Ask Aaron Q/A: Are there any long-term negative effects of double edge shaving to the skin?
Posted in Ask Aaron Q & A, Double Edge Shaving, Safety Razors, Shaving Tips | Comments (0)
Aaron answers an excellent question about double edge shaving and the long term effects on the skin
Steve Donnellan, from the UK, asks:
“I recently undertook an experiment of using a multi-blade razor on one side of my face and a DE razor on the other half to compare results; 3 way shave on both sides. The results were obviously better using the DE Razor! However, I followed it up with the standard technique of using an Alum Block and noticed absolutely no sensation on the side I shaved with the multi-blade razor, but the usual stinging sensation on the side that I used the DE Razor. Therefore, is using a DE razor more harmful/aggressive and are there any longer term negative effects of DE shaving to the skin?”
Double edge shaving provides a much smoother shave
AARON SAYS
“Mr. Donnellan,
I’m glad you feel confident enough to do some experiments! What you have done is brilliant and has an excellent observation. Yes indeed, DE shaving will leave you with a closer shave than it’s modern counterpart.
The reason the alum block leaves a sting behind on the DE side of your face is the blade sits directly on your skin with DE razor while it is held off of the face with a modern cartridge razor. Therefore the tendency will be to lightly graze the surface of the skin with the blade and the alum block reveals these little injuries. Preventing this is a matter of technique. Watch the angle of the razor and blade, use as little pressure as possible and learn the feel of a good angle and what it feels like to have the blade at too acute an angle.
When you have followed these techniques the blade will skim over the surface, leaving you skin undamaged and incredibly smooth. When this happens you have arrived.
Best wishes and Smooth Shaving!
Aaron”
Do you have any burning questions you would like ask our wet shaving expert Aaron Wolfenbarger?
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Double edge (DE) safety razor aggressiveness explained
Posted in Double Edge Shaving, Safety Razors, Shaving Tips | Comments (0)
We often get questions from customers about the aggressiveness of double edge safety razors and which ones are best suited for their particular hair/beard type.
With that in mind, I thought I would put together a brief guide about what makes a razor mild, medium or aggressive and what type and skill level of wet shaver it’s been designed for.
According to the popular Badger and Blade shaving forum, the aggressiveness of a razor is based on 5 key factors. These are:
• Blade gap
• Blade angle in the razor
• Razor weight
• Distribution of the weight. (Heavy head/light handle vs. all heavy.)
• Blade angle applied by the user (this can influence the shave drastically if not done properly).
Blade gap and angle:
The larger the blade gap, the more of the blade is exposed to the skin, hence the greater risk of nicks and cuts for an inexperienced DE shaver. On the flip side, experienced DE shavers generally prefer a larger blade gap because it allows for greater control over the angle of the blade as it makes contact to the skin.
Razor weight and distribution of weight:
The heavier the razor, the more aggressive it is generally perceived to be. Weight balance (such as whether a razor is more head-heavy or handle-heavy) also plays a role, with razors balanced more toward the head often considered milder shavers than their handle-heavy counterparts.
According to many wet shaving experts like the guys on Badger and Blade or top shaving blogs such as Shaving101 and Sharpologist, the user shouldn’t just follow a quest to find the mildest or most aggressive razor, but instead they should find the right level of aggressiveness for their particular type of skin.
Mild Safety Razors
A mild safety razor has a cutting head that is designed to limit the amount of force that is transferred to the blade’s edge. Because these types of razors are less likely to cause irritation or nicks during a shave, they are perfect for men with very sensitive skin or men with lighter/weaker beard growth.
Good examples of mild safety razors include the Feather All Stainless and Goodfella. You could also try an adjustable safety razor, such as the Merkur Futur 761 or Merkur 570 Progress, on the lowest blade exposure settings.
Medium Safety Razors
Medium aggressive safety razors, as the name suggests, have an average blade gap and expose a reasonable amount of blade edge. Providing a good balance between mild and aggressive, these types of razors allow the blade to cut efficiently without causing excessive irritation or increased probability of cuts and nicks.
Good examples of medium safety razors include the legendary Merkur 34C, Edwin Jagger DE89L and the shiny Bluebeards Revenge ‘Scimitar’. But in truth, most of the safety razors manufactured today would be considered medium as they provide the best of both worlds and can be targeted at both the experienced and inexperienced DE shaver.
