Ask Aaron Q/A: Sore skin & small blood spots on chin & neck after shaving
Aaron is asked a question about sore skin & small blood spots on chin and neck after shaving
Andrew James, from the UK, asks:
“Hi there, new to double edge shaving from 18 years of cartridge shaving. Using Merkur HD and only tried Merkur blades so far. First pass WTG generally ok but tried second pass ATG yesterday (after re soaping) which left sore skin and small blood spots on chin and neck – ouch. What blade should I try next? Also, maybe I should stick to one pass, but I would like to do at least two to get a pretty close shave. Would value advice please. Ps; this blog facility is great.”
Take time, focus on basic technique, and enjoy the process, says Aaron
AARON SAYS
“Mr. James,
I would first make sure that you are developing your lather correctly, have a good blade angle (it should be about 30 degrees), and preparing your beard well by either showering or a hot towel.
Next I would say that since you are new to shaving with a single edge razor don’t shave against the grain. At the most right now go across, or perpendicular, to the beard growth. You may also take a second pass with the grain too, to increase the closeness of the shave. Shaving against the grain is a little bit advanced, and some say unnecessary, although it is something I practice for a close shave.
If you are looking to change the blades, I recommend the Israeli made blades, Astras, Derby, Lord, Sharks, and Wilkinson-Sword blades. I don’t recommend Feather blades until you are more comfortable with your shaving technique, they are incredibly sharp and unforgiving of mistakes.
I realize this is a lot of information at once. Take time, focus on basic technique, and enjoy the process! Soon you will be shaving easily and nick-free in no time.
Smooth Shaving!
Aaron”
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Ask Aaron Q/A: Are there any long-term negative effects of double edge shaving to the skin?
Aaron answers an excellent question about double edge shaving and the long term effects on the skin
Steve Donnellan, from the UK, asks:
“I recently undertook an experiment of using a multi-blade razor on one side of my face and a DE razor on the other half to compare results; 3 way shave on both sides. The results were obviously better using the DE Razor! However, I followed it up with the standard technique of using an Alum Block and noticed absolutely no sensation on the side I shaved with the multi-blade razor, but the usual stinging sensation on the side that I used the DE Razor. Therefore, is using a DE razor more harmful/aggressive and are there any longer term negative effects of DE shaving to the skin?”
Double edge shaving provides a much smoother shave
AARON SAYS
“Mr. Donnellan,
I’m glad you feel confident enough to do some experiments! What you have done is brilliant and has an excellent observation. Yes indeed, DE shaving will leave you with a closer shave than it’s modern counterpart.
The reason the alum block leaves a sting behind on the DE side of your face is the blade sits directly on your skin with DE razor while it is held off of the face with a modern cartridge razor. Therefore the tendency will be to lightly graze the surface of the skin with the blade and the alum block reveals these little injuries. Preventing this is a matter of technique. Watch the angle of the razor and blade, use as little pressure as possible and learn the feel of a good angle and what it feels like to have the blade at too acute an angle.
When you have followed these techniques the blade will skim over the surface, leaving you skin undamaged and incredibly smooth. When this happens you have arrived.
Best wishes and Smooth Shaving!
Aaron”
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Ask Aaron Q/A: Can you recommend me a Merkur DE razor for normal beard growth?
Chris Phillips, from the UK, asks:
“I don’t have what is called a “tough beard”. I use a vintage Gillette razor now, and want to move up to a Merkur. Is there a Merkur razor which is best suited for a guy with a ‘normal’ beard, offering a gentle, but effective shave, with not much irritation? Thanks, CP.”
Merkur 34C Heavy Duty Classic
AARON SAYS
“Mr. Phillips,
Yes indeed there is! If you’re looking for a great “normal” shave, go for the Merkur 34c “Heavy Duty/HD” razor. It’s a great shaver, with a mild shave that will perform well each time you shave. I have one and enjoy it a lot, and I think you will too.
Happy Shaving!
Aaron”
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Ask Aaron Q/A: Could you recommend a razor and cream for sensitive skin and thin blond hair?
Robin Worboyes, from the UK, asks:
“Dear sir, I have long struggled with poor shaving results, using the typical shop brands, and would like to shave properly (having never actually been taught). Could you recommend a razor and cream etc for sensitive skin and thin blond hair. I would also very much like to know where the badger hair comes from (I thought it was a protected species) and how it is sourced? Many thanks, Kind regards Robin.”
