Shaving razor / soap / brush

The preparation for a complete shave

First of all we need a good traditional shaving soap or shaving cream. On the market you will find a huge variety. Some of them contain animal fat, some do not. Some contain more "preservatives" than others. 

Their smells too many and generally it will take you some time to find the one or ones that work for you. But maybe that search will be one of the best parts of traditional shaving.

Essential of course is the shaving brush to create lather. 

Pig hair brushes, badger hair brushes horsehair brushes and synthetic hair brushes are available. Pig hair brushes are clearly harder and 'dissolve' harder soaps more easily, as opposed to badger hair brushes which are very soft and are used mainly with creams. 

The next thing you'll need is a shaving machine. 

Here you will initially be overwhelmed by their types (closed/, clippers, shavettes (etc) but things are simple since we are talking about beginners. 

Confidently pick a well-known closed-type machine, and start shaving. The rest will take care of itself once you learn the basics.

A shavette is a razor that combines the design of a straight razor with the convenience of replaceable blades. It typically features a folding handle similar to a straight razor, but instead of a fixed blade, it uses disposable or interchangeable blades. Shavettes offer a great alternative for those who appreciate the close shave and precision of a straight razor but prefer the convenience and ease of blade replacement. With a shavette, users can experience the traditional shaving technique of a straight razor without the need for sharpening and honing the blade.

What's left? The razors! 

Traditional safety razors have been a popular choice among shaving enthusiasts for decades. These razors feature a classic design that consists of a handle and a replaceable blade protected by a metal guard. The main advantage of safety razors lies in their ability to provide a close and smooth shave while reducing the risk of nicks and cuts. The metal guard serves as a protective barrier between the blade and the skin, allowing for a controlled and comfortable shaving experience. Additionally, safety razors are cost-effective in the long run, as the replaceable blades are typically more affordable than the disposable cartridges used in modern razors.

Using a traditional safety razor requires a slightly different technique compared to modern cartridge razors. Wet shaving enthusiasts often recommend preparing the face with warm water and applying a shaving cream or soap using a shaving brush. The razor is then held at a slight angle to the skin, allowing the blade to glide smoothly while cutting the hair. The weight and balance of a safety razor provide a level of control and precision that can result in a closer shave and less skin irritation. Many individuals find that using a traditional safety razor not only enhances the shaving experience but also adds a touch of nostalgia and elegance to their daily grooming routine.

It's probably the one traditional shaving puzzle you'll never solve. We're as diverse as the opinions you'll hear about which is the best razor, so don't pay too much attention. Choose one that's sweet and satisfyingly sharp and get started. For if one of your first shaves doesn't go well, it's safe to say that it's not the razor's fault but your technique or your foam or your preparation.

Everything will be corrected very soon.

If you have chosen your "weapons", we are ready to get to the heart of the matter in our next articles.