Why Buying a Shaving Kit For Men Makes Perfect Sense

Shaving Kit For Men

Why Buying a Shaving Kit For Men Makes Perfect Sense

We caught you looking at the Shaving Kit for Men pages of our website, the Bundle & Shave section. We know you are wondering what value these kits hold. So we are going to explore the answer to that question.

But first, go back in time to your childhood with us. Or, at least go back in time to the pop culture version of modern childhood, one you would see on any family-oriented television program of today. The majority of American men shared this same experience, from when they were so small that they could not see in the foggy medicine cabinet mirror without a stepstool.

A Walk Through Wet Shaving

shaving kit for men
Shaving kit for men

So you have decided to start wet shaving. Maybe you remember watching your grandfather as he lathered his shaving cream in a mug, the sink filled with steamy water in front of him and badger brush in his hand. You probably remember how great the shaving cream smelled and his almost magician-like hand movements as he glided the safety razor across his face, flipping it and gliding it again before swishing it voraciously in the sink in front of him.

It was such a quiet yet rich experience for your grandfather, a time when he focused on himself and his other cares seemed distant as he stood there in his white undershirt at the bathroom mirror each day before work. His shaving kit was like a personal treasure trove. You wondered what was in that little case, the shaving kit for men. Yes, you knew you would truly be “a man” when you had your very own, a shaving kit for men.

If this is a memory you share with many adults of today, then you probably also recall his wonderfully weighted safety razor and how it felt in your hand. You probably picked it up a few times to try to figure out how he got the blades into the razor and why the head of the razor was smooth, unlike disposable cartridge razors. It all came together as a big mystery and something only adult men fully understood. You could not wait to learn the secrets and start wet shaving, yourself.

Shaving Against the Grain
Shaving Against the Grain

Then maybe, if you are a child of the 1970s, 1980s, 1990s or beyond, you watched your dad shaving briskly and quickly with canned shaving cream and a plastic razor. It was quick for your father. The razor went into the trash after several uses. Those razors were lightweight and did not feel good in your hand, unlike grandfather’s nice silver or gold one.

Dad’s whole experience seemed like necessity, not quiet indulgence. Like many modern experiences, this version of shaving seems to provide the personal enjoyment of a microwaved diet meal pulled from the freezer. Grandfather’s shaving experience was richer and more complete, like the pot roast from grandmother’s oven.

This is the difference between a quality old fashioned wet shaving experience and one done using a throwaway razor. Wet shaving with a quality razor and other elements of a wet shave is a rich, thoughtful, quiet and personal experience. It is a time when you can focus on yourself, exclusively. That is the experience you desire, grandfather’s way and not the rushed disposable experience of modern dads.

Many men of today feel the exact same way. A sort of wet shaving revolution is afoot – or should we say, “a-face.” More and more men are seeking an authentic wet shaving experience. So, how can you start wet shaving yourself? How do you choose from all of the available products and options, when you are not yet sure what you like?

Building a Shaving Kit for Men

Pre Shave Oil
Pre Shave Oil

Like many other pursuits, wet shaving using a quality safety razor is one wherein you have to try things out, to know what you like. There is a bit of trial and error. But guided by people who understand wet shaving, you can actually get things right on your very first internet shopping trip. Buying the right shaving kit for men is as easy as 1-2-3 when you go through the Bundle & Shave process and you will save money along the way.

Bundle & Shave options are delivered to you all at once, once you have selected each item through a simple step-by-step online process. It takes only a few minutes and a few clicks, then your complete shaving kit is on its way to your door. Give the process a try. It is far less intimidating than standing on an aisle in a store, glaring at the shelves of products and wondering, “What do I need? What do I choose? Am I doing this right?”

Every Bundle & Shave shaving kit includes:

  • Wet shaving razor
  • Shaving brush

Better Bundle & Shave shaving kits include:

  • Wet shaving razor
  • Shaving brush
  • Shaving soap
  • The right razor blades for your new razor
  • Shaving mug

The complete and best Bundle & Shave shaving kits include everything you need to start wet shaving or overhaul your old shaving kit:

  • Wet shaving razor, either a safety razor or straight razor
  • Shaving brush
  • Shaving cream or soap
  • Pre-shave oil, gel or lotion
  • Aftershave
  • Your choice of other accessories

Go ahead and give the Bundle & Shave process a try. It makes wet shaving so easy and ensures you have everything you need for an experience fit for your grandfather.

Are The Advantages Of Shaving Soap Right For You?

