James Bond Skyfall film inspires psoriasis sufferer to dump multi-bladed cartridge razor & embrace cut throat shaving
For many men around the world shaving can be a very painful daily activity, and something that is a regarded as a chore and not the pleasure it should be.
Psoriasis sufferer Neil Jary was a guy you could put into this category, but fortunately for him after watching the latest James Bond film Skyfall he decided to dump his multi-bladed cartridge razor and instead opt for a cut throat shavette.
During a scene in Skyfall, British actress Naomie Harris gives 007, played by Daniel Craig, a close shave using a cut throat razor, whispering in his ear “sometimes the old ways are the best” as she performs the shave.
Neil works the shaving cream into his beard
Here is Neil’s story/journey:
“I have psoriasis and as such shaving became a chore. I would shave maybe once or twice a week when my partner hinted I was too stubbly by calling me “spike”!
I’ve been looking at straight razors for ages and the scene in Skyfall finally got my curiosity hooked and I quickly found The Shaving Shack! I’ve been a multi-bladed cartridge razor user since I started shaving; was it really the best a man can get? Surely if anyone knew best it was Bond!
Neil gets to work on the shave
One purchase of a shavette later (I didn’t think I would justify a full blown cut throat to begin with!) and I was eager to get going. My first attempt was fumbling to say the least but the closeness of the shave and lack of irritation proved to me that it might be worth carrying on and investing time and money to move forwards!
And to be honest it was thrilling to do! Nerve tingling and scary but thrilling none the less!
A few more purchases of some quality shaving cream, some pre shave oil and an alum block have followed and my second shave; after only two days (an almost unheard of short time span for shaving with my cartridge razor) proved to be even more successful! One very minor nick and the closest shave I’ve had in years!
Neil enjoys a close shave with his shavette razor
It actually feels like I’m pampering myself! Not something I’m used to being a born and bred rugged outdoors type of guy!! But it genuinely is a pleasure! I’ve yet to try the pre shave oil, but I’m actually looking forwards to the shave! I actually want my stubble to grow faster so I can “treat” myself again!
All in all a shocking discovery but one I’m happy to indulge in! It takes time, patience, and skill and focus! All things that make this method of shaving a pleasure! It’s something a man can master; a technique to learn and hone until it’s perfect! A man likes to have skills to practice and shaving with a straight razor is amongst the very greatest to learn I can now see!
So thanks to 007 James Bond and The Shaving Shack for getting me on the right path….now if only I can persuade the missus into some Miss Moneypenny role play I’ll be laughing!”
Looking good Neil
Do you have a wet shaving story to tell the world? If you would like see your article posted on The Shaving Shack Blog, email [email protected].
Shaving is no longer a chore – How double edge shaving turned a daily chore into a daily pleasure
For many men around the world shaving is regarded as a daily, but necessary chore. You reach in the cabinet for your multi-bladed cartridge razor and foam or gel and shave the way you always have. You finish, rinse of your face and then clean your razor.
This was also the case for Christopher Maguire, who hated shaving so much that he only shaved once a week, sometimes only once a fortnight. But Christopher’s mindset changed overnight after he was introduced to the wonderful world of double edge shaving. Chris now looks forward to his daily shave, and wants more men to follow his lead and dump the multi-bladed cartridge razor and embrace the world of double edge shaving.
Here is Chris’ story:
“I stumbled into the world of wet shaving by accident, it started because by girlfriend bought me a shaving kit for Christmas. It didn’t come with a razor but it did have a shaving brush, shaving cream and a bowl to lather the cream. Seeing the brush took me back to when I was a little boy when I used to see my grandad shave with a brush, soap and a double edged razor.
That morning I used the brush and soap and had the most enjoyable shave since I first picked up a razor.
The following days I did more research into wet shaving. Learning that if you have sensitive skin, suffer from razor burn or ingrown hairs, a double edged razor can significantly help to reduce these problems. Partly due to exfoliating with the brush and also by using a single blade, so less passes are made and thus reducing irritation.
Chris gets to work on the shave
I suffer from really bad shaving rash on my neck which a lot of the time come out in spots, also I seemed the get ingrown hairs on my cheeks quite often which turned into boils. This made me not shave quite as much as I should, much to the disappointment of my girlfriend. Luckily I don’t have to be clean shaven for my job so I only shaved once a week, some times once every 2 weeks.
Another reason this type of shaving appealed to me was the price of cartridge razors. At least ten pounds for 4 cartridges compared to 3 pounds on 10 blades. Which is a problem when money is tight at times due to me being a part-time student and my girlfriend being at university, so often I would use blunted blades causing a painful rash on my neck.
After doing a fair bit of research I bought a Merkur 33c. When it arrived I used it straight away. I was a bit nervous at first, mainly because I didn’t want to cut my face to bits. It took me about 10-15 mins the first time and I couldn’t get over how close of a shave it was. I did have a couple of nicks but practice is all it takes to find a technique. Turns out I really enjoy shaving and do it more often, without the rash or ingrown hairs.
