ABA Straight Razor Shaving Techniques 2

Question 1

When stropping a straight razor, what is the correct direction to move the blade on the leather strop?

Accepted Answer

Edge trailing on the forward stroke

Answer

The blade must move edge-trailing (spine leading) on every forward stroke to avoid cutting into the leather and to properly realign the edge.

Question 2

What angle should the straight razor blade form against the skin during a shave?

Accepted Answer

15–20 degrees

Answer

A 15–20 degree angle provides the optimal balance between efficient hair cutting and skin safety during a straight razor shave.

Question 3

Which lathering tool produces the densest, most protective foam for a straight razor shave?

Accepted Answer

Badger hair brush

Answer

A badger hair brush hydrates hair follicles and whips lather to a dense, cushioning consistency superior to aerosol products.

Question 4

What does the term 'across the grain' (ATG) mean in straight razor shaving?

Accepted Answer

Shaving against the direction of hair growth

Answer

ATG (against the grain) means stroking opposite to the hair growth direction to achieve the closest possible shave.

Question 5

A client develops razor bumps (pseudofolliculitis barbae) after a straight razor shave. What technique adjustment would most help?

Accepted Answer

Avoiding the against-the-grain pass

Answer

Eliminating the ATG pass reduces the chance of hairs being cut below the skin surface, which is the primary cause of ingrown hairs and razor bumps.

(ABA) American Barber Association Certified Practice Test