor shaving kit should offer a wholesome shaving experience. The different elements should shine individually and play as a team to achieve a close, smooth, and irritation-free shave. Naked Armor understands this and sets out to blow your mind.

They choose a luxurious compact wooden box with their minimal logo on top. Inside are the shaving tools perfectly placed in fitting foam. Below is what each of the tools offers and how they stand out:

Japanese Steel Straight Razor Blade

Emphasis is on the word ‘Japanese.’ Japanese steel is one of the best in the world. If you’ve seen movies of Japanese samurai warriors’ sword fighting in a bamboo forest and how every missed strike slices the bamboo branches, then you know what we mean. The history of the strong steel dates back to the seventh century when it was part of their Lamellar armor. As a blade, the steel guarantees durability and resistance from rust. And since its blade length is 7.5cm, 13/16″ (total length of the razor: 15.7cm) you have more blade to shave, meaning you spend less time shaving.

The blade is considered a hybrid blade, crafted between the 1/2 hollow and full hollow. The straight edge razor blade is 7/8 wide at the widest point and 5/8 at the tapered end.

The blade has the Naked Armor logo, and the tail it’s ridged for a solid grip. Moreover, the wood scales have a nice weight, which adds to the comfort of using the blade.

The Wood Handle

The wood we allude to above is algum. It’s also known as sandalwood. This is the same wood King Solomon used to build the royal palace, God’s temple, and musical instruments. The wood has a rich, deep, and beautiful red. Today, it’s the second most expensive wood in the world native to the Amazon forest.

Shaving Brush, Leather Strop, and Paste

Naked Armor also makes the brush handle from solid algum. Aside from this, it is ergonomically carved and fits perfectly in your hand. And the hairs on the brush are badger friendly. This means no badger dies in the making of this kit.

On the other hand, the strop is made from high-quality leather. The strop comes in handy in aligning the edge of the blade after sharpening. Generally, it helps to maintain its sharpness. To achieve a superior edge, Naked Armor provides strop paste. The paste also helps to polish the blade and maintain its shine.

Shaving Soap

For a close and smooth shave free of irritations, you need to use shaving soap. Naked Armor provides shaving soap rich in essential oils and infused with a manly scent. The soap produces a smooth and rich lather and moisturizes the skin in the process.

3. DOVO Straight American, Straight Razor with Full Shaving Set – All You Need

If you are in love with shaving, then DOVO rings a bell for being a very desirable item. This company is renowned for its exceptional quality products which most shaving enthusiasts would agree with. Talk of good quality products and you are talking about this Straight American set whose job is simply to give you a wonderful shave.

With their square point blade, they are definitely on point and any shaving enthusiast will definitely like their products. Different from other sets, this comes as a set that contains the essential ingredients for a truly great shave.

The strop is of great quality and makes for easy sharpening.

This razor is designed with steel that is hardened to HRC 61, which is of high quality and good durability, being manufactured in Solingen, Germany.

If you are looking for a change in your grooming experience and substitute the unsatisfying experience with a smooth shave that will keep you with a smile through the process, then this could be all you need.

4. Colonel Conk Model 2316 Straight Razor Set with Santa Fe Bowl – Best for Experienced Users

Regardless of the type of product you are looking for, if it has the brand name Colonel Conk on it, then you should know that it’s worth your money since satisfaction is guaranteed.

Shaving using an open blade is considered luxurious by most people. Just as you would not fill your luxurious sports car with bogus engine oil, a quality razor should not be surrounded by a set of inferior equipment.

The Colonel Conk Model 2316 set manufacturers know this pretty well, and that is why in their kit, they include only superior and quality close shave products as compared with other sets. Apart from containing a carbon blade that is very easy to sharpen, this deal also includes an acrylic handle which offers you a balanced wrist control.

Also in this set are natural products that are produced from essential oils which play a significant role in soothing, moisturizing, and nourishing your skin. As it is well known, moisture plays a critical role in maintaining your skin in good care.

DOVO Straight Razor

The star in this kit is Colonel Conk branded DOVO 100 (6/8″) from DOVO’s Best Quality Series. It features carbon steel, full hollow ground with a round point. This is a great straight razor for those who want to experience the type of shaving that has been around since man came down from the trees. The blade can be used by beginners or anyone looking for a robust and straightforward shave with an even quality as its counterparts in this tradition-rich market. All surfaces are precisely finished, but not too aggressively so it feels good in your hands while you wield it against stubble.

