The holiday times are approaching quickly and you may be asking yourself what the best gift would be for a man or if you just want to treat yourself for the holidays? Well instead of a shirt, tie or socks, you may consider a high quality yet affordable Safety Razor Set from OriginalShaveCompany.com.
Safety Razor Sets
We offer a very unique build a bundle program which allows you to choose your type of shaving razor, shaving brush, pre-shave solution, shaving cream or soap, after shave, blades and much more. With this unique bundle, you save off the price of each item you add to your package which ends up being the best deal for holiday shopping season.
The Original Shave Company offer brands from all over the world such as Edwin Jagger, Taylor of Old Bond Street, Merkur, Dovo, Simpsons and many more. Buying your very own Safety Razor Set will set yourself apart from the rest of the overdone and redundant gifts given during the holidays. Not to mention, classic shaving with a safety razor is a very popular and a very affordable method of shaving for men since the cost of the razor blades are astronomically less than cartridge razors.
If you need assistance in choosing the right gift for that special someone, you can also contact us toll free at (800)769-4935 and our representatives are more than willing to explain the right shaving application for your needs.
When you have decided to start wet shaving, you must first choose your new favorite power tools: your safety razor and safety razor blades.
A great way to try some blades on for size before making a commitment is to purchase a safety razor sample pack. This allows you to test safety razor blades to see which ones react to your hair and beard coarseness best, last longest and provide the closest, most comfortable shave.
How to avoid razor burn
Choosing Your Perfect Safety Razor Blades
As you start testing blades, note how your skin feels as the blade glides across it. The glide should be smooth without dragging or pulling on hairs. The sharpest blade is not necessarily going to provide the best shave for you. You have to consider safety razor blades from all angles, according to which suits your skin sensitivity, hair coarseness and application of the blade to your skin.
Ask yourself the following questions to help determine which of the safety razor blades is your perfect fit:
Do you have to make multiple passes across one area for the hair to be sufficiently cut?
If so, the blade you are using is likely too mild for you. You may need greater blade exposure or a larger blade gap.
Is your hair being tugged or pulled and you have to force the blade across your skin?
When this problem arises, you need a sharper blade.
Is the blade scratching your skin while cutting all stubble in the first pass?
If you are experiencing dragging on the skin and quick cutting of hair, your blade edge may be too exposed. Try a blade with a slighter blade gap.
Is your aftershave burning more than it should, or do you feel scratching or burning when making final passes?
When the first pass does not bother your skin, but subsequent ones do, this likely means that your blade is too aggressive for you. Opt for a less sharp blade.
Feather Platinum Coated Blades
Most men are able to use one double edged safety razor blade for five to seven shaves. Because these blades are typically exchanged in about a week or so, you do not have to worry about special storage considerations. Most blades do not rust these days due to being made of stainless steel or with special rust-resistant coatings, unlike your grandfather’s blades. But if you leave a razor blade in the razor for a long period of time, it could rust due to daily exposure to moisture of showers and other environmental changes.
As a best practice, particularly if you have children in your home or to protect garbage handlers, you should invest in a blade bank or other blade disposal container. This will ensure other people do not accidentally seriously injure themselves when handling garbage or playing around your shaving area.
What you need to know about shaving with a double edged razor
Merkur Chrome & Black Safety Razor
Shaving with a double edged razor is something many men are eager to try today, tossing out their cheap cartridge razors for a little more style, self-indulgence and luxury as part of their morning routine. But many of the terms associated with wet shaving and double edged razors can be as confusing as figuring out which razor to buy and then how to use it.
Below we share a few details about double edged razor shaving, to shed some light on this old classic in male grooming.
Finding Your Perfect Double Edged Razor
One thing about using a double edged razor is that one man’s “perfect” razor is not another man’s right fit. So you can’t just rely on a good friend’s recommendation. Instead, look for a double edged razor that fits nicely in your hand, feels slightly heavy and has a nice grip, like the Edwin Jagger 3D Laser Diamond DE3D14BL.
