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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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.”
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.
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: Can you recommend me an aftershave lotion?
George Klitsas, from Greece, asks:
“I’m in search for an aftershave lotion. My current fragrances are Dior Eau Sauvage, Cool Water and Hermes so I’m looking for something like that. I like floral and not intense aroma….I hate mint,….. any help?”
AARON SAYS
“Mr Klitsas,
Of course, I’d be glad to help! With those fragrances, you’d be looking for something that is lightly scented and has aquatic, grassy, or citrus notes. I would highly recommend the BlueBeard’s revenge post-shave balm, it has a great light citrus, manly scent (a great pair with the Hermes). Also look at the Musgo Real Oak Moss, Spiced Citrus aftershaves and the Proraso pre-post balm. The Musgo Real aftershaves fit also within the scent profiles and the Proraso balm has a very neutral scent. I don’t think you’d be disappointed with any of these choices.
Happy Shaving!
Aaron”
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Ask Aaron Q/A: The benefits of pre shave oils and creams and some uselful pre shave tips
Robert Marney, from the UK, asks:
“I need help with shaving and wondered if you can make any suggestions to me. I have very course, very thick hair. I use a good quality DE razor and use bluebeards cream but still struggle to remove patches of hair without issues. Can pre-shave oil, or any other preparation help?
Just for the record… Underneath my jawbone and towards my earlobe my hair grows in a strange pattern. No hair grows in the same direction as another! This make shaving really difficult and it’s become nearly impossible to pass this area without tugging/pulling/causing irritation (even with a new blade). I already use super sharp (feather) blades plus I use the old hot flannel technique before shaving. I shave and night and therefore take my time but still cannot achieve the great shave so many others get.”
AARON SAYS
“Mr. Marney,
If you’ve read some of the other Q&A’s you’ll know I value prep very highly. I think if you add a couple of things to your prep along with the hot towel technique you’ll be well on your way to a smoother shave.
First off add a step to your hot towel routine: after your initial session with a hot towel, repeat it with a layer of lather on your face. This layer of lather will further help to soften and fill the hair with moisture making it easier to shave. Second use a pre-shave oil such as the Bluebeard’s Revenge oil or the Taylor of old Bond Street oil. The oil adds another protective layer and holding moisture to the skin and hair.
Lastly you can try adding some of the other pre-shave treatments that are on the market such as the Proraso pre/post cream or the Taylor of Old Bond Street pre-shave gel. The have special moisturizers and other ingredients to help soften the beard and facial skin. Try these steps for a while and see what helps and I’d love to hear back to know what did the trick!
Smooth Shaving!
Aaron ”
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