THE SPECIALTY
Traditional Straight Razor Shave
Downtown Willoughby, OH
Hot towel, lather, and a straight-razor edge. The traditional shave done the way The Black Hat Barber does it, right in downtown Willoughby, Ohio.
About this service
Straight Razor Shave. Willoughby, OH
A real straight-razor shave is the rarest service in the Willoughby barber market, and it is the service Black Hat Barber is built around. Most modern barbershops will run a clipper line-up and call it a shave. We are not most barbershops. With the Black Hat Barber, every razor shave is a multi-step ritual: pre-shave oil, hot towel, brush-whipped lather, and a straight razor with a fresh disposable blade for every client.
Ren Faith trained on traditional straight-razor technique and the straight-razor finish is the differentiator that builds the loyalty around her chair. If you have never had a real shave done with a single blade. This is the place to start.
What to expect
The Process at Black Hat Barber
Pre-shave oil & steam
Two minutes of warm prep softens the beard and lifts the grain so the blade glides instead of tugs.
Hot towel wrap
A second wrap drops the surface tension of the skin. This is where the relaxation begins.
Brush-whipped lather
Real shave soap whipped with a badger brush, not aerosol cream. Better lubrication, less burn.
Straight-razor shave
A single pass with the grain (and a second pass against the grain if your skin tolerates it). Skin held taut, blade angle ~30°. Fresh blade per client.
Sit back up & finish
Clean you up, aftershave, talcum powder puff, & send you on your way.
Who it's for
Is the Straight Razor Shave Right for You?
- Anyone who has never had a true straight-razor shave and wants to know what the fuss is about.
- Grooms in the Cleveland and Lake County area who want a real shave the week of the wedding.
- Special occasion clients, interview, milestone birthday, anniversary.
- Existing Black Hat Barber regulars who want to add the razor finish to their next cut & beard service.
Curious what to expect? Read "Straight-Razor Shave: What to Expect Your First Time" on the blog.
Common questions
Straight Razor Shave FAQ
How long does a straight-razor shave take with the Black Hat Barber?
Approximately 30 minutes when bundled into the full Cut, Beard & Razor service. We never rush the prep, that is what separates a real shave from a quick line-up.
Will the straight-razor shave irritate my skin?
It can if it is done badly, which is why we use a multi-step prep, hot towels, professional hot steamer, and an alcohol-free finish. Most clients report less irritation than they get from a multi-blade cartridge, because the single straight blade does in one pass what disposables do in three.
Do you offer a head shave?
Yes, bald-head straight-razor shaves are available by appointment. Reach out by phone (440) 668-3236 or message and we will set the right service length.
Is the straight-razor finish included with a regular haircut?
It is included with the $60 "Cut, Beard & Razor" service. Adding a straight-razor finish to a regular $35 haircut is also possible. Just mention it at the beginning of your service.
Specialty pages
Dive Deeper
Each page covers process, pricing, and FAQs in detail.
By your barber
Ren Faith
Master barber and owner of Black Hat Barber. 14 years working with a straight razor and behind the chair. The straight-razor finish is the centerpiece of her work. Read Ren's full story.