Aggressive Safety Razors
Aggressive safety razors have a larger gap and greater blade exposure, allowing more hair to enter between the razor’s edge and the safety bar. This means it will cut through the beard much quicker and with fewer strokes. Aggressive safety razors are harsher on the skin and are usually favoured by men with very thick beard growth who struggle to get a close shave without having to do multiple passes.
The Merkur 37C Slant Bar is a serious bit of kit designed for the more experienced DE shaver for an extremely close shave. Another aggressive razor is the Merkur 39C Slant Bar, which is the long handled version of the 37C. The slanted head exposes more of the blade at one end and is very similar to the cutting angle of a straight (cut-throat) razor. It is also highly regarded as one of the best DE razors for sensitive skin sufferers because of the way it shaves.
Open comb razors like the Merkur 25C and Muhle R41 tend to be more aggressive and can give an easier shave for those who suffer from tough beards. The teeth help to guide and position the beard hair so that the blade can cut them more effectively without clogging the razor.
You could also try an adjustable safety razor, such as the Merkur Futur or Merkur Progress, on the highest blade exposure settings.
For more detailed information on safety razor aggressiveness please visit the following websites:
Shaving101
Badger and Blade
RazorPit named one of best men’s bathroom gadgets
Posted in Media Coverage, Shaving in the News, Shaving Shack News | Comments (0)
The RazorPit Blade Sharpener has made a “6 of the best men’s bathroom gadgets” feature on The Sun website.
Sun journalist David Firth was full of praise for the wonder product that is now available to buy on The Shaving Shack.
The RazorPit, which uses a unique and patented friction technology to clean and sharpen your razor blades, was described as a “neat addition to your bathroom”.
“Even the very best, most expensive blades tend to dull dramatically after just a handful of uses, mainly due to a build-up of gunk and other bits of your face in between the thin strips of metal. No matter how much you rinse your razor, you just can’t shift it,” said David.
He added: “But this gizmo does a great job. Stick a bit foam on the surface, push your razor across it four times and then rinse both clean. And it really does make a difference - a new blade I put on is now a good ten shaves in and is still cutting beautifully.”
So what are you waiting for? If you want to make your razor blades last longer and save lots of pennies in the process, then the RazorPit is the product for you.
The RazorPit retails on The Shaving Shack for just £14.99 - £25% off the RRP.
RazorPit Blade Sharpener arrives at The Shaving Shack
The Shaving Shack is delighted to announce that we are now stocking the RazorPit Blade Sharpener.
RazorPit uses a unique and patented friction technology to clean and sharpen your razor blades. After every shave microscopical residue, like skincells, water, and keratin is left on the blades. That causes them to feel dull.
RazorPit uses friction to clean off the residue and thereby leaving you with a clean and sharp razor blade, meaning you could get up to 150 great shaves from a single blade!
You will thereby save money, spare the environment and give yourself a better, sharper shave, every day.
RazorPit will not damage your blades in any way and once you have purchased one, it will last you a long time. Furthermore it is small and can be used as a resting place for your razor.
How to use the RazorPit:
To clean your razor, apply a layer of shaving foam on the horizontal surface. Then press the blade of the razor itself down onto the soft surface. This must be done with a constant pressure onto the silicone-surface. Then you push the razor against the conventional shaving direction while maintaining the pressure on the silicone-surface. This will ensure contact between the ‘mat’ and the blades, thereby cleansing the dirt and residue of the surface. Push the razor over the mat 3 to 4 times. Rinse both Razorpit and razor under running water, and place the razor in the Razorpit, blade-side up.
This quick and easy procedure will with ease and elegantly remove the dirt, residue and particles left on the blade after a shave, and all without damaging the blade itself.
Press reviews
The RazorPit is not only a hit with millions of wet shavers around the globe; it’s also popular amongst members of the media.
The Daily Mail described the product as a “brilliant device to make razor blades last longer”, while FHM magazine said: “This ingenious wonder makes mornings of frustrated nicks a thing of the past.”
Men’s Health Magazine was also full of praise for the blade sharpening wonder. “Sharp blades are crucial for a comfortable shave. The Razorpit will help prolong the sharpness of your blades,” it said.
Is my razor compatible with the RazorPit?
According to the manufacturer, RazorPit is compatible with 95% of all the razors on the market today. This includes the Gillette Mach 3, Gillette Mach 3 Turbo, Gillette Mach 3 Power, Gillette Mach 3 Power Turbo, Gillette Fusion, Gillette Fusion Power, Gillette Fusion Stealth, Gillette Venus, Gillette Venus Devine, Gillette Vibrance, All Wilkinson and a long list of other brands and models.
