Safety Razor...
Originally made by Gillette for American troops in WW1, the safety razor is a shaving tool with a protective device positioned between the edge of the blade and the skin. The basic design is a handle attached at right angles to a head in which a removable blade is placed. Cheap plastic razors can't compete against a heavy solid metal and beautifully crafted safety razor. Safety razors are built to last and can be passed down. Safety razors made in the early 1900's are still being used today.
Note: It’s important to keep in mind that switching to a safety razor means relearning how to shave to some degree. You’ll want to hold the blade at an angle, ease up on the pressure, and go with the grain. Most important: Take it slow.
Traditional wet shaving used to be considered a dying art, but I think it is now making a comeback. In my opinion wet shaving provides you with a closer shave and less irriation, (and guess what?) all at a lower cost. If you want to go old-school, but just can’t envision turning the clock all the way back to the days of straight razor, consider a safety razor. It’s a beautiful tool you can hang on to forever, and using it will cut down on the waste and expense associated with disposable razors.
For the ultimate throwback and money-saver, I suggest getting something pre-owned. A used razor? Let me explain. Check out old antique stores and flea markets. For a couple of bucks you can get a cool old Gillette or something that works just as good as a brand new Merkur. An overnight soak in one part white vinegar, one part water should loosen up any old, gross bits. And of course it goes without saying that you’ll want to install a new razor blade.If you’re willing to spend a little more, check out eBay for some awesome vintage finds.
Double-edge
blade...
Double-edge razor blades are typically manufactured of stainless steel in a number of different countries. There are many different blades to choose from, each offering its own unique characterisitic. Each blade has varying sharpness and cutting ability and will cut differentyly in different safety razors. Purchase a variety sample pack and choose one blade that works best for you. When you find the right blade, you will expereicnce a closer and less irritating shave than any cartridge razor on the market. Double-edge blades are also much lower in cost.
Shaving brush...
The shaving brush is one of the best parts of a traditional wet shaving. The brush creates a nice thick lather and feels good when applying that lather to your face. Using a shaving brush will help open the pores on you face and get the saving cream deep down under the facial hair, which will make the hairs softer and easier to slice with that double-edge blade. There are two types of brushes, Bore bristle and Badger hair brushes. Badger hair brushes are the best. They are soft and retain water very well, not to mention they are the best at lathering. The stiffer boar brushes are a good brush for beginners, but not as a soft and not as good at creating a foamy lather.
Shaving soap...
There are many different brands of shaving soaps and creams for you to choos from. Shaving soaps are typically better than cream beacuse they produce a more lubricated lather. The right shaving soap is important beacuse the right shaving soap will lather faster and result in a closer shave. Shaving soaps are typically haydrating as well, meaning they wont dry your skin out like that canned stuff. Not to mention that your shave is 10-times closer with a shaving soap.
So, the benefits...
The term "5 O'Clock Shadow" doesn't apply to wet shaving. Wet shaving provides a cleaner, closer, and less irritating shave than what electric razors and disposable 4 or 5 blade cartridges offer. Wet shaving eliminates razor burn, razor bumps, and ingrown hairs and leaves your skin in better condition. Over time your skin will feel and look smoother and healtheir.