Muhle R89 Double Edged Chrome Safety Razor
AARON SAYS
“Mr. Worboyes,
Thanks for your question! I can certainly recommend some products for you! As to razors I recommend the Merkur 34c, the Bluebeards Scimitar, and the Muhle R89 & R106 razors. As far as creams, I really like the creams carried here at Shaving-Shack including (but not limited to) Bluebeards, Taylor of Old Bond Street, Proraso, and Cyril Salter among others. You should be able to find something in those that would satisfy your scent palette and shaving needs.
Simpsons Persian Jar Super Badger Brush (PJ2)
To answer your second part of the question Badger is a protected species in Most of Europe and the USA. However most badger hair comes from China where the badger is still quite a nuisance and many of the farmers there trap them to protect their crops, selling their furs to brush manufacturers. I hope this helps ease your mind that they are not being killed needlessly! Thanks for you questions, and good luck with your shaving journey!
Best of Shaves,
Aaron”
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Ask Aaron Q/A: DE Razors – Heavy or Light, Which is best?
Steven Cox, from the UK, asks:
“Having never used a double edge safety razor before I do not know whether to use a light or heavy razor. Are there any general guidelines I could follow to help me make my choice?”
Pick a heavier razor like this Parker 80R to begin your journey
AARON SAYS
“Mr. Cox,
Whether you have a light or heavy razor is truly a matter of personal preference. I generally recommend heavier razors for new shaver because it allows them to easier feel the razor and let the razor to the work cutting the hair. All that to say that I would recommend a heavier razor to begin your journey! Thanks for the question!
Smooth Shaving!
Aaron”
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Ask Aaron Q/A: Parker Razors vs Merkur Razors: What are the differences?
Paul Broadwith, from the UK, asks:
“I have a Parker Model 91R razor and I have a question about razor in general – what exactly is the difference? When you buy a razor, the blade is the most important part. With the double edged razors you can buy different blades so I’m thinking that the actual razor itself is less important but there are a loads to choose from so I am missing something. I know some of the Merkur razors have mechanics where you can angle them which I think would be a good place to start, but I can’t see what the other razors offer over what I have. So what is the difference, what should I be looking for and what will give me the best shave?”
Parker Model 91R Three Piece Safety Razor with Nickel Plated Finish
AARON SAYS
“Mr Broadwith,
I’ll try to answer you question succinctly, because the nuances and differences of razors could easily fill the chapter (or two) of a book. However, in brief the biggest difference you will find between razors is the “mildness” or “aggressiveness” expressed in the differing blade exposures. Typically the more acute the angle the more “aggressive” it feels to the face. The adjustable razors on the market are built with mechanics to change the exposure gap customizing your razor and shave. The rest of the razors that are manufactured have just one blade gap setting. This is the major difference in razors. The rest of what separates razors apart from each other are just different options in physical characteristics such as handle length, weight, handle diameter, finish and other options. Look for what feels most comfortable starting with the blade then to each razor based on your own personal preferences until you find your ideal razor. (which for me at this point in time is the Merkur Futur) Best wishes on finding your ideal shaving equipment!
Happy Shaving!
Aaron”
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Ask Aaron Q/A: Can you recommend me a decent razor, shave cream & badger shaving brush?
Philip Morgan, from the UK, asks:
“I am thinking of starting to use a DE razor after a lifetime of overpriced Gillettes and not very good Azors. However, I am utterly bewildered by the choices on offer, from pre-shaves to post-shave products, especially brushes, razors, and blades. Re the razor I would like one razor, instead of several different razors for different levels of “aggression”. I have a beard that is quite tough in places, and currently have to shave against the grain to get a decent result – shaving with the grain leaves my face only half shaved. Any advice you can give me across the whole board of shaving products would be greatly appreciated.”
AARON SAYS
“Mr. Morgan,
Thank you very much for your question! As wet shaving becomes ever more popular the number of choices and options grows exponentially! Confusion is easy, and I hope to help with that. Regarding your razor choice, I highly suggest going with the Merkur Progress. It is one of the most popular adjustable razors on the market right now, and is well loved by anyone that I’ve talked to that has used it. Another thing that will greatly affect this end of your shave is the blade. Buying a blade sampler is a very good way to find out which blade works best for your skin and hair type.
Regarding a brush go with a badger hair brush around 20mm in diameter. This will give you the all around best general application brush that you can use for now, and you can choose the grade of hair (Pure, Best, Finest, Silver tip) that suits your budget.
Any of the other products are really kind of up to you. Many of the top brands have complete lines of products that go from pre-shave to post-shave with everything in between. My suggestion is to go with a well known brand such as Bluebeard’s Revenge, Art of Shaving, Geo. F. Trumper’s, Taylor of Old Bond Street, Truefitt & Hill, Proraso, Speick or another of many numerous others and pick the scent that you like the best. This will give you great products to use and in a scent that you will enjoy!
