Ask Aaron Q/A: Which is better - The Merkur 34C Heavy Duty Classic or the Merkur 38C Barberpole?
Tariq Khandoker, from the UK, asks:
“What is the diffrence between the Merkur 34C Heavy Duty Classic and the Merkur 38C Barberpole? Which is better?”
AARON SAYS
“Mr. Khandoker,
The only difference is the length of the handle, and a slight addition of weight. One is not necessarily better than the other, but depending on your preferences, you might want one or the other. If you like a very hefty razor go with the 38c. If you have large hands the length of the pole on the 38 will help you maintain a good grip on the razor. Otherwise, the head is just the same and will provide the same shave. Hope this helps!
Smooth shaving! Aaron”
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Ask Aaron Q/A: What kind of shave soap would you suggest for someone with acne?
Laura Jones, from the USA, asks:
“What kind of shaving soap would you suggest for someone with acne/sensitive skin?”
AARON SAYS
“Ms. Jones,
Thank you for your question! Honestly it depends on what you are sensitive to in the soap to which product you can safely use as an alternative.
It might take some testing with different products to find the solution but here are some of the more common fixes to the problem of product sensitivity. First off, if you are using a canned product I recommend switching to a squeeze tube or a traditional brushed cream or soap. The chemicals, preservatives and propellants used in canned shaving cream products can often be drying or do something even worse to your skin.
Next, is your product scented? If so the sensitivity may be to the fragrance or essential oil used in the product, try finding an unscented version. Many products use tallow or lanolin to add moisturizing properties and slickness to their soaps. If this is the case then try using a glycerin based product.
I realize that I have primarily addressed the sensitivity issue here, but acne problems are similarly caused and these tips will help with that as well.
Smooth shaving! Aaron”
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Ask Aaron Q/A: Caring for your razor
Michael Darke, from the UK, asks:
“Is there a particular way to store or care for your razor(s) between use? I’m currently alternating between 2 and generally just swill them out and leave them in a mug by the window after each shave. Is this the right or wrong thing to do; is there something special I should be doing?”
AARON SAYS
“Mr Darke,
You raise a good question, and one I think that has a easy solution. DE razors are quite easy in maintenance and need very little care. Giving them a good rinsing and patting them dry is great routine for day to day use. I also recommend once a month or so giving your razors a bath in a 9:1 solution of water and vinegar. The vinegar loosens and dissolves hard water stains and lather deposits. Let the razors soak for at least 10 minutes then rinse off in water. That’s it!
Happy Shaving!
Aaron”
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Ask Aaron Q/A: Tight skin after DE shaving
Gavin Evans, from the UK, asks:
“Hi, I have just changed to using a safety razor, my skin feels very tight after shaving, I have tried diffident aftershave balms. Can you help?”
AARON SAYS
“Mr Evans, tight skin is not pleasant at all. Let’s see what we can do for you. First, since the balms do not seem to be helping I would change your preparation to shave. Wash your face with a gentle soap/cleanser, then use a good moisturizing shaving cream. I recommend Bluebeard’s Revenge, Taylor of Old Bond Street, Proraso and D.R. Harris. Wash your face once you’re done with first warm water, then cool water, this cleanses the skin before closing the pores. Then finish your shave with a good aftershave balm as you are already doing. This should definitely help with the tight skin! If you still are experiencing problems ask again and we’ll do some more troubleshooting!
Happy Shaving!
Aaron”
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Ask Aaron Q/A: How to Prevent Ingrown Hairs
Ahmet Kalem, from Denmark, asks:
“Hi Aaron, I am new in shaving with a safety razor and are very impressed of it. I have a little problem - ingrown hairs - can you give me a tip to prevent this problem. Thank you very much. Greetings from Denmark.”
AARON SAYS
“Mr Kalem, Thank you for your question! You’ve already made a big leap in helping prevent ingrown hair by switching to a safety razor! If you are like most men your ingrown hairs occur on your neck. The first thing I would recommend is know which directions your hair grows on your face. Then be careful to not shave against the direction of growth. This might not provide quite as close a shave, but it is a big help in preventing ingrowns. Another thing is to make sure your skin is soft and moisturized by using a pre-shave oil or cream before shaving, and an after shave balm after shaving. If you still have some problems, crush a tablet of aspirin and mix it with a tiny bit of water to create a paste. Apply the paste to the affected area for a few minutes to help alleviate the systems. Also take an old toothbrush and massage the affected hair with it to help bring the hair to the surface. I hope these tips help you! Welcome to traditional shaving!
