Andrew Horwell, from the UK, asks:

“I have been using the TOBS Jermyn as my first double edge shaving cream and it has been great, lathers well and smells nice. I have sensitive skin and have been looking at some other cream to try. I am not sure whether to try: 1) TOBS fragrance free sensitive. 2) Truefitt & Hill Ultimate comfort. 3) Fjitar Shea butter. 4) Proraso ‘cream’ (not soap). 5) The Bluebeards Revenge.

What would you recommend? Is the TOBS fragrance free more or less the same as Jermyn? Also I have a best badger hair shaving brush, would it be worth upgrading at any point and would I see any noticeable difference?

Many Thanks Aaron”

Jermyn Street Collection Shaving Cream for Sensitive Skin (150g)

AARON SAYS

“Mr Horwell,
You have a great kit to start out with. The Jermyn Street cream is well regarded, and if you were wanting to try another that would be compatible with your sensitive skin the Bluebeard’s Revenge and TOBS fragrance free would both be worthy choices. as far as upgrading your brush, that is up to you. The “Best” badger hair grade is considered a medium grade and many men are very happy with their best brushes. If you think you would like to experiment and upgrade then go for it! Most importantly be happy with your choices and pleased with how they give you a shave. Hope you find your best combination possible!

Cheers,
Aaron”

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Always wanted to buy one of the world’s best badger shaving brushes but never had the funds? Well we have taken that obstacle away after lowering the price of the Simpsons Chubby Super Badger Brush (CH1) by a whopping 25% to just £94.49.

Plisson Black Handle European White Badger Brush

If you want something a little more French, we have just thing for you – the luxurious Plisson Black Handle European White Badger Brush. Densely packed with European White badger hair, we have slashed the price from £113.99 to only £85.49.

“There are shaving brushes and there are the Plisson,” say the shaving cognoscenti. Based in France, Plisson are highly regarded manufacturers renowned for their distinctive and ultra luxurious brushes.

Other sale highlights include 46% off the Parker 99R Heavy Duty Butterfly Premium Barberpole and 25% off Truefitt & Hill Rose Shaving Cream.

Discounted prices are only available if ordered through The Shaving Shack website. Sale ends midnight 31/1/12.

SHOP ALL SALE ITEMS NOW

The Bluebeards Revenge Post Shave Balm Sample (20ml) and Shave Cream Sample (20ml) can now be added at checkout.

The Bluebeards Revenge Post Shave Balm Sample (20ml)

Both products are designed for men with tough stubble and who suffer from painful shaving problems such as razor burn, lumps and rash.

They both contain the miracle component Decelerine, which contains a mixture of active ingredients that delay hair growth, reducing the frequency of shaving and depilation and at the same time providing a recovering effect on the skin.

Our customers tell us that using The Bluebeards Revenge virtually eradicates shaving rash, burn and those uncomfortable lumps and bumps.

So if you are a masochist and love a bit of pain first thing in the morning then you should not use The Bluebeards Revenge, as it will give you a clean, smooth, painless shave.

Both the shave cream and post shave balm have a retail value of £2.99 and will provide enough for a week’s worth of great shaving.

We also offer a number of different brands of double edge razor blades as free gifts – including Shark, Feather, Derby, Wilkinson Sword, Astra and Lord.

Simply add £9.99 worth of product to your basket and select your chosen free gift at checkout…happy shaving!

SHOP NOW AT THE SHAVING SHACK

Jose a Diaz Ocasio, from Puerto Rico, asks:

“I want to get a clean close shave every time I shave. So I was wondering if you can provide me with some useful shaving tips for a clean close shave?”

Shaving should be a pleasure and not a chore

AARON SAYS

“Mr. Ocasio,
I’ve written several articles on this subject, but will try to condense them into a concise answer for you. First make sure you start with a clean well hydrated face. Then shave with a good sharp blade using a good hydrating cream, and I recommend applying a layer of shaving oil first before applying the shaving cream. Once you begin shaving shave first with the direction of growth, then across, then against to get a very close shave. Use some stretching techniques to help get the skin surface as flat as possible. There is a lot more detail and technique that could be gone into, but using these tips should help improve your smooth shaves a lot!

Happy Shaving!

Aaron”

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John Chapman, from the UK, asks:

“Hi, can you describe your top lip and under chin routine? I’m having difficulty in those areas thanks.”

AARON SAYS

“Mr. Spanner,
Well, honestly I sport a Van Dyke, so I rarely shave those areas. However, when I do here is what I do. I prep the whole area as usual but on each pass of the upper lip make sure to stretch the upper lip as much as possible, and instead of going directly against the grain go slightly angled. So if north is fully against the grain go northeast or northwest. For the chin tilt your head up, stretching the skin, as well as draw your lower lip into you mouth. This also flattens your chin making it easier to shave. I hope these help!

Smooth Shaving,
Aaron”

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Cos DiLuca, from the UK, asks:

“Since I’ve started using The Goodfella Chrome Safety Razor with Israeli Made Double Edged Razor Blades or Feather blades, together with Truefitt & Hill shaving creams or Taylor of Old Bond, I start getting in-hair growth on the cheeks. I’ve tried several things to prevent this, but none of them have worked. Can you suggest anything please?”

