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”
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: Parker Razors vs Merkur Razors: What are the differences?
Paul Broadwith, from the UK, asks:
“I have a Parker Model 91R razor and I have a question about razor in general - what exactly is the difference? When you buy a razor, the blade is the most important part. With the double edged razors you can buy different blades so I’m thinking that the actual razor itself is less important but there are a loads to choose from so I am missing something. I know some of the Merkur razors have mechanics where you can angle them which I think would be a good place to start, but I can’t see what the other razors offer over what I have. So what is the difference, what should I be looking for and what will give me the best shave?”
AARON SAYS
“Mr Broadwith,
I’ll try to answer you question succinctly, because the nuances and differences of razors could easily fill the chapter (or two) of a book. However, in brief the biggest difference you will find between razors is the “mildness” or “aggressiveness” expressed in the differing blade exposures. Typically the more acute the angle the more “aggressive” it feels to the face. The adjustable razors on the market are built with mechanics to change the exposure gap customizing your razor and shave. The rest of the razors that are manufactured have just one blade gap setting. This is the major difference in razors. The rest of what separates razors apart from each other are just different options in physical characteristics such as handle length, weight, handle diameter, finish and other options. Look for what feels most comfortable starting with the blade then to each razor based on your own personal preferences until you find your ideal razor. (which for me at this point in time is the Merkur Futur) Best wishes on finding your ideal shaving equipment!
Happy 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 the Shaving Expert: Aaron Wolfenbarger
Do you have any burning questions you would like ask our wet shaving expert Aaron Wolfenbarger?
Called a modern Renaissance Man by many, Aaron has many interests including music, science, theology, his family, camping, backpacking, style, grooming, and of course wet-shaving. His love of wet shaving began as a teenager when he was gifted a brush, mug, and soap set for his birthday. He can be found on many online wet-shaving and men’s forums and on Twitter as @KiltedShaver.
Aaron is here to answer your questions, which might include:
How do you get rid of shaving rash?
What are the pros and cons of blade shaving?
What should I look for in choosing a razor?
Which is the best shaving direction - with the hair growth or against it?
What are razor bumps?
How many times can I use one blade?
How to not cut yourself while shaving
How to stop bleeding from shaving nicks
Will shaving daily make my hair grow thicker?
Please note that we can’t guarantee that all questions will be answered. Questions that are answered will be published on this blog in the ‘Ask Aaaron Q & A’ section, so please bookmark this page.
CLICK HERE TO ASK AARON YOUR QUESTION
Bluebeards Revenge ‘Corsair’ badger shaving brush described as ‘outstanding’
American wet shaving legend Mike Sandoval has described The Bluebeards Revenge ‘Corsair’ Super Badger Shaving Brush as having “an outstanding density and lathering capability packed into a comfortable size format that will appeal to a wide range of wet shavers”.
Based on a traditional best-selling handle shape, the Corsair shaving brush is an upgraded model manufactured by Progress Vulfix specifically for The Bluebeards Revenge.
The lathe turned handle was previously marketed under the name “Buccaneer” and filled with a good quality pure badger hair, making it an affordable luxury.
But the Corsair is knotted with super badger grade hair that Vulfix is well known for using in some of their finest shaving brushes. In addition to the upgraded hair type, the brush is also loaded with around 20 per cent more hair to create a knot that has a stiffer feeling and more density for water retention and lathering capability.
Mike, who runs leading shaving blog Shaving101.com, started off his review by saying: “Vulfix brushes are softer than and not as stiff as other brands, such as Simpsons. They are well made and are well known for their quality and durability, and the Corsair is not an exception to these standards.
”The Corsair is not a firm brush but rather a soft and luxurious brush with a full density that gently massages the face and easily releases the lather on to the skin where you need it rather than holding it in the brush’s core like some overly stiff brushes tend to do,” Mike Sandoval, Shaving101.com
“Unlike the standard Vulfix models, the added badger hair gives it denser feel that is immediately noticeable upon first inspection. The loft of the brush is perfectly uniform in colouring with an attractive three-band colour pattern and a nice shape that is symmetrical and not overly bulbous.
”The handle of the brush is made of a quality faux ivory material and is polished to a nice shine and stamped with the Bluebeards Revenge logo in blue.”
Mike, considered a legend in the wonderful world of wet shaving, tested the Corsair on both shaving creams and hard shaving soaps and said he “found it to be useful for almost any product”.
