Straight vs. Disposable Razors

At 18|8 Chicago, we pride ourselves on being experts in the art of men’s style. We offer a variety of grooming services ranging from our signature Executive Style Haircut to our rejuvenating facial treatments and MAN-icures, and one of our most distinctive grooming services is our undeniably classic Straight Razor Shave. But if you’re like most guys, you’re probably wondering: what’s so special about a straight razor shave, anyways? Is it really that much better than using disposables? The answer, of course, is yes – but let us tell you why.

The 5-Blade’s Folly

It can be easy to fall into the trap of thinking disposable or commercial razors are a better call than a straight razor shave, especially when looking at the more modern multi-blade razors. But don’t be fooled: all those blades and pivoting heads are trying to compensate for a fundamental flaw in disposable razors, and unfortunately, it’s not enough.

At a fundamental level, disposable or multi-blade razors simply can’t conform to the shape of your face. Far from flat, the surface of the face is constantly curving and changing angles, and unfortunately, disposable razors simply can’t follow those curves. This means they’ll always give a shave that’s not quite close enough, especially on hard-to-shave areas like the jaw or neck.

Why a Professional Straight Razor Shave Wins Out

A straight-edge razor, however, is designed to follow the natural curves of the face and neck. Because it only uses one high-quality, sharp blade, it can trace the angles of the face with precision, effortlessly cutting stubble straight down to the skin. Don’t get us wrong, this takes more skill: it’s much easier to cut yourself with a straight-edge razor than a multi-blade. But at 18|8 Chicago, our barbers and men’s hair stylists have been training for years to master the art of the perfect shave, which means you’ll walk away with a shave so clean, close, and comfortable that you’ll barely believe it, every time.

Schedule an Shave at Your Chicago Barbershop

We hope this sheds some light on why straight-edge razors are fundamentally superior to disposables. If you’re ready to experience the difference for yourself, our Chicago barbers are here to help. Simply book an appointment online at our Chicago, IL barbershop and we’ll treat you to a truly unforgettable shaving experience. We can’t wait to hear from you, and we’re excited to help you look, feel, and perform like a brand new man!