Wet Shaving Questions & Answers
Table of Contents
Why is one blade better than five?
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The cartridge razor system is appealing to many men because it is advertised to be modern and high performing with innovative designs and multi-blade cutting action. High-dollar marketing campaigns feature celebrity athletes that promote modern cartridges as the only masculine option. The problem is that the blades of a cartridge are close together with extremely small spacing between each cutting edge. The razor is unable to cleanly cut hair without requiring multiple passes along your skin, catching and pulling long stubble, as well as constantly clogging during the shave.
The double edge safety razor, on the other hand, uses a single cutting edge that tracks along the skin at a much more comfortable angle and cuts the hair cleanly without grabbing or pulling excessively (provided you choose the right blade for your beard and skin type). Although you won’t find many celebrity athletes promoting the double edge razor, there has been a strong resurgence in traditional shaving. Many men are returning to old-school shaving because it is more comfortable and more economical.
Is it better to build lather in a bowl?
Answer
Building a lather can be done in a bowl, in your hand, or on your face. Many users of shaving soaps prefer to lather directly on their faces because it’s easier to load a wet brush with soap by buffing it against the puck and then building the lather directly on the face. On the contrary, shaving creams tend to work best in bowls because you can more easily control the amount of water that you are adding to the cream. You don’t want to lather inside your shaving cream tub since that will make all of your cream runny and you’ll use a lot more cream than you’ll actually need for one shave.
Or, as an alternative to a bowl, I’ve found that using the palm of my hand is a great way to lather creams, especially those that are very dense in texture. Dense creams are often difficult to lather in a bowl because it can swirl around the perimeter of the bowl, whereas in my hand it loads nicely into the brush to form a usable lather.
What safety razor is best for sensitive skin?
Answer
For experienced wetshavers that have sensitive skin, there are many models that provide good results, including the medium aggressive fixed-head razors mentioned above. In addition, the stainless steel double-edge razors from iKon and Feather have small blade gaps that expose only a small amount of the blade’s edge. You could also try a quality adjustable safety razor, such as the Futur or Progress, on the lowest blade exposure settings.
How do you condition a strop?
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What is a slant razor?
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What is the difference between aftershave splash and balm?
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What is a good straight razor for a beginner?
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For a first razor, set your budget at around $125, so that you are not out a great deal of money if you do not like straight shaving. A beginner should choose a 5/8 inch width razor, which is a size that is comfortable to hold and maneuver for most people, as you learn the basics and become more comfortable shaving with the best straight razor. Strop your razor prior to every shave in order to keep a straight edge, and store your razor in an area free from humidity and moisture.
How do you choose a safety razor?
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Second, look at the top and make sure that there is equal blade exposure on both sides of the cutting head. In other words, make sure the gap between the blade and the safety bar is even and consistent on both sides. Some razors may vary from model to model how much gap is present, but they should always be equal on both sides. Frequently inexpensive razors can have uneven gaps, which increases your likelihood of cutting your skin during your shave. Quality razors from reputable manufacturers, such as Merkur or Edwin Jagger, have quality controls in place to ensure that the cutting head is symmetrical and razors are made to precise standards.
How do you use pre-shave oil?
Answer
Thicker oils tend to clog the razor and can be difficult to rinse from your skin. To properly apply a pre-shave oil, thoroughly rinse your face with warm water and apply a few drops of oil to the palm of your hand. Rub your palms together and gently massage the oil onto your face. The goal is to get very thin coverage across your entire shaving area. Allow the oil to set on your skin for at least a minute during which time you can wash the remaining oil off your hands. Apply your soap or cream lather to your face and proceed to shave as normal.
Is shaving soap better than shaving cream?
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How many shaves can you get from a DE blade?
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Why do you use an aftershave?
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I have been experiencing a lot of redness after my shaves. Do I need a more aggressive razor or a sharper blade?
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In my experience, almost all new wetshavers believe that they have thick beards and sensitive skin. The truth is, however, that most men are in the middle and a medium aggressive razor, such as a 34C or DE89L, is the best place to start to experiment with different brands of blades. In these razors, a Derby will be mild and a Feather will be sharp so you can use these to learn where your beard type falls on the continuum. Later you can experiment with other combinations of razors and blades. For example, you could try a mild razor like a Feather All Stainless or iKon Bulldog (regular comb), where the blade gap may not expose enough blade so you may need a BIC or Feather blade to cut through your stubble. Or you could try a Derby in your Merkur Slant, to test if the guillotine slicing provides a good combination of cutting the hair with a blade that will not be too harsh on the skin.
There is a balancing act that happens between a safety razor and a double-edged blade. The goal is to find the right combination for your skin/hair types so that you have the blade sharpness necessary to effectively cut your stubble and the cutting head/safety bar that will keep the blade from irritating your skin.
