Ask Aaron Q/A: The Importance of Alum Blocks
Ha-Jo Lehner, from Germany, asks:
“Hello Aaron, After an alum block is applied on the wet skin… is it washed off after some time or is the alum dried and kept on the skin? (while aftershave or balm is applied).”
AARON SAYS
“Herr Lehner,
Generally the alum is left on the skin and an aftershave is applied over the alum. I don’t know of anyone that uses the alum application then washes it off. The purpose of the alum is to use the natural salts to close the pores and any nicks/cuts that might have occurred during shaving. These natural salts are good for the skin and washing them off would not be beneficial. I would recommend keeping the application on the skin and applying an aftershave balm over it for the best benefits.
Best of Shaves!
Aaron”
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Ask Aaron Q/A: Shaving kits and sets for beginners
Johnte Thompson, from the UK, asks:
“Hello, This is my first time using this type of shave (traditional wet shaving), I have always been the shaving foam type. Now I want to join the club but my question is where do I start, which is the best brush? What type of soap / cream should I use? Hope you can help. My budget is around £80 to get started.”
AARON SAYS
“Mr Thompson,
Welcome to the club! There are numerous options for you, from piecing together a kit of your own, to picking out one of the many prepared sets with brush cream and razor already together. If you would like a prepared set I would go with this BlueBeard’s Revenge Set. This would be easiest and fits well within your budget. Or you can use this set and keep your current razor and start shaving with the badger brush and cream. Whatever you choose, welcome to the club and enjoy!
Happy Shaving!
Aaron”
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Ask Aaron Q/A: Can I re-sharpen double edged blades using the Razorpit
Frank Nugent, from the UK, asks:
“Can I re-sharpen double edged blades on the Razorpit.”
AARON SAYS
“Mr. Nugent,
From what I understand from reading the RazorPit website no. The RazorPit is designed for cartridge razors. Also, since Double Edge razor blades are so much more inexpensive than cartridges I’m not sure it would be worth the expense.
Happy Shaving!
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?”
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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Women waste 50bn litres of water shaving legs in shower
A new study has revealed that one in three women leave the shower running while they shave their legs, wasting nearly 50 billion litres of water a year.
Thames Water, which commissioned the research, said the amount wasted would be enough to supply the whole of London for around 25 days.
So come on ladies its about time you started to save the planet and invest in some decent shaving cream, a razor that actually cuts, and perhaps a luxury shaving brush to ensure you can whip up a thick and consistent lather.
Here at The Shaving Shack we have all the shaving accessories any girl could ever need, or want for that matter.
If pink is your thing then why not treat yourself to this Pink Mach 3 Razor or Pink Badger Shaving Brush.
And if you really hate shaving your pins and would do anything to not have to, then we have some very good news.
Our best-selling product is The Bluebeards Revenge shaving cream, which is the only brand on the market that can actually slow down and reduce hair growth.
It features 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.
You can also buy all three of these luxury products as a gift set for just £49.99. A unique treat for yourself or a magnificent present for someone you care about.
Ask Aaron Q/A: Choosing the right shaving brush
Per Hansson, from Sweden, asks:
“Hi, I’m considering a new shaving brush and need assistance. The ones I’ve looked at are KentBK8 Silvertip, Simpsons Duke Best Badger D3 and Progress Vulfix 2235 Super Badger. Can you please advice me on pros and cons of these as I’m a little confused in my choice? Cheers Per.”
AARON SAYS
“Mr. Hansour,
The largest differences in shaving brushes stem from hair type, loft (how high the hair extends from the brush), and handle size/shape. In regards to badger hair there are three major grades of quality: pure, best, and finest. (there are technically one or two more, but it’s hairsplitting and we won’t worry about it here) The quality of hair is listed from least to best. There are some differences in the way the hair feels but buy for what your budget can afford.
Regarding loft, a lot depends on personal personal desire but it is generally recommended that if you use more creams choose a brush that has a higher loft, and a shorter loft if you use more soaps. If you seem to use both about equally then choose a brush with a middle range loft.