Are The Advantages Of Shaving Soap Right For You?

Many men are loyal to shaving soap despite quicker means of applying shaving cream available on the market today. So what is it about shaving soap that makes them continue whipping it up versus creams, foams or gels?

For some, it is because hard soap for shaving has a long-standing history as part of grooming. It is the tradition of hard soap that entices them into the daily routine. For others, it is the extended experience of taking time to appreciate their shave and focused moment of self-indulgence. There are even more reasons to use shaving hard soap, so we will explore the background of these soaps for you to decide what is right for you.

About Hard Shaving Soap

shaving soapHard soaps used in shaving have been around for about two hundred years. One well-known American brand was Williams, a mug-use hard soap produced as early as 1840. Shaving soaps are still fashioned as they were back then, in hard bars most often resembling a round puck. These hard soaps have one feature many people overlook or do not realize hold significance. That is, they have a flat bottom for use in a shaving mug or a rounded bottom for use in a scuttle.

Many men enjoy the fragrance and richness of hard shaving soaps like those of the Col Conk line, Edwin Jagger or Taylor of Old Bond Street.

To use a hard soap formulated for shaving, a shaving brush is required to create lather from the soap and applied water. The brush is immersed in water and then vigorously swished around the soap until the brush bristles are coated with the soap. The brush is then applied to the face to create lather or this is done in a shaving mug or bowl. Some soaps are designed to be rubbed directly on the face, with the brush then used on the face to create foam.

Advantages of Using Shaving Soap

Taylor of Old Bond Street Hard Shaving Soap - Sandalwood
Taylor of Old Bond Street Hard Shaving Soap – Sandalwood

For many men, a major advantage of hard soap is how much hydration they provide for whiskers to be cut easily. Shaving soaps remove the natural oil from whiskers and skin, providing the means for water to more thoroughly penetrate these facial hairs. When whiskers are more hydrated, the razor is able to cut them without pulling.

For men who travel frequently, hard soap is also better for their lifestyle. Most men who frequently air travel prefer not checking baggage. Because the Transportation Security Administration permits shaving soaps in carry-on bags, getting through security and onto the plane without having to check a suitcase is a very positive benefit. The same is not the case for those traveling with liquids, gels or aerosol shaving creams. Soap is also very compact and easy to pack without leakage compared to a shaving cream tub.

Edwin Jagger Shaving Soap Sandalwood SSSW
Edwin Jagger Shaving Soap Sandalwood SSSW

For many, the extra time and a bit of extra effort required for shaving soap use drives them to use more modern methods. But many who are loyal to shaving soaps enjoy that time of quiet reflection in the morning or for an evening shave, when they can focus on themselves and not everything else they are responsible for.

Shaving soaps also seem more expensive at face value. But over an extended period of use, shaving soaps are actually cheaper than other means of developing a foamy lather, comparable in cost to creams and gels at the very least.  This is mainly because soaps are hard molded where  a shaving cream would lather up with water and a shaving brush.

For environmentally conscious wet shaving enthusiasts, shaving soaps bring the benefit of not hurting the environment. Because there is no aerosol application, less ecological impact is inflicted by men using these soaps over canned creams.

The benefits of using a pre shave oil when wet shaving

Pre Shave Oil

The benefits of using a pre shave oil when wet shaving

Most modern men do not use pre shave oil. In fact, many of those do not know the benefits of pre shave oil, or why some men use it before shaving. The reality of adding this one simple step to wet shaving is that of better results with a closer, smoother and less irritating shave.

What is pre shave oil?

Taylor of Old Bond Street Pre-Shave Oil
Taylor of Old Bond Street

A few drops of oil is applied across the surface of damp skin before shaving. It is not rubbed into the skin, instead left to only slightly absorb on its own. Shaving cream or shaving soap is then applied on top of the oil. When the razor glides across the surface of skin, shaving cream and unabsorbed pre shave oil is removed.

There are a multitude of benefits that using this type of oil provides:

  • Skin moisturization
  • Preparation of the skin for a closer, smoother shave
  • Protection of skin against razor blades
  • Softening of hair, making it easier to cut
  • Reducing drag of the razor on skin
  • Decrease of irritation from shaving
  • Fewer ingrown hairs, nicks and cuts
  • Reduction of razor burn

Pre-shave oil may be used with safety razors, disposable razor heads or straight edge razors.

Popular Pre-Shave Oil Formulas

While there is an immense variety of pre-shave oils on the market today, several standouts have gained a broad following among men of all ages and skin types.