“When submerged in water, the brush absorbs an impressive amount of water and infuses it effortlessly with any quality shaving cream to create a rich and voluminous lather,” he explained.
“Despite the softer characteristics of the fine super badger hair, the Corsair easily loads with shaving soaps and is great at producing quality lather directly on the face. The tips of the badger hair feel soft on the skin and combine well with the added backbone of the brush to create an ideal balance of density and comfort, which is heavily favoured by many experienced wet shavers.
”The Corsair is not a firm brush but rather a soft and luxurious brush with a full density that gently massages the face and easily releases the lather on to the skin where you need it rather than holding it in the brush’s core like some overly stiff brushes tend to do.”
Mike concluded his review by describing the Corsair as a “well made piece”, adding it is “filled with quality super badger hair”.
You can read the full review by clicking here.
Why a double edge razor is technically better than a cartridge based razor system
As Gillette launches its much-hyped Fusion ProGlide Power razor in the UK - I take a quick look at why a double edge razor is still technically superior to a ProGlide or any other cartridge based razor system out there.
For those who use double edge safety razors for shaving on a regular basis, the answer to the question “Why is a double edge razor technically better than a cartridge based razor system?” may seem quite obvious: ‘because you get better results’. However, for the rest of the men out there who use multi-bladed cartridges instead - and let’s face it that includes the vast majority of men in the Western world - they may wonder why they should ever consider changing their shaving method?
Well, the real answer to the question above lies within the technology of the types of razor on offer. From a scientific standpoint double edge safety razors certainly have the edge over cartridge based razor systems like the Fusion ProGlide Power razor, Wilkinson Sword Hydro and the King of Shaves Azor.
I recently spoke to American wet shaving expert Mike Sandoval, who runs the Shaving101 website, about why the cartridge razor system was so popular.
Gillette has unveiled the new Fusion ProGlide Power razor in the UK
“The cartridge razor system is appealing to many men because it is advertised to be modern and high performing with innovative designs and multi-blade cutting action,” he said. “High-dollar marketing campaigns feature celebrity athletes that promote modern cartridges as the only masculine option.”
So why do double edge razors produce a closer and more rewarding shave?
The cartridge system razor generally works by using its hinge or pivot point to maintain a constant angle on the face while shaving. And while there may be many other features or gimmicks they offer, this pivoting mechanism is the most important aspect of the razor at making the shave quick and easy to use – which is the key advantage of these razors.
“The problem is that the blades of a cartridge are close together with extremely small spacing between each cutting edge,” explains Mike. “The razor is unable to cleanly cutting hair without requiring multiple passes along your skin, catching and pulling long stubble, as well as constantly clogging during the shave.”
On the other hand, while double edge razors may take longer to get used too – with a short learning curve to overcome – you have far more control over the razor and the closeness of the shave itself. Therefore, with DE shavers the process may take longer, with shorter strokes, but you will notice an improvement in the (even more crucial) performance aspect of the shave.
Mike adds: ”The double edge safety razor uses a single cutting edge that tracks along the skin at a much more comfortable angle and cuts the hair cleanly without grabbing or pulling excessively (provided you choose the right blade for your beard and skin type).
”Although you won’t find many celebrity athletes promoting the double edge razor, there has been a strong resurgence in traditional shaving. Many men are returning to old-school shaving because it is more comfortable and more economical.”
If time really is the most important factor when shaving, a Hydro, Azor or ProGlide may be the answer, but if you are a man who likes to work with engineering excellence that has stood the test of time and has the patience to learn, then maybe it is time to think about leaving those expensive cartridges behind and opt for a results-proven double edged razor.
Gillette launched the new Fusion ProGlide Power razor in the UK this month. It is the latest addition to its growing family of Fusion razors with Gillette’s thinnest-ever blades. The firm says the ProGlide outperforms its existing Fusion razor.
There are two versions of the Gillette ProGlide, a battery-powered model and a manual version. The battery-powered Gillette Fusion ProGlide Power comes with one blade cartridge and is available priced £12.99. The manual version comes with two blade cartridges and costs £9.99.
The Goodfella Safety Razor
Over the last few years, I have used many different brands of cartridge based razor system, including the Azor, Gillette Fusion Power Stealth and Gillette Mach 3 Turbo, Wilkinson Sword Quattro Titanium Energy and Wilkinson Sword Hydro 5 and Boots’ Hydro and Titanium Triple Razor, but personally still prefer the excitement and closeness of a DE razor.
