Grooming tips

Shaving is a game of reduction. On the first pass we shave with the grain, then across, and if needed against to provide the closest possible shave versus the least amount of irritation. 5 blades are the equivalent of 5 passes all at once which can result in razor burn (when too close of a shave is acquired). Marketing has us believe that sticking on an extra two blades for ‘more efficient shaving’ and a cooling pad to substitute for a proper aftershave will suffice for nicks, irritation, and pulled hairs….

Too much time spent going over and over the same section should be the first indication. Noticing sensitivity afterwards is a good tell-tale sign too.

Disposable blade straight razors are ideal for people who travel a lot and are new to straight razors but not sure if they feel comfortable investing in a full set up. Shavettes are also ideal for people who want to concentrate on purely shaving as opposed to blade maintenance as well.

You should clean an old safety razor with hot soapy water, using an old toothbrush to thoroughly scrub it out. Following up afterwards with a rub of alcohol should do the trick. Metal being a non-porous surface is fairly easy to sterilize.

One advantage that safety razor bearing gentlemen have when travelling is that it’s perfectly fine to take a razor in your carry on AS LONG AS YOU TAKE THE BLADE OUT. Simple stuff really.

Make sure to thoroughly towel dry the razor to prevent rust from compromising the blade. For those who prefer a more elegant way of displaying their investments, razor stands are available to purchase.

Different razors will deliver a different shave, especially when paired with different razor blades. Most wet shave enthusiasts have large collections of razors but normally have one favourite.

A common reason is improperly storing the razor after using. Pat dry (never wipe) with a dry towel or place in a razor stand to allow the water to drip off.

Over-tightening the head of your safety razor will strip the screw threads, causing the razor to not tighten securely.

Buying what is known as a ‘blade bank’ is an easy way to store used blades. Otherwise keep the box/cartridge that the blades came in and when you’ve finished using them put them back in. Then dispose of that. If you just throw the blades in a bin, they could rip the bag and subsequently someone’s hands.

Apply a few drops to your already cleansed beard area and massage in. Steam whenever possible. I suggest doing this at the start of a shower.

Use a small amount of soap in a bowl – with cream it’s about a fingertip amount.
Soak the brush for a few minutes in warm water. Lift the brush out of the water and allow most of the excess to trickle out, until the brush is just dripping but still feels heavy with water. NEVER FLICK or SHAKE the brush as this will dump all the water from the brush which is what gives you a great lather. Mix initially in a bowl to create the beginning of the lather and then apply most of the lather on the face as this action helps to lift the beard whiskers and exfoliate the skin.

No, you just begin the lathering process in a bowl. You work it into a better lather on the skin.

Creams contain ingredients which may turn ineffective after some time. Hard soaps don’t
expire – although they may go very dry.

It will probably collapse as they won’t have been designed to be used together.

Exfoliation around follicles on a daily basis keeps them really healthy – getting rid of any scar tissues built up from shaving. The brush lifts your beard hair away from the skin. The brush also builds your amazing lather from water and just a little soap!

It will have been stood on its handle, allowing water to collect in the hairs – meaning they cannot dry out. Either that or you won’t have washed the brush adequately after each use.

A few minutes – but if in a rush, swirl the brush in warm water for 30 seconds vigorously.
This forces water through the brush quicker.

It’s very much advisable for the longevity of the brush.

The bigger, the more luxurious if you are properly shaving. Smaller sizes are available if you are travelling a lot.

Not if it is residual oil from your face. It will help condition the brush, keeping it soft and pliable.

You may be wringing it out to dry it – this is the WRONG thing to do! Simply flick the water out as best possible and store the brush with the bristles hanging down, allowing water to drain off. It will lose a few hairs naturally as they break off.