BAUME.BE Pre Shave Gel
BAUME.BE

BAUME.BE
BAUME.BE is a product of Belgium. The company’s founder has highly sensitive skin and set out on a quest to develop shaving products that would not irritate his skin, yet would provide a top quality shave. BAUME.BE Pre Shave Gel is alcohol free, smells great and makes skin soft, hydrated and baby smooth.

 

Col Conk Pre Shave Oil
Col Conk

Col Conk Pre-Shave Oil
The Col Ichabod Conk line of shaving products has a colorful backstory many men love as much as they love the products, themselves. Col Conk Pre-Shave Oil coats and smooths skin by hydrating it before wet shaving, as the perfect primer beneath Col Conk Shave Cream in scents like Rio Grande Lavender.

 

Taylor of Old Bond Street Pre-Shave Oil - Sandalwood
Taylor of Old Bond Street

Taylor of Old Bond Street

Taylor of Old Bond Street is a favorite English shaving line. Walking down the streets of merry old England, you would likely encounter more than a few gents scented by Taylor of Old Bond Street’s Sandalwood fragrance, particularly that of the brand’s Pre-Shave Oil.

Regardless of the pre-shave oil you ultimately select, adding this simple step to your wet shave regimen ensures your skin is well hydrated, smooth and closely shaven. The extra effort is something you will certainly appreciate, as the razor glides smoothly and provides fewer cuts, nicks, abrasions and ingrown hairs.

How To Get The Perfect Classic Shave

classic shave

How To Get The Perfect Classic Shave

Getting a “classic shave” means stepping away from your quickly executed, disposable razor-quality shave using canned shaving cream. A classic shave is an experience and daily ritual men of many generations have enjoyed. You can enjoy your shave, too. The keys to that lie in having the right implements and knowing how to execute a luxurious shaving experience from start to finish.

What You Will Need for a Classic Shave

For a truly timeless shave, you will need several items:

Once you have these items on hand, fill a sink full of hot water. Ensure it is not scalding, but nicely hot and steamy. The best time to shave is after you have had a hot shower.

While you are filling the sink, allow your shaving brush to soak in the water.

Prepping Your Skin

Simpsons Shaving Brush - Berkeley 46 Pure Badger
Berkeley 46 Pure Badger

Splash enough hot water on your freshly showered face to keep it very wet. It is important to ensure your face stays well hydrated and warm throughout the shave.

Take your shaving brush out of the hot water and hold it upside down until all of the excess water has flowed out. Swirl the warm, wet-tipped brush on the surface of the shaving cream in circular motions. Do this until white lather appears. You will need sufficient shaving cream, but not too much. When you have done a few classic shaves, you will know how much cream is right for your shave.

Paint the lather onto your face using an up and down motion. Ensure all of the areas you will be shaving are covered with cream. The layer of shaving cream should be thick and opaque. Put down your shaving brush and replace it in your hand with the razor.

Executing Your Classic Shave

Edwin Jagger 3D Laser Diamond DE3D14BL
Edwin Jagger 3D Laser Diamond DE3D14BL

Shave in the direction of hair growth. That means you shave with your whiskers, not against them. If you are using a safety razor for the first time, you must remember that safety razors require slow, light-handed application. Do not stroke it heavily across your skin in rapid movements, like you do with a disposable razor. Part of the experience of the classic shave is in appreciating the slow, relaxing movements.

You will need to pay attention to your hair’s growth pattern while shaving to avoid cuts and razor burn. Unlike with a disposable razor, a safety razor requires greater care and attention to the growth patterns. Also remember to rinse your safety razor frequently, between each pass if needed. Your whiskers may require two passes over each area, to ensure a close shave.

After the Shave

Once your shave is complete, rinse your face with cold water. Using cold water closes your facial pores. Pat your face dry with a towel.

Rinse your razor and shaving brush very well to ensure all lather and residue are removed. Shake the shaving brush dry and store it using a shaving brush drip stand. Never store your delicate shaving brush on its side. Bristles need to air dry and this is done by hanging the brush from the drip stand. Properly maintained, your shaving brush can last more than 20 years.

Taylor of Old Bond Street Aftershave Lotion - Eton College
Aftershave Lotion for a perfect classic shave

Finish your classic shave with a non-alcohol after-shave lotion or moisturizer. Moisturizer meant for after your shave will not sting and bring tears to your eyes like traditional after-shave made with alcohol.  Follow the methods of wet shaving with the appropriate products listed and you are guaranteed to have a perfect classic shave.