I’m glad i found this type of shaving as it will save me lots of money in the long run but also because it seems to have turned into a new hobby of mine. I now look forward to shaving, which is quite strange for me.“
Do you have a wet shaving story to tell the world? If you would like see your article posted on The Shaving Shack Blog, email [email protected].
Learn to shave like Bond, James Bond - Bluebeards launches cut throat razor shaving guide
Posted in Shaving Tips, Shaving Videos, Straight Razor Shaving, The Bluebeards Revenge | Comments (0)
Bluebeards release 007 inspired cut throat shaving video because ‘sometimes the old ways are the best’
Following a surge in cut throat razor sales with the release of new James Bond film, Skyfall, leading men’s grooming brand The Bluebeards Revenge have released a handy how-to film to ensure their customers know how to get the best out of their cut throat shave.
The short film, which has been made in collaboration with Jacks of London, is, of course, spy inspired by the film, and is full of top tips for the customer to achieve the correct technique when using their shiny new cut throat shavette razor.
On the film’s cinema release, which included a saucy shaving scene with actors Daniel Craig and Naomie Harris, The Bluebeards Revenge saw their cut throat style razor sales surge ten-fold. The scene saw 007 receive a close shave using a cut throat razor with Harris uttering the words; ‘sometimes the old ways are the best.’
Shaving with a cut throat razor is certainly one of life’s pleasures as it will give you the closest possible shave. But it does take time to master the technique and you’ll certainly need a steady hand and plenty of practice.
The Bluebeards Revenge wants to ensure the customer really gets the best out of their buy so have put the film together to teach men how to get the best shave and women, how to give the best shave.
The handy shavette razor is similar to a straight or cut throat razor but is a more cost effective alternative and requires less maintenance as it uses changeable blades, meaning no stropping or honing. It can save time for those who are in a hurry, but still want to experience the luxury of a wet shave.
The Bluebeards Revenge crew visited Jacks of London’s upmarket Guilford barbershop to film the clip and resident Barber Sandra Morgan showcases her skills and talks you through the key elements and process involved when guaranteeing a great shave.
These include the correct way to prepare your face for a cut throat/shavette shave, holding the razor in the correct way, shaving in the right direction and after care for your skin when the shave is complete.
Justin Bullock, Marketing Manager for The Bluebeards Revenge, said: “We’ve had lots of customers wanting to ‘get a razor like Bond’ – it’s opened up the idea of cut-throat shaving to a whole new group of guys.
“Hopefully our cut throat shaving video will not only entertain, but it will also ensure men all around the world are clean shaven, and not stirred.”
Youtube video link
A close shave: One in six UK motorists shave while driving
1 in 6 motorists shave while driving
One in six motorists admit to shaving while driving, according to a new survey.
The survey, carried out by road safety charity Brake and insurance firm Direct Line, found drivers using their cars for work were most likely to be offenders.
Of those who used a vehicle for work, 17% said they shaved whilst at the wheel compared with a figure of 14% for non-work drivers.
We would like to highlight to all our customers of the dangers of drink-shaving and suggest they keep their grooming routines confined to the bathroom.
Ask Aaron Q/A: Cold Weather Shaving & Moisturising The Skin
Aaron is asked a question about skin irritation (after shaving) during the cold weather & what can be done to alleviate the problem
Jorge Flores, from Mexico, asks:
“Dear Aaron. I’m from Chiapas, Mexico, and frequently have to travel around my country, but the weather in the cities can be very different. It’s either very, very, very hot or very, very, very cold, so my question is this: When I have to shave in the cold weather my skin becomes very irritated and I don’t know if there is a product on the market that exists to help overcome this problem. I appreciate your answer.”
The Bluebeards Revenge post balm will help to nourish the skin after shaving
AARON SAYS
“Senor Flores,
The irritation you are experiencing is probably due to dryness from shaving and the cold, dry air. The product I would suggest to help is an aftershave balm such as the Blubeards Revenge balm or one of many others, and if you still continue to experience discomfort, a moisturizer such as the Men-U moisturizer.
Both shaving and dry air can rob the skin from moisture and you want to add and keep moisture in be using a balm and/or a moisturizer to combat the discomfort. Let me know if you continue to have trouble but using these products should alleviate the problem!
Happy Shaving!
Aaron”
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Ask Aaron Q/A: Styptic Pencil vs Alum Block
Posted in Ask Aaron Q & A, Double Edge Shaving | Comments (0)
Aaron is asked a question about the advantages of using an alum block over a styptic pencil
Michael Behan, from the UK, asks:
“Like lots of shavers, if/when I get a small cut or nick whilst shaving, a styptic pencil will stem the bleed. What advantage is there in using an alum block, which costs twice as much as a styptic pencil?”
