Ask Aaron Q/A: Switching to a double edge safety razor
Aaron is asked to recommend a double edge razor for someone who suffers from thick hair growth
James Walthall, from UK, asks:
“I want to migrate away from a Mach 3 to a DE razor but I’m unsure as to what brand to choose and whether to go for an open comb or closed comb razor. I have thick hair growth and suffer with irritation at the collar line on a daily basis. I use a silver tip Edwin Jagger brush with Edwin Jagger aloe vera shave soap. Any advice regarding the type of razor to choose and how to avoid the collar line irritation would be most welcome. Many thanks, James.”
AARON SAYS
“Mr Walthall,
I’m glad to hear you want to make the switch over to a safety razor! Since you are already using other Edwin Jagger products the DE89, DE86, or DE87 are all good razors to look at. The Merkur 34C and the Bluebeards Scimitar are also worthy razors for consideration.
As for the irritation around your collar there are several things your can try: shave only with the grain and across the grain in that area; use a good moisturizing balm as an aftershave not an alcohol based splash; make sure you are wearing the proper collar size and not one that is too tight; and use a light exfoliating scrub to help reveal and open the ingrown hairs.
Also, if you can try not shaving for a few days to help your skin heal and the ingrown hairs time to find their way to the surface. These tips should help you find some relief, and a good starting De to shave with!
Happy Shaving,
Aaron”
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Ask Aaron Q/A: Advice for a double edge shaving novice
Clive Badger, from the UK, asks:
“Hello, I’m wanting to get into using safety razors as I have an issue with razor burn and ingrown hairs on my neck. I’m curious as to what razor is good to start with? I’ve been looking at the Merkur Futur. Any advice or recommended products for start to finish would be excellent.”
AARON SAYS
“Mr. Badger,
We are glad to hear you’re ready to take the plunge into traditional shaving! There are truly a plethora of products for you to chose from. The Futur is a wonderful razor and a great shaver. If you like it, I do highly recommend it! As for creams any cream by Bluebeard’s, Taylor of Old Bond Street, Cyril Salter, Proraso or D.R. Harris will be well worth investing in. I also recommend using a good face wash or scrub to prepare your face and beard. To finish your shave use any number of the aftershaves, especially aftershave balms, listed here on the site. Again, welcome, and enjoy!
Best of Shaves!
Aaron”
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Ask Aaron Q/A: What is the perfect safety razor for someone with small hands, soft skin, and a modest budget?
Felix Clarke, from the UK, asks:
“I’m new to shaving, and have been using an old Gillette Contour nicked off my step-dad. Not as overpriced as some cartridge razors, but still. Up until now it’s been working well, teamed up with King of Shaves shave oil and used after a shower. Trouble is, my stubble’s getting thicker and harder on the blades but my skin’s still soft, and I’m starting to cut myself with the Contour. So I’m thinking it might be time to treat myself to a double-edged razor - preferably one that I won’t grow out of. What combination of razor, blades and prep would you recommend for someone with small hands, soft skin, and a modest budget?”
AARON SAYS
“Mr. Clarke,
Thanks for your question! You prep is great. Showering before a shave is one of the best ways you can prepare your beard. Also you can wash your face with a mild wash or scrub. For a razor I would recommend the Merkur 34c/HD, Parker 98r or the Bluebeard’s Scimitar razor. As for a blade, I generally don’t recommend specific blades because they are highly subjective depending on your skin and hair types. What I do recommend is getting a blade sample pack. Smooth shaving, Aaron.”
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Ask Aaron Q/A: Shaving under the nose
Steven Kirk, from the UK, asks:
“I have recently converted to de shaving. Having purchased a Merkur Futur I have been delighted with the results. However I am struggling to shave around the nostrils. Please do you have any suggestions for technique, or a smaller razor for this purpose?”
AARON SAYS
“Mr Kirk,
Congratulations! You have purchased a great razor to use on your DE shaving adventure. It is a big razor, for which it has received some complaints, but I think the benefits definitely outweigh the disadvantages. Try pushing your nose out of the way as much as possible. Also, you might want to try shaving at a 90 degree angle to your lips (r to think of it another way, with the blade in line with your nose) and shave toward your ears. If you decide that it’s too much trouble and want to try a smaller razor for just that area, I recommend the Parker 97R, the Goodfella razor, or the Bluebeard’s Scimitar, or if you can find one a mustache razor. They all have slim profiles which would be good for shaving right under the nose.
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
Ask Aaron Q&A: How long or how many shaves will I get with a double edge razor blade?
“How long or how many shaves will I get with a double edge razor blade?” asks John Francisco, from the US.
AARON SAYS
“Mr. Fancisco, Well, this is may not be the answer you were looking for, but we’ll give it a shot! The general consensus is that you should be able to get three to five days per blade (or cartridge head for that matter). However, this depends greatly upon your home environment and how much humidity is in the air, how coarse or fine your hair is, the type of coating on the blade, and many more other factors. There are also many products out on the market that claim to extend blade life, most do NOT live up to the hype, but a few do actually work. All this to say I really can’t tell you exactly how long your double edge blade will last but 3-5 days is the average for most people. 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
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