If your hands are large for example, you will likely want a longer handle than others. Or maybe you will feel most in control with a slightly stout handle, like the Edwin Jagger R35611SR. Whichever double edged safety razor you choose, a quality one will last a lifetime. So this may be something you wish to invest in, as unlike cartridge razors you replace only the blades and not the entire razor.
Using Your Double Edged Razor
Merkur Futur Safety Razor Gold Plated
Learning how to use your double edged safety razor takes time and practice. You will likely experience nicks and cuts for the first several shaves while you get used to letting the razor’s weight do the work. You may still be inclined to press down on your face and neck with the razor, which will cut your skin. So don’t start using a safety razor on an important day or when you are in a hurry, as you may have to take a few moments to take care of your nicks.
To use your safety razor with double edge blades, pull skin taut in one direction and use the blade in the opposite direction. Angle the razor’s handle at about 30 degrees from your face or neck. Do not press down, instead letting the razor’s weight drive itself. Use short strokes in the same direction as your hair growth.
Keeping Blades Fresh
Astra Platinum Razor Blades
Like with choosing your own perfect safety razor, you will need to experiment with different double edge blades to find your favorite. There are multiple factors that determine how long a blade lasts, such as how coarse your beard is, the brand of the blade and other factors. But common blades like Feather usually last between five and seven shaves. If your beard is not coarse, a Feather blade may last longer for you. You will know it is time to replace your blade when the current one is tugging or pulling on your first few shaving strokes. Don’t forget to use both sides of the blade, to maximize life of each one.
So you have your safety razor in hand and now just keep looking down at it wondering how to shave. It sounds like a silly question, but using a safety razor for a wet shave is not the same as using a cartridge razor. We’re here to help. Below is a quick seven-step guide to how to shave using your new safety razor. Just gear up and go!
Shaving with a straight razor
1. Determine your hair growth direction.
Before starting your perfect wet shave routine, you need to reacquaint yourself with your hair growth. Hair growth is the road map of how to shave. Let your beard grow for a few days, until you have visible stubs and can see which direction the growth on each area of your face occurs.
When you start wet shaving, you will want to shave in the direction of your hair’s growth to avoid nicks and cuts. As you become acclimated to your new routine, you can give shaving against the grain a try. Just don’t do that right out of the gate.
2. Cleanse and exfoliate your skin.
Using a quality skin cleanser that exfoliates, such as a facial scrub, spend some time in the shower or at the sink focusing on a good exfoliation to lift facial hair and remove dead skin. This will help you experience a smooth, comfortable shave and less ingrown hairs, particularly as you relearn how to shave using your new safety razor.
3. Steam your face in the shower or with a hot towel.
In a warm shower or using a hot towel, apply steam or warmth to your face for about half a minute. This warmth softens your hairs, making them more responsive to the razor’s blades.
BAUME.BE Pre Shave Gel
4. Apply pre-shave oil.
To further prep your skin and soften hairs, apply a quality pre-shave oil, gel or lotion. Pre-shave oil helps protect the skin’s surface by encouraging the razor to glide over its surface. Pre-shave oil also moisturizes your skin and improves how it looks between shaves.
5. Use a badger shaving brush to apply shaving soap or shaving cream to your face and neck.
Using a badger hair shaving brush helps evenly apply your shaving soap or shaving cream. It also lifts facial hair so it is “in place” for optimum cutting by the razor. Before shaving, let the shaving soap or cream remain on your face for about half a minute, to work its magic.
Shave in the direction of hair growth, starting on the sides of the face and progressing to the neck, jawline and finally the mouth area while using short strokes. Do not apply pressure to the razor or press it into your skin. Simply hold the razor firmly at a 30-degree angle. Remember to go slowly and stretch your skin with your free hand where needed.
6. Cold water splash.
To rinse your face, use a cold water splash or a cold wet washcloth. This will close your pores and ready your skin for after shave application.
7. Application of after shave.
Lightly apply after shave lotion, balm or cream to your shaved areas. After shave hydrates the skin and provides anti-bacterial protection to minimize bumps and irritation.