An alum block
AARON SAYS
“Mr. Behan,
While they styptic pencil and the alum block both take care of nicks, the basic purpose is different. Most people use the alum block as part of an aftershave routine, and the styptic pencil is a spot treatment. I hope this helps!
Happy Shaving,
Aaron”
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Ask Aaron Q/A: Double edge safety razor blades: Stainless Steel vs Platinum
Posted in Ask Aaron Q & A, Double Edge Shaving | Comments (0)
Aaron is asked a question about the differences between stainless steel & platinum double edge razor blades
Jon Strutt, from the UK, asks:
“I’m thinking of buying some Astra double edge razor blades - what are the pro’s and cons of the Stainless Steel vs Platinum?”
Made in Egypt, the PTFE coated Shark Super Stainless is a favourite to rival the mighty Feather in the double edge shaving world.
AARON SAYS
“Mr. Strutt,
Blades are the most subjective and personable part of shaving, so please take whatever advice given as a personal anecdote. For starters, the main difference is the material and coating treatments that the blades receive. As to how it feels on the face, for me the Platinum blades were smoother and sharper than the Stainless. However, that experience can vary from person to person. I encourage you to try both and see which feels the best to you.
Smooth Shaving!
Aaron”
Do you have any burning questions you would like ask our wet shaving expert Aaron Wolfenbarger?
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Ask Aaron Q/A: Differences between a multi-bladed cartridge razor, a cut throat & safety razor
Posted in Ask Aaron Q & A, Double Edge Shaving, Safety Razors, Straight Razor Shaving | Comments (0)
Aaron is asked a question about the differences between a multi-bladed cartridge razor, a cut throat & safety razor
Darren Collins, from the UK, asks:
“Hi Aaron, I’ve always used cartridge razors (5 blade Wilkinson Sword at the moment)…Is there much difference between a cut throat or safety razor and the system I use now? How easy is it to shave “properly”? Can you please recommend me a good quality razor (I have sensitive skin)?”
A safety razor like the Merkur Futur 761 Safety Razor will offer a far smoother shave than a multi bladed cartridge razor
AARON SAYS
“Mr. Collins,
I believe there to be a significant difference and improvement switching from a multi-blade cartridge system to a cut-throat or safety razor. The technique is different, but with a little time I think it is easy to master and achieve superior shaves.
I recommend the Bluebeard’s “Scimitar“, the Muhle 89, the EJ DE89, the Merkur 34c and Merkur 38c as all good introductory razors to begin. I also recommend investing in a shaving brush, and cream or soap to complete your shaving system. Welcome to the club!
Happy Shaving!
Aaron”
Do you have any burning questions you would like ask our wet shaving expert Aaron Wolfenbarger?
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Ask Aaron Q/A: Do you recommend Gillette 7 O’ Clock double edge razor blades?
Posted in Ask Aaron Q & A, Double Edge Shaving | Comments (0)
Aaron is asked a question about the merits of Gillette 7 O’ Clock double edge razor blades
Victor Lord Denovan, from the UK, asks:
“Hi Aaron, I have now tried quite a number of different double edge razor blades, including Feathers, Astras, etc but never tried Gillette 7 o’clocks. I must admit that the ones mentioned above did not really impress me over the Supermax Blue Diamonds, although I realise that everyone’s face is different. Do you think the 7 o’clocks are noticeably better/different? Regards, Victor.”
Gillette 7 O’ Clock razor blades
AARON SAYS
“Lord Denovan,
I have tried several different brands of the Gillette 7′O clock brand, but to me they were not better than Feathers, which are my favorite. This just goes to show you that blades are the most personable and subjective aspect to wetshaving.
I suggest you try them, who knows, you might find one of them better than the Supermax, but if not, you know that the Supermax are the best for your particular face. It is truly a win-win situation. Let me know what you find out!
Smooth Shaving,
Aaron”
Do you have any burning questions you would like ask our wet shaving expert Aaron Wolfenbarger?
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Ask Aaron Q/A: Problems with shaving under the chin area
Posted in Ask Aaron Q & A, Double Edge Shaving, Safety Razors | Comments (0)
Aaron is asked a question about shaving under the chin
Nigel Watford, from the UK, asks:
“Currently using an Edwin Jagger DE89, with Gillette 7 o clock razor blades which I find are the best blades for me. Looking to change the razor. The size is fine but I’m struggling under the chin area. Thinking about a adjustable razor like a Merkur. Can you advise on a razor please? The blades and cream are fine.”
Merkur 37C Slant Bar DE Safety Razor
AARON SAYS
“Mr. Watford,
I’m glad you have a good set that works well for you. Under the chin is a common problem for many men and requires some good care and attention. An adjustable razor is a good place to start, and I highly recommend the Merkur Progress and the Merkur Futur.
Another product I would suggest is the Merkur 37c/ Slant razor. Using these razors can definitely help on your quest! Thanks for your question!!
Smooth Shaving,
Aaron”
Do you have any burning questions you would like ask our wet shaving expert Aaron Wolfenbarger?
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