How do you get a good lather with a shaving soap?
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What is the lifespan of a Merkur safety razor?
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Is a Shavette a good alternative to a traditional straight razor?
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In addition, the blade is very thin and the lack of balance can create problems when cutting with an extremely thin blade that has no safety guard that a standard double edge safety razor provides. Most newcomers to straight shaving would be better off purchasing a true straight razor and using it to master the technique of shaving with it. Although the straight razor can be intimidating at first, taking the time to learn how to shave and maintain your razor can be very rewarding experiences for a traditional wet shaver. Once you have experience straight shaving, however, disposable blade straight razors are worth trying because they can provide a good close shave and are especially useful on occasions where you are short on time or are away from home and do not want to have to carry a strop with you.
What is the difference between aftershave splash and balm?
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What order should I use my blade sampler pack?
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When you receive your sampler pack, start with a mild blade, such as a Derby. These blades work well for most men and are more forgiving if you are new to traditional shaving. Next, try a Merkur and see how this brand works for you. The right blade will glide smoothly over your skin and provide a close and comfortable shave. If you feel tugging or pulling, then try a Red Personna blade. If you find these blades comfortable and you want to try the sharpest blades in your sampler pack, you can step up to a Feather blade. The fine edge of the Feather benefits men with dense beards or wire and coarse whiskers. This popular blade provides a very close shave; however, if your skin is sore or swollen, or your aftershave burns excessively after using Red Personna or Feather blades, then you know that a milder blade is a better choice for you.
How do I know when my blade is pulling or becoming dull?
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Dulling blades are also more likely to cause nicks or cuts as well. Fortunately, the soreness and irritation can be relieved by thoroughly rinsing the face and applying a quality aftershave splash or balm. When these symptoms occur, it is a good indication that it is time to change the blade. If this happens with a new blade, chances are you either have a blade with a defective edge or should consider trying another brand that may be more compatible with your skin or beard type.
How do you strop a straight razor?
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What is the numbering system used on the blades?
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How to store DE razors?
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The most important aspect of storing safety razors is to make sure they are clean and dry after you finish shaving. Thoroughly rinse the cutting head to wash away any leftover soap or cream, and use a dry towel to get any leftover water off of the exterior body of the razor. If you use the same razor every day, it is generally not a problem to leave the blade in the cutting head between shaves. If you have several razors that you use in a rotation; however, it is a good idea to remove the blade after using the razor. Double edge blades will rust and if left in the razor can cause rust stains to form on the inside of the cutting head and damage the finish. It is also recommended to completely disassemble the razor every few weeks and do a thorough cleaning of the inside of the cutting head and any corners or joints of the razor body to prevent small deposits of soap or cream that get missed during daily rinsing from building up.
A toothbrush and dish soap does a great job at getting into the hard-to-reach crevices of the razor. Once your razor has been cleaned, dry it and store it as usual. By taking a little extra care with keeping your DE razor maintained, your investment will always look great and provide you many years of service.
Do shaving soaps and creams expire?
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Can I use regular soap as shaving soap?
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Is a heavier razor better than a lighter one?
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What is the safest method of blade disposal?
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What should be in a “wet shaving starter kit”?
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As you adjust to shaving in a different way, it is also likely that you will experience some irritation or nicks at some point, so select a good nonalcohol aftershave balm. This will provide the most comfortable and soothing relief, unlike an aftershave splash that can sting if your skin has any irritation from shaving. Also, grab a Pacific Nick Stick for stopping any small nicks or cuts. This product is not only very affordable, but it will also stop any bleeding quickly. A wet shaving starter kit should be kept simple so that you can focus on learning how to wet shave and enjoying the process. Plus, if you damage a brush or decide that wet shaving is not for you, there is not a significant loss of investment.
How do you apply splash-based aftershave?
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Do I have to buy a stand for a shaving brush?
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Hanging your shaving brush on a stand is not necessary if your brush has a flat base and can balance on the handle. I have over 60 brushes in my collection and they are displayed on shelving in this way. I do have a stand that I use when my brush is wet after my shave. Many men simply place their wet shaving brush back on their shelf immediately after their shave; however, I prefer to hang my wet brush on a stand to dry throughout the day. This gives me confidence that no water is pooled in the handle and the inner core of the knot can be completely dry. In addition, gravity helps the bristles dry straight instead of the bowed shape caused by the weight of remaining water in the badger hair. Some manufacturers recommend using a stand to dry your shaving brush while others say it is not required. While buying one is an added expense that is not absolutely necessary, a stand is an attractive accessory that is useful for drying and storing your first (or 20th, or favorite, or wet) shaving brush.
How do you travel with a safety razor?
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What is the adjustment scale for a safety razor?