Shave well!
Aaron”
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Ask Aaron Q/A: How to clean a double edge razor
Raymond Read, from the UK, asks:
“What’s the best way to give a Razor a “Makeover” i.e. a good clean after several uses?”
AARON SAYS
“Mr Read,
A great question! Depending on the mineral content of your water, it may be easy for soap film and water spots to build up on your razor. Here’s what I recommend: take 1 part vinegar to 9 parts water and let your razor soak in the solution for about 30 minutes. Then take an old toothbrush with some toothpaste and give the razor a good scrubbing. This should cleanoff and built up lather, film and other gunk that tends to appear on razors. If necessary, repeat the process.
Cheers!
Aaron”
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Ask Aaron Q/A: A Beginner’s Guide to Straight Razor Honing
Paul Morris, from the UK, asks:
“Help, I think I may have made some learner mistakes and I am trying to recover my kit condition. I bought a Dovo razor and one strop to learn straight razor shave with. My strop is now badly nicked in many places I am certain my Razor needs honing. Is it possible my razor now needs more than honing and is there anyway I can get more life out of my strop? If I need to Hone, what do I need and what do I need to know? Cheers Paul”
AARON SAYS
“Mr. Morris,
Congratulation on beginning the straight razor journey! You razor should be fine, and probably just needs honing. There is not enough space here to describe to you how to hone your razor (books have been written on the subject!), so I suggest sending it to someone to hone or walking up to your local barber and see if they can do it for you. I’m am sorry to hear of your strop, it’s hard for me to make a statement without seeing it. If it badly nicked over the length of the strop, you might want to consider getting another one. A good option is to check out some of the following forums and pick the brains of the experienced straight razor shavers there! I hope this helps!
http://www.straightrazorplace.com/forums/
http://straightshaving.info/forum/news.php
http://theshavingroom.co.uk/index.php
http://badgerandblade.com
Smooth Shaving!
Aaron”
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Ask Aaron Q/A: Can you recommend me the best shave brush to use with shaving cream
Gary Chinchen, from the UK, asks:
“Please could you recommend a good shave brush to use with creams predominately, this is the first brush I have purchased so no idea what I should be looking for, I am sinking in conflicting advice. I’m looking to spend around £50.”
AARON SAYS
“Mr. Chinchen,
Thanks for your question! Generally for creams you would want a brush that is taller (or has a tall loft) and has a slightly longer handle. Some good choices are the Progress Vulfix 660, the Blubebeard’s Revenge “Privateer”, and the Kent BLK2 brush. These are some good standards to go with when lathering creams!
Smooth Shaving!
Aaron”
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Ask Aaron Q/A: The Merkur Futur Razor
Brian Harvey, from the UK, asks:
“Merkur Futur razor - which of the two finishes (satin or shiny chrome) is the least slippery to hold whilst shaving?”
AARON SAYS
“Mr. Harvey,
I have yet to compare the two side by side, but if i were to guess I would say that the matte finish razor would be easier to hold. However my guess is there wouldn’t be much of a notable difference. Whatever you choose, stay smooth!
Smooth shaving,
Aaron”
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Ask Aaron Q/A: Combining different Merkur DE razors
Jack Lovell, from the UK, asks:
“Hello Aaron, I presently have a Merkur Futur and Vision 2000 razor which I like because of their hefty weight. For my next heavyweight razor I would like to cobble together a Merkur 43C stainless steel handle with a Merkur 37C slant bar head. Will these two components marry together? Many thanks and regards. Jack”
AARON SAYS
“Mr. Lovell, It’s nice to find anther heavy razor lover! My personal tendency is to favor razors with a heavier feel than others. While I have not tried pairing the two different parts, I will assume that you should be able to match the two razor parts together. I would also offer you a suggestion, have you looked at the Merkur 39c slant barberpole? It is one of the heftiest razors Merkur produces, and has the slant head on top. This might produce the razor you desire! Good luck!
Happy Shaving, Aaron”
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