Ask Aaron Q/A: A good alternative to the Merkur 34C
Mark Southern, from UK, asks:
“Hi Aaron. Hope you are well. I really want to purchase the Merkur 34c safety razor, but every online shop I visit seems to be out of stock. Can you please recommend me an alternative razor, something which is similar in terms of weight, feel, look, aggressiveness and price.
Thanks Mark.”
Edwin Jagger Double Edge Razor DE89L
AARON SAYS
“Mr. Southern,
With the growth of popularity of wet-shaving I’m not surprised to hear there is a shortage of the Merkur 34c! It’s a great razor, but with it being out of stock there are some good alternatives out there too. The Edwin Jagger DE89 series is a great competitor, and very similar is head shape, aggressiveness and price. Other good alternative razors are the Muhle R89, the Merkur 38c (the long handled cousin to the 34c), Bluebeard’s Revenge “Scimitar”, and the color handled Merkur “barber-pole” razors. These should all serve you very well and give you the same shave as the Merkur 34c. A great question, thank you!
Smooth Shaving,
Aaron”
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Ask Aaron Q/A: The differences between Dorco ST300 & Dorco ST301 razor blades
Mike Key, from the UK, asks:
“Other than packaging, what’s the difference between Dorco ST300 and Dorco ST301 razor blades.”
AARON SAYS
“Mr. Key,
Thanks for you question! I didn’t immediately know the answer, so some research ensued. Apparently the difference is the ST-301 blades have an added PTFE coating. What is PTFE? It’s a lot like a teflon coating, it’s added for extra smoothness for the shave. I have heard many people say, which is also my experience, that the 301 blades are more comfortable than the 300 blades, for the reason that it is a smoother blade. In answer, the difference is a teflon-like coating on the 301 blades that set the two apart. Thanks for the question!
Happy Shaving,
Aaron”
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Ask Aaron Q/A: Upgrading my shaving kit, what should I invest in?
Chris Walker, from Hungry, asks:
“Hi there, I was wondering what next to invest in to upgrade my shaving kit? I currently own 2 DE razors (A Merkur 11c and a Muhle 89R) and these are great but I have a very cheap drugstore brush and cream. Which would you recommend buying first? A quality shaving brush or quality shaving cream to upgrade?
Many Thanks, C.”
AARON SAYS
“Mr. Walker,
I would recommend upgrading to a better cream next. Using a better cream will much improve your shave and you can still use the inexpensive brush for quite some time and still get good results. I would suggest you try Bluebeard’s Revenge, Taylor of Old Bond Street, Edwin Jagger, Truefitt & Hill and many others you will find here. Good luck and enjoy the new cream!
Cheers,
Aaron”
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Ask Aaron Q/A: Shaving creams for sensitive skin
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”
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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Ask Aaron Q/A: Top shaving tips for an irritation free shave
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?”
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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Ask Aaron Q/A: What is your top lip and under chin shave routine?
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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Ask Aaron Q/A: Preventing ingrown hairs on the cheek
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 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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Ask Aaron Q/A: Advice for a double edge shaving novice
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 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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Ask Aaron Q/A: Top tips on extending the life of double edge razor blades
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.”
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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Ask Aaron Q/A: How to avoid nicks & cuts when shaving with a DE safety razor
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.”
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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