The Merkur 33C Classic will always be my all-time favourite, but I would also highly recommend the Merkur Futur 760, Goodfella, Muhle R89 and the relatively new Bluebeards Revenge “Scimitar” Double Edge Razor.
Follow Nick Gibbens on Twitter @nickgibbens
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE DE RAZOR? LET US KNOW BY COMMENTING BELOW
More articles by Nick Gibbens
Today’s modern man puts his family & appearance before big nights out
A new study claims today’s modern man would rather invest time and money refining himself and his lifestyles and putting his family first.
According to the survey, carried out by shaving firm Wilkinson Sword, spending time with family and loved ones tops the list of the modern man’s priorities with 65%.
Grooming and taking care of appearances came in as the second most important priority with 30%. It appears the modern man is now trying to smash the clichés of the lager lout, with drinking coming in third on 16%, followed by gaming (14%), clubbing (11%), and casual sex (8%).
The research of men aged between 25 and 34 also claims “British men are returning to the golden age of their grandfathers in terms of time honoured traditional dress, manners and shaving etiquette”.
Nearly 30% of men feel the best definition of masculinity is ‘a well-mannered man’, followed by ‘a clean shaven man’ (27%), with half of those questioned emphasising that being clean-shaven makes them both look and feel confident.
The study also found that 92% of men buy their own razors, while 71% buy their own skincare products.
The boffins at Wilkinson Sword claim this new trend towards personal grooming can be attributed to the “troubled economic climate of modern times”, as men respond to this “by looking back to smarter, simpler and more secure times”.
“This new breed of man longs for authenticity and craftsmanship, for connoisseurship and chivalry, and looks to an old template of masculinity to find it. His grooming and dressing habits are inspired by and evoke his grandfather – he buys bespoke suits and shirts, savours fine wines and whiskeys, and lists positively Edwardian-sounding traditional pastimes such as shooting, fishing and cycling,” the report said.
Mark Tungate, author of Marketing to Men and Luxury World, sees this new trend as a living act of cultural remembering. “We’ve forgotten how good it feels to be well-groomed” he says, “when I got married I had a manicure, a barbered shave, and then put on a bespoke suit made for the occasion and I felt so sharp. It was like I’d turned into the best possible version of me.”
Karen Williams, Senior Product Manager of Male Systems at Wilkinson Sword, added: “The report findings suggest that young men want to look and feel smarter and healthier, and shaving is a quick and easy way for them to achieve this.”
Wilkinson Sword launched its much-hyped Hyrdo cartridge based razor in the UK back in October of this year. Reports suggest the firm has spent a whopping £20m on marketing the product, covering TV, print and digital advertising.
The new razor claims to introduce “revolutionary” technology, including a gel reservoir to hydrate skin during shaving, and new skin guards to help prevent skin getting trapped between blades.
It will go head-to-head with Gillette’s Fusion ProGlide razor, which launches in the UK in January 2011.
The new Hydro razor comes with either three or five blades, costing £5.99 and £7.99 respectively.
Follow Nick Gibbens on Twitter @nickgibbens
More articles by Nick Gibbens
How to maintain sideburns and facial hair
Even for men who enjoy wet shaving, there may still come a time when you wish to grow some facial hair to keep up with a certain hairstyle and look. This type of facial hair can be used to frame the face and it can be achieved by thinking about what you want before you get round to shaving.
Many men prefer to grow sideburns of varying lengths whether they decide to grow a full beard or not. When guys who usually maintain a clean shaven appearance wish to keep their sideburns, there are a few things which are certainly worth bearing in mind in order to keep the facial hair soft and clean.
The following maintenance procedures should help you to cultivate great looking sideburns which will not upset your wet shaving routine.
Firstly, you should regularly use a face wash to ensure that the area surrounding the sideburns is always kept nice and clean. The facial hair can also be cleaned when you have a shower as massaging shampoo into the sideburns for a short while can soften the hair in preparation for trimming.
To trim your sideburns you need to prepare the razor as you would normally, by running it under a hot tap for a few minutes.
You can then start work on the areas to the side and immediately below the sideburns. At this point it is important to ensure the sideburns are the same length. This can be done through careful shaving in front of a mirror.
