Shaving… the Old Way
Even if infrequently, the occasion arises where technology has actually caused quality in a particular facet of life to deteriorate. This is indeed the case with shaving. After enduring years of irritation, razor bumps, burning skin and dryness, not to mention the inability to shave daily as a result of these problems, I researched and have found a solution: shave like my great grandfather did. I did some reading, some research, and headed to classicshaving.com for some supplies. I purchased a Merkur Futur razor, a Vulfix super-badger Brush and some Proraso Italian shaving soap then waited for it to come (please exhibit some pride towards me for being patient).
Yesterday was reward day. My parcel came (simple joy arrives in small packages for me), I set up the new environment and I gave it a shot. Absolutely incredible. Besides being a much better shave for my face, it’s a wonderfully relaxing experience - almost spa-like. I definitely recommend the “bargain” Proraso shaving soap (it came highly recommended to me, and I can see why - the Eucalyptus oil and Menthol provide awesome tactile and aromatic sensations). The act of shaving is, in fact, completely different with a safety razor because rather than jamming a cartridge razor (I’m a Mach 3 convert) against my face and dragging, the razor is weighted and meant to glide (much on its own) over the skin, taking your beard with it. I had no irritation, bumps, burning, or dryness and much fewer nicks than even I had imagined.
Give it a try if you haven’t already.
April 13th, 2005 at 9:31 am
Of course, if you’re hopelessly stuck on technology, you might try shaving with a waterproof electric razor and some good old shaving cream. I use one of those Norelcos with the lotion squirt-gun built in, but started shaving in the shower with shaving cream to save time and those obscenely expensive lotion packs. The shaving cream makes the hairs stand up better and also provides lube for the razor so you don’t feel like you’re shaving with a lawnmower.
April 13th, 2005 at 7:18 pm
I never thought about taking a step backwards in terms of shaving. I might give it a try. I was always looking forward to the Mach 5.
April 13th, 2005 at 11:08 pm
Shaving? I’ve heard of it. I guess I’m blessed with a boy-face. I can easily go three days not shaving before anyone notices. I’ll save my money for IPOD accessories!!
April 16th, 2005 at 10:36 am
I personally think that there is going to be a paradyne shift in shaving during this next decade. Companies are coming out with Cryo-ed blades that last longer and new technologies that extend the life of the blades and provide a better shave. These technologies still use the Gillette and Schick high quality blades but a single blade can last 3-4 months.
I shave my head and blow through the blades (1 blade per week) and I bought a product call Razormax that claims to extend blade life. I found through experience that it does and this has saved me some serious money on blades. I was very sceptical but had a friend that swears by it and got me to try it. Do a search on Razormax or try www.razormax.com and you should be able to find a site that sells it. - Steve Thompson
April 18th, 2005 at 11:30 pm
Sweet, I’d never seen classicshaving.com before! Now I’m totally jonesing for some of that classic aftershave…loading up my cart now!
I’m considering picking up one of their safety razors, like you did…I’d be curious for a quality report when yours arrives…
April 25th, 2005 at 10:34 pm
I recently got into this classic shavin ordeal. I have purchased a cheap shaving brush, and some shaving soap. I get the closest shave that I have ever experienced.
Check out www.shavemyface.com for a great place to discuss the best way to shave.
May 4th, 2005 at 1:39 pm
Lifehack: Shaving the Old Way
There’s nothing quite like a badger hair brush and a proper blade. So make your grandpa proud and take up the wet shave. Here’s a guide and here’s a review of one man’s wet shave life hack.
July 21st, 2005 at 4:30 pm
Forget this old fashioned crap and get modern. I have really sensitive skin and have been using a non-lathering shave cream for 6 years that totally eliminates razor irritation. This stuff is amazing, since it’s both a shave cream and after shave moisturizer. I haven’t have a cut or razor burn in 6 years. See it at hatetoshave.com
July 21st, 2005 at 5:12 pm
Sorry, Steve… The old fashioned way wins!
September 28th, 2005 at 7:09 am
A friend sells a shaving cream design for ‘dry’ shaving and like a good “crack” salesman gave me a taste to get me hooked…
http://www.moderngent.com/site/ultra.php
You rub the cream in, wait 20 seconds then shave WITHOUT rinsing the blade.
Took me a little while to get used to, but now really like it. You have to be a regular shaver though, I used to shave twice a week or so and with the new cream have to shave daily for it to be effective.
sthomspon - same friend also sold something called the RazorMate which was basically a magnet you put the blades on and they lasted much longer.
December 1st, 2005 at 7:13 pm
I’ve been using a shaving brush since the Army issued me one in 1970 — I never did like foam-in-a-can. About a year ago I sprung for a silver tip badger brush, what a difference!
Recently, after paying big $$ for the Mach3 (or is it Mach4 now), I bought a German DE safety razor, Japanese blades, and English shaving cream (rose) and skin food (lime).
Gadzooks! For the first time, I look forward to shaving. checkout classicshaving.com and emsplace.com — you won’t be disappointed.
December 15th, 2005 at 10:31 am
I have always used an electric shaver but one of my friends wet shaves and showed me how, I have now purchased a Cyril R Salter Small shaving Brush and Cyril R Salter Open Razor from StyleandGrooming.com as a recommendation from my friend, I will let you know how I get on!