Watch the Razorpit in action
Luxury eShave shaving products arrive at The Shack
The Shaving Shack is delighted to announce that it is now stocking the award-winning range of eShave shaving products.
We have added the Orange Sandalwood Pre-Shave Oil (60g), Orange Sandalwood Shaving Cream (120g) and the Orange Sandalwood After-Shave Soother (180g) to our extensive collection of luxury grooming products.
The popular Orange Sandalwood Pre Shave Oil was voted ‘Best Pre Shave Oil of 2011’ by prestigious Men’s Health Magazine.
This product allows you to efficiently prepare your face for shaving. It has been designed to protect your skin, coat and soften your hair, relieve shaving irritation and eliminate dryness.
The eShave Orange Sandalwood Shaving Cream scooped a 2012 Men’s Health Magazine Award for Best Shaving Product. This luxurious cream promises to open your pores, soften your hair and protect your skin. It generates a rich, creamy and warm lather, and will help to eliminate shaving irritation.
The Orange Sandalwood After-Shave Soother (180g) awakens the senses as it balances, tones, and heals the skin post-shave. Named ‘Best Post Shave Lotion of 2012’ by Men’s Health Magazine, this fantastic product will leave your skin feeling smooth and fresh. It’s also non greasy and very lightweight.
eShave, defined by their unique style and unparalleled luxury, is known around the globe for their beautiful and sophisticated collection of shaving essentials. Since 1996, eShave has been modernising the wet-shaving tradition.
Shaving tips for those who like to explore the great outdoors
Whether it’s camping, fishing, backpacking, or any other activity, us men love spending time in the outdoors, enjoying nature to its fullest while being secluded.
One reccuring concern however for many of us who spend more than a day or two outdoors, is how to handle shaving.
There are two issues regarding shaving outdoors :
1. While many guys just settle for growing a temporary beard, others like myself who suffer from sensitive skin or specific facial hair types, find that a beard irritates their skin, followed by their moods.
2. Shaving outdoors is usually an experience that resembles a prison shave. For classic wet shave enthusiasts such as myself, this is quite depressing.
Luckily, I found that with pre-planning and some creativity, a classic wet shave in the outdoors is possible. In fact, I noticed that after implementing these methods, shaving in the outdoors turned into something I look forward to, rather than dread, as it has a rewarding and even spiritual feel to it.
Preparation
Washbag
A quality washbag provides room for all my wet shaving necessities, while maintaining one of the most important factors in camping… keeping things minimal. My favorite is The Bluebeards Revenge washbag as it was made with shavers in mind and is also extremely durable. It contains a special room for items like my shaving brush (which helps keep it undamaged), shaving cream, razor, and plenty of room for other items to put inside its zipped compartments, as well as a hanging hook and a detachable mirror.
Items I Put In The Washbag (Shaving Related):
- Merkur 42 Nickel “904 Replica”Double Edge Razor
- Edwin Jagger Best Badger Brush
- Truefitt & Hill Authentic Ultimate Comfort Shaving Cream Bowl
- Washcloth
- Styptic Pencils (in the case of cuts and nicks).
- Mirror (comes with the washbag)
Why I Chose An Unscented Shaving Cream
Since you’re in the outdoors, it is most recommended that you go with an unscented shaving cream, as the ones with fragrance could attract annoying bugs, not to mention bears or other wildlife. Additionally, unscented shaving creams are much more forgiving on sensitive skin, and prevent annoying burns and bumps, which trust me, you do not want to experience during your time outdoors. I chose to go with Truefitt & Hill Authentic Ultimate Comfort Shaving Bowl because not only is it fragrant free, it has enough moisturizing capabilities to enable me to skip the use of an after shave, while providing excellent skin protection.
Shaving Outdoors, How It’s Done:
1. Begin the process by warming water using a water boiling pot over the campfire, or even a grill.
2. Take a washcloth and dampen it in the warm water, then simply let it rest on my face for about 1-2 minutes (be careful not to let the water get too hot)
3. Start lathering using your choice of shaving bowl or mug. I actually love using the same pot I used for warming water, as it tends to provide a uniquely effective lather.
4. With a mirror in one hand, you can begin to lather up your face with your favorite shaving brush. Take this time to get used to using the handheld mirror before moving on to the next stage. I personally prefer to hang the washbag with the mirror on a branch in front of me, as it allows me to have the other hand free to use various skin stretching techniques for a better shave.
