Ask Aaron Q/A: Would you recommend the Muhle R89 Grande?
Aaron answers a question about the Muhle R89 Grande Long Handled safety razor
Andrew Horwell, from the UK, asks:
“I have a Edwin Jagger DE89L razor and have recently aquired a Merkur Future razor cheap from a well know auction web site. I like the head of the EJ but I like the weight of the Merkur (the merkur head seems a little too bulky when shaving under the nose). For someone with sensitive skin, what razor could I look at that would be the best of both?. I have been looking at the Muhle R89 Grande, what do you think?”
AARON SAYS
“Mr Horwell,
Your comment of the head profile being hard to shave under the nose with is a common complaint with the Merkur Futur and Vision razors.
The Muhle R89 Grande is a good alternative and I would also suggest you look at the Merkur 38c and the Merkur Progress long handle razors.
The Progress is honestly my favorite and my daily go-to razor. It’s head has a slimmer profile than the Vision or Futur and I think you’ll find you have no problem shaving under your nose with it. Thanks for your question!!
Happy Shaving,
Aaron”
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Ask Aaron Q/A: Do double-edged safety razors provide a superior shaving experience?
Aaron answers a question about whether a DE safety razor offers a better shave than a cartridge razor
Benny Saelens, from Belgium, asks:
“Dear Aaron, I have been shaving for many years using a Gillette Mach 3 and for the last year on a regular basis with the Fusion. I would like to have a better shave but also a safe one. Would you advise me to swap a cartridge type razor to a DE safety razor, and if yes, which one? I have rather sensitive skin. Many thanks in advance for your appreciated advise, Benny.”
AARON SAYS
“Benny,
With a little attention and technique the DE razor is just as safe as the modern cartridge razor such as the Mach 3 and Fusion you mention. I recommend the Merkur 34c, the Edwin Jagger DE86 or DE89, Parker 94R, or the Bluebeard’s Revenge Scimitar. These all are recommended for beginning shavers due to their mild blade exposure, which would be ideal for your sensitive skin. I think you will find the shave with a DE very rewarding and enjoyable.
Happy Shaving!
Aaron”
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Ask Aaron Q/A: Redness & rash around goatee after shaving
Aaron is asked to provide tips on how to reduce shaving rash around the goatee area after shaving
David Prest, from UK, asks:
“I have a goatee and when I shape it with my razor I end up with red areas and small red spots around the edges of the beard. I try to be very gentle with my razor (single blade) but still get the red areas and small red spots. What advice would you give me? Many thanks. David”
AARON SAYS
“Mr. Prest,
I too have a goatee, and feel your concern over keeping it nicely shaped and having healthy skin around it. I would recommend making sure you are shaving with shaving cream applied, don’t shave without the lubrication it provides! Also you might want to look into using a shaving oil instead of the lather to be able to see more clearly and still have lubrication.
Also make sure you are properly preparing your beard area to shave, and properly restoring your skin with a good aftershave balm. Following these techniques will help improve your shave and your skin.
If you continue to have redness & bumps please write again and we will troubleshoot some more!
Cheers,
Aaron”
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Ask Aaron Q/A: How to select the right double edge razor blade
Aaron is asked to recommend a double edge razor blade
John Marsburg, from UK, asks:
“What’s the quickest way to find a double edge razor blade that seems right for me? I’m a newbie and would like to settle on one fairly quickly. Any suggestions welcome. Reverend John.”
AARON SAYS
“Reverend John,
The quickest and easiest way to find the right blade for you is to purchase sample packs of blades. These samples packs usually include one box of 5 blades of several different brands to give you a good idea of what works best for your beard and skin type. I would recommend you start there. Also, try purchasing single packs of different brands and blade types if there are not samplers available.
Happy Shaving!
Aaron”
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Ask Aaron Q/A: Switching from a cartridge razor to a safety razor
Aaron answers a question about switching from a cartridge razor to a double edge razor
Shaun Lancaster, from UK, asks:
“Hi Aaron! Its about time I switched from a cartridge razor, and started shaving properly, and stopped throwing away cash! What would you recommend for a ‘newbie’ with a steady hand? Maybe something solid, but not breaking the bank? I do have some minimal scar tissue under my chin, so I’m slightly wary of catching it with a DE razor. Is there a starter pack c/w shave stick or some soap you would recommend? Many thanks. Shaun.”
AARON SAYS
“Hello Shaun!
