Wet shaving tips for men – How to get the best wet shave (Part 2)
If you have purchased a cut-throat or safety razor but are still not 100% when using it, then the following advice may be of some use to you. There may be a number of wet shaving techniques out there that experienced shavers will swear by, but the basic principles are still generally the same. A wet shave can be divided into; pre-shave, shave and post-shave.
DR Harris Marlborough Shaving Cream Bowl (150g)
Pre-shave
The key to an effective shave is to prepare well beforehand. Firstly, you will need to soften the bristles, opening up the pores of the skin. This can be achieved by having a hot bath or shower, but if you do not have the time, you can always make use of a warm or hot flannel. Preparing in this way will increase the chances of a painless shave. If you have particularly sensitive skin or a heavy beard, it may be worth purchasing pre-shave oil and lubricate your whiskers with just a small amount, before the next stage of the process.
Shave
You now need to lather and massage your choice of shaving cream or soap into your stubble or beard. You need to do this thoroughly, so it is best to invest in a decent shaving brush.
When you are ready to begin; slowly, and remembering to use short strokes, shave with the grain. By shaving in the same direction as the hair growth, especially when fairly new to wet shaving, you are minimising the chances of causing razor burn, redness and rashes on the skin. The neck area is particularly sensitive and should be treated with due care.
In the third and final article on this subject, to be published on Wednesday 5 May, we will take a look at some more techniques you can use when wet shaving, along with post-shave advice.
Missed part 1? Here it is > Simple shaving tips for the perfect wet shave (Part 1)
Simple shaving tips for the perfect wet shave (Part 1)
Firstly, you may be wondering: why wet shaving in the first place? As you are probably aware, there are many high-tech electric razors on the market these days, so this would seem like a fairly understandable question to pose. The answer is simple though. If you are looking for a more effective shave that also offers you better looking skin, then wet shaving is the ONLY option available for real men.
Merkur 38C Barberpole
This means that you now need to pick a side between a manual wet shave, or opt for an electric razor. Electric razors may save you time, especially in this fast-paced world we live in, but for quality of shave (and with less irritation) there is no comparison. This is because the hot water will open up the pores of your skin allowing your facial muscles to relax. It also softens your whiskers for a more effective all-round shave.
If you have decided on wet shaving, then welcome to the club. You now need to choose a top quality razor with the sharpest blades. While using a razor, make sure you keep an eye on how the blade is performing as it will need to be replaced from time to time. This will ensure you always benefit from an even shave and less chance of irritation to your face and neck.
No matter what razor you use, and how long you have been shaving for, there are always ways to improve your shaving technique.
In the next article, to be published on Friday 30 April, we will be taking a look at some of these and offer advice on how to get the best out of your shave. So please check back.
Merkur Vision 2000 nuances
The Vision 2000 is Merkur’s top of the range razor. However, when purchasing one of these impressive razors there are some things to be aware of.
As with our article on blade alignment, these razors are hand crafted and have certain tolerances built into them. The Vision 2000 tops the list in terms of tolerances, having a complicated internal mechanism that is designed to be robust. One of the characteristics of the Vision is the way in which it 
adjusts the blade gap up and down in a lopsided fashion. It is perfectly normal that it adjusts in this fashion, otherwise the razor would seize up with even the smallest bit of soap residue inside. It does not influence the end result and you’ll get a great shave!
Even though the Vision is designed to be robust it still requires regular cleaning as per Merkur’s guidelines.
Caring for your Merkur Razor
Your Merkur razor is a quality piece of engineering and should be treated as such. The following is from Merkur regarding the maintenance of their safety razors. Please note that failure to follow these maintenance guidelines could invalidate your warranty.
Maintenance of Merkur Safety Razors
Dear Customer,
In order to prolong the live of your safety razor it is necessary to clean the moving parts of your razor after each shave, for example with a soft nail brush or tooth brush. Only if the soap residue is removed thoroughly, the mechanics of your razor will work satisfyingly in the long run. We suggest to completely break down your razor for a thorough cleaning with each new blade that you install in the razor.