Smooth Shaving!
Aaron ”
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Ask Aaron Q&A: Safety Razors – Closed Comb vs Open Comb
Sean Chawla-Duggan, from the UK, asks:
“Aaron, I have a very tough thick beard hair, and while when I do have the luxury of time I get a very good shave with a straight razor, I’d like to have a safety razor for mid week quickies. Should I use open or closed comb?”
AARON SAYS
“Mr. Chawla-Duggan,
Thank you for writing in! There is much debate surrounding the safety bar vs. open comb with strong opinions on both sides. Open comb razors do tend to be more aggressive and can give an easier shave for those of us with tougher beards. The shave also heavily depends on how sharp your blade is. If you like the look and feel of an open comb, go for it! There is a great open comb version of the Merkur HD which I highly recommend as well as the Muhle open comb.
Happy Shaving!
Aaron”
Do you have any burning questions you would like ask our wet shaving expert Aaron Wolfenbarger? CLICK HERE TO ASK AARON YOUR QUESTION
The MAD March Sale at The Shaving Shack
It’s the shaving sale of the century – a massive array of razors, shaving creams and shaving brushes with up to 60% off – act fast and stock up on your favourites!
Parker 98R Heavy Duty Premium Barberpole
Fancy treating yourself to a stylish double edge safety razor? Well look no further than the Parker 98R Heavy Duty Premium Barberpole – Parker’s answer to the awesome Merkur 38C!
Parker 98R Heavy Duty Premium Barberpole
We believe Parker have surpassed themselves with this beautiful razor. Taking styling cues from the exceptionally popular Merkur 38C, this chrome plated razor provides excellent grip, balance and performance.
The head is taken from their top of the range 3 piece razors which are near identical to the heads of the Merkur 34C/Merkur 38C and likewise, the barberpole handle design is very similar to the Merkur 38C.
Mike Sandoval, from Shaving101.com, is also a big fan of this razor, describing it as “a good value razor for the budget conscious wet shaver”.
WAS £29.00, NOW JUST £15.99 – SAVE 46%
Parker Model 52 Metal Safety Razor with Chrome Finish
If you fancy something a little cheaper then why not opt for the Parker Model 52 Metal Safety Razor with Chrome Finish. This razor offers a screw down blade change and a substantial feel.
WAS £25.99, NOW JUST £9.99 – SAVE 61%
Simpsons Duke Best Badger Brush (D3)
This is a very impressive and popular shaving brush, handmade in England and densely filled with best badger hair.
Simpsons Duke Best Badger Brush (D3)
Dimensions: Bristle Diameter: 45 mm, Bristle Length: 45 mm, Overall Length: 95 mm, Handle Diameter: 35 mm
This really is the height of shaving brush quality. Buy yourself a piece of English luxury today!
WAS £71.49, NOW JUST £50.00 – SAVE 30%
Simpsons Polo 8 Best Badger Brush (PL8)
The Polo is another great brush from the experts at Simpsons. The handle has a great size and shape to it with a ridge that provides excellent grip. Handmade in England it is densely filled with best badger hair.
WAS 84.99, NOW JUST £59.99 – SAVE 29%
These are just a few of the very special deals we have in the March sale. You can check them all out by clicking here. But hurry as the sale ends March 31.
Ask Aaron Q&A: Would you recommend the Merkur 34C safety razor?
“Hi, I am currently a disposable multi-blade user and am getting very frustrated at the high cost. I started looking for alternatives and quickly realised that there is a lot of recommendations to go back to the single blade safety razor. Having dug deeper it seems that the Merkur HD 34c is highly recommended. Would you also agree with this recommendation for someone who has used a multi-blade razor for years and also has sensitive skin?” asks Paul Neve, from the UK.
AARON SAYS
“Mr Neve,
The Merkur 34c is certainly a highly regarded razor, and for good reason. It’s weight, medium aggressiveness, and relative affordability make it one of the ideal razors to start your wet shaving journey on. I think you will find it to be a great tool and certainly a good razor. I use one myself! Another thing that will help you greatly is to purchase a blade sample pack. Blades are the most subjective part of learning wet shaving and the sampler will greatly help you find which is best for your hair and skin. We wish you the best of luck beginning your journey, feel free to get in contact again with any more questions!
Smooth Shaving!
Aaron”
Do you have any burning questions you would like ask our wet shaving expert Aaron Wolfenbarger? CLICK HERE TO ASK AARON YOUR QUESTION
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