Read review: DOVO Best Quality Straight Razor

Pre-shave Oil

This set also has a pre-shave oil which is very useful in preparing your skin before you begin shaving. Many experienced wet shavers will attest to the fact that the success of your shave is mainly dependent on your level of preparation before starting shaving.

Rio Grande Shaving Cream

The Rio Grande Lavender shaving cream that is also in the set helps in smoothening your skin for smooth movement of the blade during shaving. The functionality of shaving cream can never be underestimated since it is useful in avoiding cuts that could result from roughness on the skin when shaving.

Rio Grande Aftershave Lotion

With Rio Grande Lavender after shave lotion also included healing any nicks that you might have incurred when shaving is made simple.

5. Parker SR1 Straight Edge Razor Shave Set – Best Shavette Kit

Currently, stumbling along with a blade that just isn’t right for you? Can’t get any satisfaction? Well, if you are experiencing this then you have not met the Parker SR1 Kit. This beauty offers you a new and refreshing shaving experience and could easily erase all your previous disappointments in the traditional shaving game.

This could explain why the SR has increasingly gained popularity in many barbershops over the years and therefore a great pick if you are looking for a professional straight razor kit. The purely stainless steel gem and durable construction could also have something to do with its reputation. Alternatively, it could be due to its Shavette style clip mechanism that has made changing of safety razor blades quite fast and easy.

Whatever the reason for its increased fame, the manufacturers of this set are renowned for their quality products.

Its 100 shark super and stainless steel blades are designed for use by barber-type razors. They fit perfectly into any straight edge razor that uses a double edge blade. Each of these blades has been precisely sized with precision – hence delivering the best quality shave possible.

Parker Badger Brush

This set also includes a 100% badger brush, an ideal deluxe chrome stand, and up to 100 sharp blades.

Stainless Steel Parker SR1 Blade Arm and Handle

Parker also contains a stainless blade arm and handle which are of high quality and could be used for both home shavers and barbershop use.

Snap-lock

It is designed with a Shavette-style snap lock which is essential in securing the blades in place alongside other useful features that are only found in high-quality models of this kind.

6. Shave Ready 10 Piece Set Shaving Straight Razor 6/8 – Popular Straight Razor Kit & Great Value

If you have never previously used an open razor then you can be sure to have missed some of the best shaving experiences. Using this one could be quite fulfilling and satisfying, and that is why all men with a beard should try it out since the shaving experience could be far much better as compared to electric shaving.

Even though cutthroat razors are very useful for perfect grooming, not all of them possess the best qualities. It is a fact that only a few of the shaving sets available today have the best features to give you the shave of your desire. While this is true, the “shave ready” set meets all the conditions necessary to be classified among the few sets of high quality.

Nearly all the elements contained in the set are of high quality which implies that you will experience less frustration and great ease when using them in shaving. The best part of this set is that it is not like other sets which sometimes contain a razor that is of good quality and well-performing – but all the other items are of lesser quality leading to potential disappointment.

Also included:

Beginner Guide

It comes with an 8-page beginner guide booklet on traditional shaving and how to perform the stropping.

Cut-throat Razor

The set contains a 6/8” round point efficient cut-throat razor that is sharpened by experts. It offers the best shave which gets you to feel the closeness of classic shaving using this razor. Apart from being made of carbon steel, it has been kiln-hardened with fire for durability. Comes with a lovely, classic slipcase (box) for proper storing of your gear.

GB Buckingham & Sons Synthetic Strop

The set comes with a GB Buckingham and Sons 3″ synthetic strop for stropping your cut-throat blade, making it super sharp for your daily shave.

The Purest Shave Brush

The set comes with a high-quality satin tip white synthetic shaving brush with a slipcase for storing.

The Blades Grim Smolder Pre-shave Oil

Lifts hairs so you will get a close and smooth shave.

Blades Grim Shave Soap

It also contains Blades Grim shave soap that has earned plenty of praise and is quite excellent in producing long-lasting lather to ensure the perfect smoothness is achieved.