Tip: If for some reason you forgot to bring a mirror, you can always use a vehicle’s side mirror as a last resort.
5. Apply your favorite razor using the same techniques you would at home.
6. Rinse off your face using cold water in order to close your pores, then rinse off your razor and clean your brush before putting it all back.
That’s all there is to it! Remember, none of this is set in stone. Feel free to alter things in order to address your own shaving needs.
Do you shave outdoors?, if so, how do you go about it? Leave a comment below
The Shaving Shack declares war on boring Father’s Day Gifts
Say no to mugs, ties, socks, jumpers and slippers this year
No more ties or slippers! That is our rallying cry this year, so much so that we have decided to go to war against boring Father’s Day gifts.
We are advising against the same old gifts that resurface year on year and put a downer on his big day like that #1 Dad mug or those pair of slippers.
So make sure your Dad is the envy of all the top dads out there with The Bluebeards Revenge Double Edge ‘Scimitar’ Razor.
The chrome-finished razor recently won the prestigious About.com reader’s choice award for Best Razor, beating the likes of Gillette’s Fusion Pro-Glide and the Wilkinson Sword Hydro 5. Now in its fifth year, the Readers’ Choice Awards honour the world’s best products, features and services across more than a dozen categories, ranging from technology to hobbies to parenting and men’s grooming, as selected by its readers.
“Gifting Dad with a unique double edge razor just like his Father used to own shows an incredible amount of thoughtfulness,” said Dan Hildrew, from The Shaving Shack.
“Every year we have loved ones asking us for our recommendations for the Ultimate Father’s Day present; this award-winning razor is the perfect gift for Dad on June 17.”
So ensure your Dad slices through stubble the Bluebeards way this June 17! The ‘Scimitar’ is a totally stunning, bespoke, German engineered double edged razor - the epitome of traditional shaving instruments. Laser etched with the eye-catching Bluebeards Revenge logo it has a length of 9.5 cm and a weight of 67g.
“A crisp, classic design brought up to date with the benefit of precision engineering and modern manufacturing. A solid, hefty, handful of shaving equipment fit for use by real men,” said David Hildrew, ‘Bluebeard-In-Chief’.
The ‘Scimitar’ has a price tag of £34.99 and takes double edge razor blades, which can be purchased from The Shaving Shack.
The Bluebeards Revenge is also proud to be saving men’s lives this Father’s Day. The brand’s packaging features potentially lifesaving advice for men on the inside of all the cartons - encouraging men to be aware of the early signs and symptoms of the three male specific cancers – testicular, penile and prostate – so they can seek advice from a GP as early as possible.
So treat your Dad to this award-winning safety razor and he will love you for ever…
Shaving Shack products shortlisted for coveted grooming award
Posted in Shaving Creams, Shaving in the News, Shaving Shack News, The Bluebeards Revenge | Comments (0)
Three popular Shaving Shack products have been nominated for a coveted men’s grooming award.
The Bluebeards Revenge’s beard-reducing shaving cream and the Men-U shave cream have been shortlisted for best shaving product in the Lookmantastic Hair and Grooming Awards 2012.
The Men-U Facial Moisture Lift is up for Best Moisturiser.
The public have until June 19th to vote for their favourite products, with the winner announced at an awards ceremony in London on July 11.
The Bluebeards Revenge and Men-U brands are no strangers to winning prestigious awards and accolades. The Bluebeards “Scimitar” Double Edge Razor was named the winner in the About.com 2012 Readers’ Choice Award for best wet shaving razor.
The brand’s shaving cream has also picked up two About.com awards and was shortlisted for a Pure Beauty 2011 grooming gong.
Men-u scooped an FHM award in 2004 for best wet shave product.
VOTE FOR OUR PRODUCTS BY CLICKING HERE.
Ask Aaron Q/A: The best ways to maintain a goatee
Aaron answers a question about the best ways to maintain a goatee
Graham Hope, from the UK, asks:
“I have a goatie beard and find it difficult with a normal gillette style razor to keep the shape and remove the small amount of beard from the inside of the beard. Apart from going to my barbers every other week to keep it how he cut it and I like it, what can you recommend?”
AARON SAYS
“Mr. Hope,
Maintaining facial hair can be tough! Thanks for your question! It sounds as if you are using a cartridge or cassette type razor. I would try stretching your skin in different ways to see if that could help. If not, I recommend picking up a shavette such as a Parker or Bluebeards Revenge shavette this would be a great way to maintain your goatee.