When trimming your sideburns you need to hold the razor vertically and in a position adjacent to your face before moving in a downwards motion from top to bottom.
When you have finished the procedure you should use a moisturiser to protect your skin and keep you looking healthy.
When it comes to men’s grooming there are all sorts of shapes and sizes of sideburns you could adapt to your facial shape to get the right look for you. By maintaining your sideburns regularly you can start to make it part of your wet shaving routine.
Skincare and shaving tips for students going to university
When you go off to university for the first time there are many things filling your head, such as what to take with you, whether you will instantly make friends other students in your halls of residence as well as other important stuff. However, there is one area that is often neglected – and this could be the difference between having total confidence in yourself or not – and that is to ensure you look after your skin and facial hair while you are away.
Look good for the start of University
At home it is easy to get into a shaving routine, but in the day to day life of a student this is an area that can soon be ignored. Many students don’t shave while at uni because of the hassle associated with it, leaving the facial hair to grow and grow until it becomes unbearable. However, by ignoring your skincare needs, this can often result in irritable skin and the onset of acne.
For those who are already affected by acne, devoting the time needed for wet shaving can be very rewarding in the long term as it can help you to maintain healthy skin. Instead of oily skin, which actually encourages the formation of acne, by taking a more careful approach to grooming, you will soon be able to notice the changes, with clear looking skin.
You can also prevent razor burn to your face by shaving in the right way. Once you get on top of things by wet shaving after a shower and gently massaging the lather onto the face using a badger brush, giving your face the moisture it needs, these good habits should yield effective results. Just make sure you leave enough time to shave each day and you will look and feel great for the day ahead.
And if you don’t have an effective razor already, you could invest in an affordable shaving set which will give you all you need for a smooth, close and luxurious shaving experience. These stylish products for real men are becoming ever popular as they offer traditional shaving, but with a modern look. So, be sure to consider your grooming needs when going away to uni, the effort you put into this will certainly be rewarded by how you look and feel after a wet shave.
Shaving myth 2: Do you need to use a lot of foam when shaving?
Over the next few weeks we’re going to debunk some of the myths of wet shaving. In our first shaving myth article we asked the popular question? Is it always necessary to shave downwards, or ‘go with the grain’? Click here to read it.
In our second article on common shaving myths, we explore another frequently asked question: Do you need to use a lot of foam when shaving?
This is asked a lot by men who think that by using more foam, they will benefit from a smoother and more enjoyable shave.
Well, the simple truth is, you don’t. All that using more foam does is to add more product to the skin and thus get in the way of the razor.
The razor’s job is to perform through touching the skin and excess foam just hinders this.
Also, by using products without alcohol or harsh ingredients, it will reduce the chances of you getting any nicks or cuts to the face.
Please check back on Thursday when we take a detailed look at another common wet shaving myth.
If you have a question for our shaving team, please leave a comment below. Happy shaving!!!
Wet shaving tips for men - How to get the best wet shave (Part 2)
If you have purchased a cut-throat or safety razor but are still not 100% when using it, then the following advice may be of some use to you. There may be a number of wet shaving techniques out there that experienced shavers will swear by, but the basic principles are still generally the same. A wet shave can be divided into; pre-shave, shave and post-shave.
Pre-shave
The key to an effective shave is to prepare well beforehand. Firstly, you will need to soften the bristles, opening up the pores of the skin. This can be achieved by having a hot bath or shower, but if you do not have the time, you can always make use of a warm or hot flannel. Preparing in this way will increase the chances of a painless shave. If you have particularly sensitive skin or a heavy beard, it may be worth purchasing pre-shave oil and lubricate your whiskers with just a small amount, before the next stage of the process.
Shave
You now need to lather and massage your choice of shaving cream or soap into your stubble or beard. You need to do this thoroughly, so it is best to invest in a decent shaving brush.
When you are ready to begin; slowly, and remembering to use short strokes, shave with the grain. By shaving in the same direction as the hair growth, especially when fairly new to wet shaving, you are minimising the chances of causing razor burn, redness and rashes on the skin. The neck area is particularly sensitive and should be treated with due care.
In the third and final article on this subject, to be published on Wednesday 5 May, we will take a look at some more techniques you can use when wet shaving, along with post-shave advice.
Missed part 1? Here it is > Simple shaving tips for the perfect wet shave (Part 1)
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