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Some popular adjustable safety razors include the Mergress and vintage Gillette models. When using an adjustable razor for the first time, start at 1 and gradually increase the blade exposure to find the intensity that works for your skin type and beard density. Beginners to traditional shaving may spend more time tinkering with the adjustment dial than learning the appropriate pressure and cutting angle, so we recommend becoming proficient with fixed-head models before turning to adjustable safety razors.
Why are vintage Gillette razors so popular?
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Although there are many vintage razors on today’s antique and auction websites, you will not find many vintage reviews on Mister Shaver because quality razors can be difficult to find and a buyer should have some experience with identifying a used razor to be able to properly assess its value. In my safety razor reviews, I prefer to focus on products that any new wet shaver can easily purchase in today’s retail market, even though there are beautiful vintage razors discovered every week.
Would you suggest the same safety razors for beginner ladies as you would for men?
Answer
The main obstacle is getting accustomed to the pressure and angle of the razor as you shave. This can be more of a challenge for women than for men because of the larger area you are working with when it comes to leg shaving as well as the difficult spots, such as the knee and ankle areas, where you also have limited view. Be sure to monitor your blade exposure that the blade is always at the proper angle despite changes in your skin’s contours. The biggest mistake is shaving with a safety razor as though it were a pivoting cartridge razor.
I recommend the long handled Merkur 23C because the size and weight are similar to the ladies’ razors that Gillette produced many years ago. I know of other women that enjoy Merkur DEs and have even heard of a few that went as far as learning how to use a straight razor. Try a reputable brand like Merkur or iKon, and stick with a regular safety bar — avoid open combs, slants, etc. Experiment with a blade sampler so that you can find what works for you. Hopefully, with a little practice, you’ll enjoy shaving with your safety razor and achieve great results.
What is the best Trumper’s shaving cream?
Answer
Sometimes during my shaves, the lather from these products feels hot on my skin and leaves my face feeling rough afterward. The Extract of Limes Shaving Cream, too, is a medium green hue and the lather does not protect as well as the Sandalwood cream during the final passes. Trumper’s shaving creams are high-quality shaving creams that are easy to lather and provide great shaves for many people; however, many men with fragrance sensitivity or reactions to dye may find better results from Trumper’s Sandalwood Shaving Cream than others in the range.
How long does a puck of shaving soap last?
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Can I use shaving soap without a brush?
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Do I have to use a Feather blade in my Feather All Stainless Safety Razor?
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Do you ever use the boar or synthetic shaving brushes?
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Synthetic brushes offer an alternative for men who prefer not to use animal products. They are available in a wide range of variations from basic nylon to specialized synthetic hairs that are tapered and colorized to mimic the look and feel of a traditional badger brush. Although the synthetic bristles do not have the natural water absorbing capabilities that animal hair provides, many of the quality ones on the market do a fine job at creating a usable lather. I have one inexpensive nylon bristle brush by Omega that has a firm feel to it and does well with both soaps and creams. I find it especially useful because I can use it on the morning that I am in a hurry without having to worry as much about shaving brush care as I would for the more delicate badger hairs. It is also useful in my travel kit because I don’t have to worry about it properly drying before putting it in my wet pack, and if it gets lost I’m only out $15.
Why doesn’t soap lather in hard water?
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Why should I use a shaving brush?
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How many shaving passes do you do?
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Most traditional wet shavers follow a basic three-pass technique for a proper shave. The goal of each pass is to incrementally reduce the length of the beard a bit at a time so that the shave is comfortable and free of irritation. By starting with the direction of the beard growth (referred to as “with the grain”), you can cut the hair when it is at its longest length without pulling uncomfortably. The next pass is done across the grain to get the stubble down to its shortest length while still avoiding pulling trying to shave too much off at once. For those that want to the smoothest shave possible, a final pass against the grain allows the blade to cut directly at the skin level leaving the face perfectly smooth and feeling no stubble at all.
Some men with sensitive skin or that are prone to ingrown hair may avoid the third pass cutting against the grain because it can cause complications when the beard starts to grow back. In addition, many professional barbers also discourage men from shaving against the grain because it may be unnecessary for a presentable shave and too harsh on the skin for those prone to irritation. Although three passes are considered the standard approach, most men modify their routine based on their own beard density and skin sensitivity to find what works best for them.
Is it still considered traditional shaving if I use a cartridge razor?
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Do people actually use the Wee Scot?
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What is blade buffing?
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When do you use Skin Food?
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Aside from its popularity as an aftershave, Skin Food is a versatile product that can be used as an effective pre-shave treatment as well. It is a good alternative to using pre-shave oil when it is applied to the face before lathering. Whether you choose to use it as a pre-shave, aftershave, or both, about a dime size amount is more than enough for an effective application. Pour a small dab of Skin Food into the palm of your hand, rub your hands together, and gently rub it onto your wet face in a downward motion.