Smooth shaving!
Aaron”
Do you have any burning questions you would like ask our wet shaving expert Aaron Wolfenbarger?
CLICK HERE TO ASK AARON YOUR QUESTION
The great cartridge razor rip off - Change your shaving habits now & save a fortune
In January 2011, I blogged about why a double edge razor is technically better than a cartridge based razor system. Now there is yet another reason for men to ditch the horrid multi-bladed cartridge razor in favour of the single bladed razor.
According to an article on the Daily Mail website, the price of razor blade ‘cartridges’ has jumped by as much as 99% over the last three years.
“Replacement cartridges for Gillette’s Fusion ProGlide can be as much as £3.49 each,” the newspaper said.
It went on to say that blades for Gillette’s top-of-the-range Fusion ProGlide cost less than 10p to manufacturer, which in my book is a fairly decent profit margin.
The paper also blames Gillette, the world’s largest shaving company by quite a distance, for imposing a stealth price rise by cutting the number of replacement cartridges in its Mach3 Turbo packs from five to four.
“The smaller pack did not bring a corresponding cut in the price, leaving men paying at least 20 per cent more,” the article says.
It went on to blame the increasing cost of cartridge blades for men’s poor shaving habits.
“At the same time, men worried about making ends meet are either trying to make their razor blades last longer, with the resulting scrapes and cuts – or ditching their shaving regime and opting for designer stubble.”
A better quality shave with a long term saving
This all makes me rather angry as there is an easy solution – change your shaving habits and ditch the overpriced cartridge razor. Opt instead for a double edge safety razor and if you’re feeling really adventurous, a straight or cut throat razor (as its more commonly referred to).
Not only will both types of razor give you a better quality of shave, they are also much cheaper in the long run, as a number of the comments on the Daily Mail article point out.
“I switched from cartridge razors to a straight razor and have never looked back. True your initial investment is a little higher but the payback on these cartridge blades is 6 months or so. Have not had to buy a single razor blade in 18 months now,” commented Derrick Young, Wasaga Beach, Ontario.
Roy, from York, also pointed out the massive cost savings men could experience from switching to a DE razor: “I have used an old fashioned Double Edge safety razor for years and blades for that can cost as little as 10p. As they are cheap you can afford to change them regularly and get a good shave. With multi bladed cartridges because of the price people carry on using them when they are going blunt. With DE razors, OK the razor is more expensive but it lasts for many years, but one sharp blade every couple of shaves is better than a dull multi blade being stretched out over a week. People have had good shaves with single blades for centuries. Multi blades are a marketing gimmick.”
Roy’s last sentence is a very accurate one, “Multi blades are a marketing gimmick”. Let’s face it Gillette are excellent at marketing their products, they have pretty much convinced men that 3 blades are better than 1 and 5 blades are better than 3. They also spend millions of pounds on celebrity endorsements, with sports stars like Roger Federer, Tiger Woods, and Thierry Henry (who now wears a beard) fronting lavish TV and newspaper campaigns.
It was Gillete who first worked out that men would indeed fork out for overpriced cartridges as long as the initial cost, i.e. the handle, was affordable. It’s pretty much the same business model adopted by ink jet printer companies. Sell a cheap printer, then sell really expensive “cartridges” that run out quickly. It’s simple, but very effective.
Dollar Shave Club
It will be interesting to see how successful the much-hyped Dollar Shave Club will turn out to be. Dollar Shave Club’s business model is similar to LoveFilm, which sends subscribers movies in the post for a small monthly fee. Dollar Shave Club will send customers a monthly supply of disposable razor blades starting at $1 a month (however, when you add in delivery costs it’s more like the 4-Dollar Shave Club). A catchy brand name and I must say a pretty cool launch commercial, which has picked up nearly 5 million views on YouTube. And according to widespread media reports, more than 12,000 people have signed up for the service.
There is no question that the Dollar Shave Club YouTube video is hilarious. But aside from the online hype, can the Dollar Shave Club compete against the likes of Gillette in the long term? I’m guessing not…
Looking ahead, I really hope men will start to see through all this cleaver marketing and take a stand against the rising cost of cartridges. For those switching to the affordable yet luxurious world of double edged shaving, all I can do is welcome you to the real men’s club. And I will finish this article by saying; shaving should be regarded as a pleasure, not a chore.
Happy shaving.
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