Ask Aaron Q/A: Should I upgrade my DE safety razor this Christmas?
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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Ask Aaron Q/A: Which is better & easier - A hanging strop or a hand strop?
Antonio García Palomo, from Spain, asks:
“I’m going to get a strop (fan of wet shaving but using safety razor so far). My only doubt is a hanging or a hand strop. Awaiting for your advice.”
AARON SAYS
“Mr. Palomo, Honestly I use a safety razor most of the time, however I do keep in touch and read about what happens with the straight razor world. Both strops have their place, but from what I understand the hanging strop will be more suitable to the needs of a beginning straight razor user. That would be the one I would recommend.
Smooth Shaving!
Aaron”
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Ask Aaron Q/A: Double edged blade that will fit the old Wardonia razors
Steve Andrews, from the UK, asks:
“I’m looking for a double edged blade that will fit the old Wardonia razors, the holes are in a slightly different place to the gillette / wilkinson patern.”
AARON SAYS
“Mr Andrews,
I’m afraid that I don’t know of any blades that would fit the Wardonia razors. The Gillette/Wilkinson razors became the standard for blades to match, and those razors that didn’t fit those patterns usually had a proprietary blade to go with them. So unless you find a cache of new old stock blades I’m afraid you might be out of luck. Sorry I couldn’t offer any better news!
Best of Shaves!
Aaron”
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Ask Aaron Q/A: Can you recommend me an affordable quality razor?
Stacey Roberts, from the UK, asks:
“I’m looking for some advice; my father has asked that I purchase a feather razor, replacement blades and alum block. Can you please recommend? I’m looking for a reasonable quality razor but I don’t want to spend hundreds of pounds as it may not be the right type of shaver as he has sensitive skin. I look forward to hearing from you.”
AARON SAYS
“Ms Roberts, I can understand your hesitation to spend that amount of money when you’re not sure if the razor will work for your dad. It might be best to start with a less expensive shavette such as the Bluebeard’s “Cut-Throat” or the Dovo Solingen shavette. These would be good beginner shavettes for him to use and see if he likes them. I hope you dad enjoys the razor!
Smooth Shaving,
Aaron”
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Ask Aaron Q/A: Preparing a straight razor for its first shave
Jason Maloney, from the UK, asks:
“I recently bought my first Dovo of Solingen razor, I’ve also bought Canadian 2500 grit travel stone, and a strop. When I first used my blade I thought it would be like a hot knife through butter, but I found the shave very hard in the aspect the hair on my face was pulling. It felt like the blade was not sharp enough? But there supposed to be shave ready? I also steamed my face so the hair was really soft and I lathered up properly as on the tutorials on Youtube, can you tell me what I’m doing wrong?”
AARON SAYS
“Mr Maloney,
Despite their claims, most razors do not come shave ready, sadly. I would definitely suggest getting it honed before trying to shave much more with it. If you are going to hone it yourself, read up on it thoroughly and practice practice practice. It’s a difficult art, but very worthy once you learn. You’ll want to get progressively finer stones as well, especially as high as 8000, 10000, 12000 for that fine, sharp edge.
I am a big proponent of preparing your face to shave. However I will caution that you can over-prep with hot water and steam causing your face to be tender. I doubt this was the case from your description, but wanted to provide you with the caveat. I wish you all the best on your straight razor journey!
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.”
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: How many times can you use a razor blade to shave?
Andrew McKean, from the UK, asks:
“How often should you change your blades if you shave 2 times a week?”
AARON SAYS
“Mr. McKean,
Thank you for your question! Changing your blade should happen once it begins to feel dull, regardless of how often you shave. Blades are to be a sharp instrument to reduce the beard growth we have, and when the blade becomes dull it ceases to be useful and should be replaced. Signs of a dull blade can be redness, razor burn, pulling, skipping, and an uncomfortable shave experience. Should you experience this exchange or replace the blade to see if that is the problem. (Most likely, it is!)
Happy Shaving!
Aaron”
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Ask Aaron Q/A: How to prevent ingrown hairs & razor bumps
James Chapman, from the UK, asks:
“For pretty much all of my life I have suffered from ingrowing hairs, razor rash and razor burn. I have originally twin blade razors, then Mach 3 and finally Fusion razors. My condition has got progressively worse, to the point where the razor burn has become both embarrassing and intrusive. I have tried a safety razor, for short spells, but again have suffered from razor burn, and so have returned to multi-blades. Any advice would be gratefully received.”
AARON SAYS
“Mr Camp,
Ingrown hairs can be quite painful, let’s see what we can do to help. First off if you can tell that the ingrown hairs get worse as you move up in blade count, I think it’s safe to assume that you need as few blades as possible in your razor. My first question would be how long did you shave with the DE Razor? It takes a few weeks for your skin and technique to get used to shaving with a single blade. Use a good sharp blade, and dull blade or one that is not the right type for your skin and hair can increase problems with ingrown hair. Next is to use a good facial scrub to cleanse the face and reveal any ingrown hairs. Lastly use a good aftershave balm that will soften and moisturize your skin. You should find that these tips should help your irritations. Please let me know if I can help any more!
Smooth Shaving!
Aaron”
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Ask Aaron Q/A: Top tips on how to shave with a straight razor
Ben Stone, from the UK, asks:
“What would be your best piece of advice for someone who has never used a cut throat/straight razor before? What kit would I need to buy and how would I start my first cut throat shave?”
AARON SAYS
“Mr. Stone,
I’m glad you want to take the plunge into straight razor shaving! You’ll need at the least a straight razor and a strop. The strop is a leather strap similar to a wide belt that helps align the metal on the edge of the blade keeping it razor sharp. This is your basic kit! Although if you don’t have them already you’ll want a shaving brush and a good quality shaving cream and aftershave balm. And since you’re beginning with a straight razor, I’d recommend an alum block or styptic pencil because nicks will be inevitable at first until you get the technique down.
To begin your shave I recommend showering or applying a hot towel to moisten and soften the hairs. Apply a pre-shave oil and lather up your shave cream with the shaving brush either in a bowl or on your face. Shave very gently with as little pressure as possible letting the razor do the work slicing the hairs. Reapply the lather with your shaving brush for each pass. Since you are starting out I recommend just doing one or two passes with and then across the direction of hair growth until you get the technique down. You may want to continue using your current razor to clean up any missed spots. Once you are done shaving rinse off with warm then cool water and apply the alum block or styptic pencil as needed then apply your post-shave balm.
Welcome to the world of wetshaving! Hope you enjoy and if there is anything else I can do, please contact us again!
Smooth Shaving!
Aaron”
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Ask Aaron Q/A: Special tension ring pliers for the Merkur 38C
Mike Sandberg, from the USA, asks:
“I recently purchased a Merkur 38C as my first adventure in shaving with a safety razor. I immediately opened it when I got home to put in a blade and the base of the unit came out. It has some sort of tension ring at the base (to ensure a snug fit, no doubt). My trouble is, it doesn’t seem to want to go back into the shaft of the razor. Is there something I’m missing or is there a tip/trick that seasoned safety razor aficionados have? Many thanks in advance. Cheers, Mike”
AARON SAYS
“Mr. Sandberg,
Thanks for your question! This is indeed a trick, and there are special tension ring pliers that you can purchase from your local hardware or tool supplier to reinsert the ring back into the handle. If you continue to have problems or cannot get the razor reassembled I suggest contacting the supplier from which you bought the razor. I hope you get the razor fixed and shaving soon!
Happy Shaving,
Aaron”
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