IN CONTACT WITH HARD, CALCIFEROUS WATER all parts of the razor need to be decalcified regularly, depending on the concentration of lime in your water. The parts should be put into a diluted and lukewarm decalcifying solution for a maximum of 15 to 30 minutes and should be moved in the solution every few minutes. It is also recommended to move the mechanical parts a few times, so the solution can get into every crevice. A more extended contact with the decalcifying solution will destroy the surface and corrode the metal of your razor.
DOVO/MERKUR Stahlwaren Solingen-Germany
Double Edge Shaving vs Mach 3
BEAT THE CREDIT SQUEEZE! LUXURY DOUBLE EDGE SHAVING FOR THE MODERN MAN!
Why are so many people switching from Mach 3? The cost, the affordable luxury and of course the sheer pleasure.
Recently there has been a huge demand for double edge shaving as people increasingly turn away from expensive multi-bladed systems and start to enjoy the daily chore that most men face each morning.
You will save money. As the following example shows, you will actually save money in the longer term. Not bad during a recession, saving money and enjoying luxury every day!
PRICE COMPARISON MACH3 VS DOUBLE EDGE
Based on an average use of one Mach3 cartridge / two double edged razor blades a week
MACH3 CARTRIDGE YEARLY COST
Typical cost for twelve cartridges is £11.99 – (£11.99 divided by 12 weeks of shaving x 52 weeks a year = £51.96 for a year’s worth of Mach3 cartridges.)
DOUBLE EDGED BLADE YEARLY COST
At the Shaving Shack, we do 30 blades for £5.99 (15 weeks shaving at two blades a week). So: £5.99 divided by 15 weeks of shaving x 52 weeks a year = £20.76 for a year’s worth of double edged razor blades.
That’s a saving of around £31 a year and less than half the cost of shaving with Mach3s.
Merkur 570 Chrome Progress Safety Razor
In the first year the saving is more than enough to cover the investment of a double edge razor.
OK, I’m interested! What kit do I need? These are the basics:
Double Edge Safety Razor – by far the most popular for newbies and veterans alike is the Merkur 34C (£28.99) and the longer handled version, the Merkur 38C (£33.99). As a cheaper alternative I would recommend the latest Parker razors (£20.99)
If you really want to treat yourself to a contemporary looking razor then look no further than the Merkur Futur (£44.99), a fantastic piece of German engineering!
Double Edge Razor Blades – buying one of the razors above will qualify you for our free gift of 10 free double edge blades for spending over £9.99 – that’s about 5 weeks of shaving on average and a great start!
Shaving Cream – for the perfect creamy rich lather forget goop in a can! Try some great quality yet inexpensive Proraso (£5.50) or Omega (£3.95) cream.
For affordable luxury and some great scents, indulge in any of the Taylor of Old Bond Street range (£6.95) offering the best value for money quality you will find today.
Shaving Brush – treat yourself to a badger brush such as our popular Buccaneer (£14.99) or Pure Badger (£15.99) brush which is used to apply the lather.
Again, for something a little bit special try the GB Kent badger brushes (from £27.99) or the ultra luxurious Simpsons range (from £64.99).
So, by investing a total of less than £40 based on the recommended products above you can experience this wonderful world of luxurious shaving and make savings year on year!
Lastly, don’t forget our Shave Points Rewards Program which rewards regular shoppers. Example, spend £60 on products and get 60 Shave Points. 15 Shave Points can be redeemed for £1 so the above example would give you the equivalent of £4 off your next order.
Why is my shaving brush shedding hair?!!
Relax. Shaving brushes can go through phases of shedding hair, especially at the beginning when the brush is settling. A new brush can typically expect to shed hairs for the first three months of its life as it sheds any loose hairs not removed in the manufacturing process. This can happen regardless of whether the brush is premium or not as they are held together by the same means. The problem arises if it is continuous.
If your brush is shedding hair then here are some things to check out:
- If the hairs that the brush is shedding are short hairs then this can be a result of hairs breaking rather than shedding due to the brush being used incorrectly ie. Not letting the bristles soak in warm NOT hot water to soften them before use. Soaking a brush in water that is too hot can cause the epoxy resin in the handle to expand causing the handle to crack or the hairs to shed. For this reason it is always best to try to soak the bristles and not the handle.
- If you do have a brush that is shedding it is common practice to comb thru the bristles with a fine toothed comb, this can help to remove any loose hairs.