Blades Grim Smolder Aftershave

Antiseptic after-shave from Blades Grim that prevents the growth of disease-causing microorganisms.

7. The Shave Network Gold Dollar Straight Razor Kit – Good Intermediate Set

This shaving set is among the most famous sets that you could get for perfect shaving. It is packed with items of the best quality which has made many men appreciate the zen of open blades.

The most exceptional item you will find in this deal is its razor which is manufactured by Gold Dollar. This 3” by 6/8” carbon steel blade makes it a breeze to easily switch blade angles which is very useful for both experienced shavers as well as beginners. The fact that it comes already sharpened by professionals is a big plus.

The razor is designed to have a long-lasting life even if used daily. It is also intended to offer a good firm grip making it easy to maneuver during the shaving process. With the round point being the best feature for beginners, this set makes your shaving enjoyable.

This set is also packed with a Blades Grim pre-shave, quality soap, and excellent aftershave oil. If you want to achieve a great shave then obviously you need to have the best soap. The good thing is that this set comes with exactly what you need. What makes this soap significant is that it can produce quality lather within a short time and its natural smell gives the perfect scent.

Also included:

Synthetic Shaving Brush

Having a good soap is not enough, and that is why the set also contains a synthetic shaving brush made by Satin Tips which performs very well. Also, with a genuine leather strop, you can sharpen your straight razor blade whenever you need it.

Blades Grim Shaving Soap

The shave soap from Blades Grim is useful in preparing and securing your skin with the needed moisture which keeps the skin soft. The Blades Grim shaving soap in this set contributes to lasting moisture which helps keep your skin moist until the next time you shave.

8. Straight Razor Beginner’s Shaving Set – Great for Beginners

Life is characterized by a series of stages. Everyone has to start from somewhere and finally get to the other end. From being a young boy to becoming a man entails a complete transformation. After becoming a man, a lot is expected from you which can be termed as responsibilities. Apart from being responsible for many other things, mostly you are accountable for your cleanliness and how presentable you are. It is possible to tell how a man has it together from his facial appearance.

Nothing comes easy and even maintaining your facial hair could be hard since it entails a blend of skill, practice, and pleasant experience to achieve the very best results. Fortunately, there is now a great shaving set that is quite effective for beginners that are sensibly called the “Straight Razor Beginner’s Shaving Set”.

This kit could be the only one that can be used by a beginner with much ease to get the job done. If you need perfection in straight razor shaving, then you need to have one of these since it has the best content to keep you on the right path in shaving.

With all these accessories that come with this kit such as the black handle open razor, the double side strops made from leather, quality shave brush, strop paste, and soft shaving soap with a pleasant scent your shaving will be quite comfortable, and you will be satisfied.

Cowhide Leather Strop

Included is a cowhide leather strop that measures 19.75” by 1.5” and quality Kohl strop paste which is manufactured in Germany.

Shaving Brush and Marvy Shaving Soap

The set also contains a good quality shaving brush and Marvy shaving soap which is manufactured with a light almond scent that leaves you with a fresh smell and a lather that can last throughout your complete shave.

Additional Items for a Straight Razor Shaving Kit

You might want to pick up some extra items with your straight razor kit to make it even better and/ or personalized to your specific needs – even if you have found the best straight razor kit that is the best pick for your needs.

Travel Case

The decision of which shaving kit you should prefer should not hinge on the fact that a shaving set comes with or without a travel case. However, if it does, count this as a plus especially if you are on the road often.

Honing Stones (Whetstones)

Some straight razor kits will feature honing stones (whetstones) for sharpening the blades. It is important that everyone, beginners especially, learn the art of blade honing. It may seem intimidating, but learning with step-by-step tutorials, will be a walk in the park.

FAQ Straight Razor Shave Kit

Some Final Words

The marketplace has a wide range of straight razor shaving kits from a variety of companies. This great choice of features, quality, and of course price can make your choice a little confusing. With the advent of new technology and alternative methods, it can be difficult to find time for “old-fashioned” shaving with a straight razor shave kit. But if you’re looking for a refreshing experience that will leave your skin feeling clean, smooth, and renewed then try traditional straight razor shaves!

More reading:

Kamisori Japanese Straight Razor (Buyers Guide)

Best Head Shaver (Buyers Guide)