Handle size can play a factor if you have small or large hands, or they are thick or skinny. Find a larger or long handle for large hands and a thinner handle for thin ones. I hope this helps in your choice of a brush (I’ve eyed the Kent for quite some time a very good choice!)!
Smooth shaving!
Aaron”
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Ask Aaron Q/A: Razor cleaning and storage tips to maximise blade usage
Michael Darke, from the UK, asks:
“Should I be doing anything in particular post shave to clean my razor, and how should I be storing it to maximise blade usage?”
AARON SAYS
“Mr. Darke,
What a wonderful question! Normally a good vigorous shaking is sufficient to cleanse the razor, but if you need more, try gently cleaning the razor with a small make up brush. (I recommend using one that is not your wife or girlfriends!) If there is still bits of lather and hair on the blade, take it out of the razor and wipe it on a towel or sponge away from the edge. Away from the edge is important so you don’t dull the blade.
To prolong and preserve the blade, find a way to remove the blade from moisture. Oxidation will make the blade dull quicker than your beard will! Applying oil or alcohol to the blade by cotton ball or cotton swab is a very popular method. Another quick and easy method is to dip the head of the razor in a small jar of alcohol or light vegetable oil. These methods should remove the moisture and preserve the blade for future use!
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
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?”
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: I Always Get A Red Neck After Shaving
Peter Ford, from the UK, asks:
“I use a Mekur safety razor with Gillette 7 o’clock blades and Cyril Salter cream, I always shower 1st and shave straight after using warm water. I always have to shave against the grain on the 2nd or 3rd lather to get even close to a close shave, but this is leaving me with permanent red neck and cheeks. Is there anything I can do or any pre or post shave products that will get rid of this?”
AARON SAYS
“Mr Ford,
Thanks for your question! Before I recommend some post-shave products let me first say that using good prep is the first step in getting great shaving results. Be sure to use good technique and hold the razor at a proper angle. My first thought is that you might want to try a few different brands of blades, the 7′oclock may not be the best for you. If you have done this and have found that the this blade is good for you, use a replenishing aftershave balm. One that moisturizes and restores the face’s natural oils and helps to heal any nicks and cuts is ideal. The Bluebeards Revenge, Proraso and Taylor of Old Bond Street balms/balsams you will find on the Shaving Shack shop are all great choices for this. I hope this helps! If you continue to experience problems please write in again and we’ll revisit the issue!
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
Men binning overpriced cartridge razors….at last
Newspaper reports out today are suggesting that the global financial crisis is taking its toll on the men’s grooming industry, with the ‘alpha male’ supposedly making a comeback.
According to a new study by The Grocer, British men are switching away from the smooth metrosexual ideal to the bearded and messy look during the economic downturn.
The research has revealed that in the past year sales of razors and blades were down by 7 per cent.
Market analysts Kantar Worldpanel say rising prices, as well as the economic slump, is a key factor for the change in male attitudes.
However, for men still wanting too look dapper and clean-shaven but don’t want to pay the earth for some overpriced and poor performing cartridge razor, then there is a solution, and it’s called double edge shaving.
Not only is double edge razor technically superior to a Gillette ProGlide or any other expensive cartridge based razor system, its also much cheaper.
The following comparison is based on an average use of: 1 x Mach3 cartridge a week OR 2 x double-edged razor blades a week
MACH3 CARTRIDGE YEARLY COST
Boots do twelve cartridges for £11.99. So: £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 RAZOR 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.
Even in the first year, where you would have to purchase a double edged razor, this saving is more than enough to cover this initial extra cost.
Need another reason to bin the expensive cartridge system and opt instead for the luxurious double edge razor? A study published earlier this year found that well-groomed guys have much better job prospects as well. 90 per cent of HR professionals said being well groomed is more important than a firm handshake when it comes time for a job interview.
And if that doesn’t convince you, surely this well….Research also suggests that men who shave regularly have twice as much sex as those that don’t.
This study found that men who shave at least five times a week are having sex 15.5 times per month, compared to 7.8 times for unshaven men.
So men, abandon the scruffy, un-shaven look and quick as it would appear that keeping yourself clean-shaven is the key to a successful career and love life.
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