With the above in mind we normally ask you to use a shedding brush for a few more weeks to see if it is continuous. If it is still shedding after a few weeks then get in contact with us to discuss a possible replacement. It will then go to the manufacturer for assessment and then a replacement can be arranged.
What is a cut throat razor?
Cut throat razors, also referred to as straight razors, have been around for many years and are generally recommended for those who have experience in the art of wet shaving.
Dovo Bismarck 6/8 Open Razor (Red)
Cut throat razors are still very popular male grooming products today, especially with ‘real men’ like Tom Trueman who are looking for a closer shave.
If you are looking for something that will give you the closest shave, then listen to those who use them, who still argue that this is the only way to shave!
Straight razors, which have a blade that can fold into its handle, must be used with great caution as they are extremely sharp razors, but without the protection of a safety razor.
Dan, customer services manager at the Shaving Shack, said: “At one time, these razors were the main way that most ‘real men’ used to shave. However, they require a considerable amount of skill to use, so be careful. This skill can be honed through practice, but as long as you take care during shaving the results can be amazing.”
If you are new to traditional razors, help and advice is available here.
Our best-selling cut throat razors include the Parker 34R White Shavette (SRW), Cuthroat/Open Razor Starter Kit and the Dovo Bismarck 6/8 Open Razor.
So why are double edged razors still the razor of choice for real men?
These days, while you are watching anything on TV it is almost impossible to escape from the latest ads describing how great the ‘new’ electric razor blades actually are. These models are so much better than the last, apparently, and will give you the best shave possible. That is, if you believe all the hype.
There is so much money to be made from getting males who are old enough to shave to spend their hard earned cash on the latest all singing and all dancing electric razors. Not only do they cost a packet in the first place, you have to spend a fortune each year on expensive replacement blades.
Merkur 33C Classic
Therefore, it is no wonder to learn that many blokes are not taken in by this clever marketing but judge their razor solely on results. It is no secret that the old ways are usually the best. Sure, you can always claim to improve on shaving products, but at the end of the day the quality of the shave speaks for itself.
If you need reminding of the benefits of using double edged razors, then firstly, there is the amount of money to be saved. Just by switching from a Mach3 or Fusion model to a double edged razor you will start to notice the extra cash you have in your wallet, which you can put to good use.
The main reason that these razors are superior is the effectiveness and closeness of the shave, with less irritation of the skin. Electric razors pull on your facial hair, leave more stubble and are decidedly uncomfortable to use. It is also a myth that electric razors are faster to use too.
Double edge razors are surprisingly easy to use and the investment in these decent razors is certainly worth it in the long run, as real men can testify. Indeed, many men have tried out these electric gimmicks and have now gone back to a traditional, manual razor.
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Newbies…always start with Taylor of Old Bond Street shaving cream!
One of the common newbie questions I get asked is which cream to try first.
I would always recommend any of the Taylor of Old Bond St shaving creams as I feel they offer the best mix of quality/value so consequently are an excellent starting point. I would start by choosing a scent you think you might like so if, like me, you have a penchant for Almond slices, then the Almond scent may be a safe scent to begin with. My personal favourite is Avocado, not because it smells of Avocado (it doesn’t!) but because the unique scent is refreshingly different from the others and I quite like the Guacamole-esque appearance! There is no discernible difference between the lather that the different scents produce, they’ll all work the same just in case you were wondering!
To adjust or not adjust….the best double edge razor for a newbie
I frequently get asked this and often the decision is between a fixed head Merkur 34C (and it’s long handled version, the Merkur 38C) and the adjustable headed Merkur Futur.
Most fixed head razors we sell will fit the bill 99% of the time. However:
- if you have particularly heavy growth or
- are the tinkering kind who likes to experiment with different blade gaps or
- simply like futuristic designs…
then the Futur could be the one to go for.
To complicate matters, if you like the Futur, chances are you will like it’s bigger brother, the Vision 2000. The Vision is a bit heavier, bigger and can dial a wider blade gap than the Futur – the ultimate safety razor for all occasions! It also has a claim to fame in that it made an appearance in an episode of the 2004 series of Battlestar Galactica, a great little fact to accompany the perfect gift for a sci fi fan!
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