We’re very happy to hear you want to join the ranks of wet-shavers around the globe! There are many great products out there to choose from, but for a beginners set I do have a couple of recommendations. The first is the Bluebeard’s Revenge cream & Doubloon brush set. This set gives you a great starter brush and cream to shave with, and allows you to choose your razor. If you’d rather get the whole kit in one shot and not worry about choosing a razor, I would recommend the Bluebeard’s Revenge Gift set, which include their Scimitar razor. This would provide all the basics you need to get you started on your journey. Whatever you decide, enjoy and welcome to smooth shaving!
Cheers,
Aaron”
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Ask Aaron Q/A: Neck irritation after shaving
Charles Culverwell, from UK, asks:
“I have been wet shaving for about four months now. I have a Futur, 38C barber pole, Gillette ’1964′ superspeed, and an Edwin Jagger DE89. I use Taylor of Old Bond St Shaving Cream. Despite varying the razor and the blade (feathers or derbys usually) I still get irritation at the base of my neck where the last bit of hair is. The direction of growth is a bit strange as it goes sideways. I have tried going up and down but still find I get a red ring like I’ve had a rope around my neck. This issue continues to my Adam’s apple area which I can’t shave across the grain without huge irritation and bleeding! Could you please suggest anything else to try.”
AARON SAYS
“Mr. Culverwell, I certainly understand your frustration, the hair on my neck grows in the same way changing direction to grow sideways at the collar line. This growth pattern does make it difficult to shave, however let me share some techniques and products that I have found that have helped.
First use a shaving oil whether by itself or as an under layer to the shaving cream. This keeps the skin and hair extra moist leaving it much easier to shave. The oil also adds an extra layer of lubrication helping the razor “glide” instead of catching and causing irritation or redness.
Second use stretching techniques to keep the skin flat and taught. A flatter surface is always easier to shave and you can accomplish this by stretching your neck up, turning your head side to side, or even using your opposite hand to pull the skin down or to the side. This step reduces the curves in your skin giving the razor a flatter, easier surface to shave.
Lastly use a good quality post-shave balm, not an alcohol based lotion on freshly shaved skin. The moisturizing and healing agents found in post-shave balms will greatly benefit your skin in combating and healing from razor burn, rash, ingrowns and other issues that plague the shaver. There are many balms out there to choose from including The Bluebeards Revenge, Proraso, Taylor of Old Bond Street, Men-U, and Edwin Jagger just to name a good, select few.
I hope these tips help with your shaving, if you continue to have problems please write again and we will troubleshoot some more!
Smooth Shaving!
Aaron”
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Ask Aaron Q/A: Shaving creams and soaps perfect for heavy, thick stubble
Joe Rennie, from UK, asks:
“Hi there, needing a bit of advice on recommendations. I have heavy and thick stubble and for ten years I had used a shaving oil with Zirh shave cream due to its thick and creamy consistency, unfortunately I’m finding it harder to source Zirh these days and was wondering if there are alternatives out there that will match it? I’ve tried some other makes and all seem very thin in comparison, which doesn’t give a good shave on my heavy stubble. Would I be best opting for a traditional soap or another cream. Like I say I have fairly sensitive skin and need a product that matches the thickness and consistency of Zirh shave cream, any suggestions? Many thanks Joe Rennie.”
AARON SAYS
“Mr Rennie,
I hate to be the bearer of bad news but from my understanding the Zirh line of products has been discontinued, which is why you are finding them harder and harder to locate. For a thick brushless cream I would suggest you look at Baxter of Calinfornia, Barc, Pacific Shaving, or try some other creams such as The Bluebeard’s Revenge which can be used both with and without a brush. These all have that thick, protective cushion you’re looking for. Going with a soap would be a good alternative too. Mitchell’s Wool Fat shave soap is most excellent as also are the Bluebeard’s, Tabac, Truefitt & Hill, Irisch Moos, and Edwin Jagger amongst others. There are definitely some great products out there I hope this gives you some idea of the alternatives you can find!
Smooth Shaving,
Aaron”
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Ask Aaron Q/A: Shaving with and against the grain
Alric Horn, from UK, asks:
“I am very new to using a safety razor, is it possible to do three passes with the grain and get a very close shave or do I need to shave against the grain.”
AARON SAYS
“Mr. Horn,
It is possible to do three with the grain passes, however if you wish for a closer shave and are not yet ready to try against the grain I would recommend going across the grain. Find the direction of hair growth and shave 90 degrees from that direction. This will help reduce the beard even more without the challenges that go with against the grain. Welcome to wet-shaving and best of luck!
Cheers,
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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