Aaron advises using a decent facial scrub like this one from Men-U

AARON SAYS

“Mr DiLuca,
Ingrown hairs are a common problem and can be quite painful. Try shaving only with and across the grain, and not against the grain. Against the grain cuts the hair the shortest and if you have curly hair or hair that grows very parallel to the skin’s surface this can cause the sharpened hair to grow underneath the surface. Also use a facial scrub to help bring the ingrown hairs to the surface and then a aftershave balm to keep the skin moisturized and soft. I hope this helps!

Happy Shaving!

Aaron”

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Clive Badger, from the UK, asks:

“Hello, I’m wanting to get into using safety razors as I have an issue with razor burn and ingrown hairs on my neck. I’m curious as to what razor is good to start with? I’ve been looking at the Merkur Futur. Any advice or recommended products for start to finish would be excellent.”

Aaron reccomends usng a quality post shave balm like Vintage

AARON SAYS

“Mr. Badger,

We are glad to hear you’re ready to take the plunge into traditional shaving! There are truly a plethora of products for you to chose from. The Futur is a wonderful razor and a great shaver. If you like it, I do highly recommend it! As for creams any cream by Bluebeard’s, Taylor of Old Bond Street, Cyril Salter, Proraso or D.R. Harris will be well worth investing in. I also recommend using a good face wash or scrub to prepare your face and beard. To finish your shave use any number of the aftershaves, especially aftershave balms, listed here on the site. Again, welcome, and enjoy!

Best of Shaves!
Aaron”

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John Bennett, from the UK, asks:

“Aaron, I have a Merkur safety razor and also a shavette, both with disposable blades. (This is to avoid having to attempt to sharpen a straight razor). When using disposable blades how many shaves should you get per blade? And any tips on how to get the best from them? I usually use the Derby blades.”

We sell a variety of different DE razor blades

AARON SAYS

“Mr. Bennett,

Thanks for your question! Unfortunately the answer is quite subjective. There are many variables on how many shaves a blades lasts and it also depends from person to person.

The best way to know when your blade needs changing is when it begins to pull the hair instead of cut it smoothly. Whatever that point is, whether it be two days or ten, is the time to change blades.

If you want to extend your blade life, swish your razor in rubbing/isopropanol alcohol or take a cotton swab that has been soaked in oil and run it along the blade edge.

This removes the water from the blade edge causing less corrosion leading to a dull blade edge. Try these tips and you’ll see an increase in your blade life!

There is also the option to invest in a razor blade sharpener like the RazorPit.

Smooth Shaving!
Aaron”

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Les Edwards, from the UK, asks:

“I have been using Gillette razors most of my life, I have just brought and used for the first time a safety razor which I bought from Boots, to say it was a bloodbath is an understatement, it looked like a suicide bid in my bathroom, I am assuming I did something wrong! Please help!! On the bits that remained blood free, it was the closest shave ever.”

Make sure you use a decent shave cream like Fitjar

AARON SAYS

“Mr. Edwards,
I’m glad you have decided to take the plunge into safety razor shaving!

A few tips should bring you closer to shaving without such a bloodletting. First, shower before you shave, and once you get out apply a good pre-shave cream or oil.

Next use a good shaving cream that is applied with a brush or your hand, not canned, pressurized goo! Third, study the way your beard grows and shave with the direction of growth for a while. You will just want to go with the grain until you master the techniques, it might not be as close at first, but you will reap the benefits in the long run.

Next lock your wrist as your shave and keep the blade angle at approximately 30 degrees.

Fifth, rinse your razor often to prevent debris and lather clogging up the razor.

Lastly, after all this use a styptic pen on any cuts or nicks and apply a good post-shave balm or cream to sooth and tend to your freshly shaven face! Put these int practice and I’m sure your shaves will improve in no time!

Happy Shaving!
Aaron”

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Andrew Horwell, from the UK, asks:

“I have been DE shaving for a couple of months or so now and getting on a lot better. I use an Edwin Jagger basic-ish DE razor (think it’s the 29L or something, only cost about £20). I am thinking of upgrading my razor at Christmas but not sure what to? Would I be just best stopping with my current razor? I have sensitive skin and use Taylor of old Bond st ‘jerym’ and an Edwin Jagger best badger brush. Currently using derby razor blades.”

Merkur 37C Slant Bar DE Safety Razor

AARON SAYS

“Mr. Horwell,
I’m a pretty firm believer in the phrase “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” when it comes to things that are currently working. It sounds like you have a nice set-up that is working well for you. However, I do also encourage you to experiment and explore. You might find something that works even better for you. If you are looking to upgrade your razor, I think the the Merkur Progress would be a great next step razor. It is adjustable allowing you to customize your shave to your face and how the shave is feeling that day and is a great razor for experienced shavers. Some others you might want to contemplate trying are the Merkur Futur, the Edwin Jagger Chattsworth, the Bluebeard’s “Scimitar” and the Parker 90R. If you’re feeling really adventurous try the Merkur Slant. These would all be good upgrades and worthy razors to try!

Smooth Shaving!
Aaron”

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