The History of Wet Shaving

The History of Wet Shaving

Wet Shaving

Wet shaving is the practice of wetting the face first with hot or warm water and applying shaving cream before the actual act of shaving itself. This art of shaving is a very old tradition that dates back into antiquity. There is no definite date when it can be said that the first human being decided to shave himself, but there are archaeological findings and cave paintings that indicate that early-man must have used seashells as tweezers to pull off facial hair as early as 100,000 years BC. By 30,000 BC, shaving had evolved to the use of flint blades in scraping the face.

Wet ShavingThe pharaohs of ancient Egypt are known to completely shave both their facial hairs and to shave their heads bald. But their method of shaving on the other hand is not exactly known. Circular bronze and gold razors have been found in Egyptian burial chambers which suggest that they definitely used razors in shaving. Also the oldest documented use of shaving cream is as early as 3,000 BC in Sumer and given the link between the Sumerian and Old Egyptian civilizations, one can safely assume that the Pharaohs did also practice some sort of wet shaving. They also used the same form of shaving cream like the Sumerians, made from animal fats and wood-ash. Although it is difficult to say exactly, this started most probably earlier in history, or latest by 3,000 BC.

Up until the fourth century BC, shaving was basically for noblemen and royalty who would often have a house barber in permanent employment. This was until Alexander the great ordered all his men to shave so that their enemies would have nothing to hold on to in close combat. Shaving then started to become trendy. About a century before this period, Roman commercial barbers who offered their services in barber salons appeared in history. They reportedly used iron razors and like the Egyptians would first use the razors to cut the hair low and then finish off by rubbing the stubbles off with pumice stones. They also employed the use of oils as a shaving cream and since then, the art and science of wet shaving has continued to evolve. The razor designs were improved on and even fancy razors with gold handles and decorations were made.

For roughly the next two thousand years, there was hardly any further significant development in shaving. The shape of the modern straight razor was already developed back in those Roman times, but the iron blades they used easily went blunt and had to be steadily sharpened. The next development would have to come from England in the eighteenth century AD when man finally learned how to work steel. Shaving creams too didn’t get much significant improvement. But the fine art of shaving wet evolved in this period. The initial wrapping of the face in hot towel, the application of shaving creams and solutions, the shave and after-shave services all made the barber-shop a delightful place to visit and with time, these techniques were also perfected.

The Time-line of Razor Development

-100,000 BC
Early man used seashells as tweezers to pull hair from face.

– 30,000 BC
Blades are made from flint.

– 3,000 BC
Razors are made from copper.
Shaving creams are being developed.

– 1,200 BC
Razors with bronze blades are made.

– 400 BC
Razors with iron blades are used.

– 1740 AD
Benjamin Huntsman sells first straight razors with hollow-ground blades made from Sheffield steel. Till today, straight razors haven’t changed much in design. A current modern straight razor can be found by viewing this new age Dovo Straight Razor.

Wet Shaving– 1847 AD
William Henson invents the hoe-shaped razor, which is the shape of the current safety razor. This razor design makes it possible for more and more people to shave by themselves instead of going to the barber. This is because shaving with a safety razor is much less risky than with a straight razor. But such a design still needed that the blade be sharpened every now and then.

 

 

Wet Shaving– 1895 AD
A traveling salesman, King Camp Gillette combines the hoe shaped safety razor with a disposable double-edged blade design. He sold the razor very cheaply at a loss but made a huge fortune from the blades which were meant to be used just once and then discarded. His invention also won a contract from the US Army for 3.5 million razors and 32 million blades during the first world war. The soldiers were encouraged to shave often and when they returned, they were also allowed to keep their razors. This made them continue to purchase Gillette’s blades which turned him into a very rich man. The design hasn’t changed much since then and popular Merkur and Edwin Jagger safety razors still look the same way.

Wet Shaving– 1927
Lt. Col Jacob Schick of the U.S. Army invents the first electric dry shaver. It becomes a hit and he sells millions of units. Although dry shaving with an electric shaver was less desirable than wet shaving, the relatively high price of replacement blades for safety razors pushed people away from it. Over the years, the safety razors started to loose market share to the electric dry shavers. Barbers were also loosing their jobs.

 

 

– 1960
Wilkinson makes the first disposable stainless steel blade. It was cheap and could be used a few times before disposal. Gillette and other firms follow suit, consumers love the blades and wet shaving was again very affordable and popular. This disposable stainless steel blade is still manufactured today and used all over the world for clean, efficient and cost-effective shaving.

– 1974
Bic manufactures the disposable shaving stick and other firms follow suit. Soon Gillette is manufacturing double bladed and triple bladed cartridge shavers. This development has continued today into products like the Gillette Mach3 Razor. But while the Mach3 may be more effective than disposable shaving sticks, the single bladed double-edged safety razor is more effective than the Mach3 and similar products. But in the end, the straight razor remains the most effective means of shaving.

 

The Lost Art of Wet Shaving

Wet ShavingIn the middle-ages, the badger hair brush became a part of shaving culture which by now involved the use of hard soaps to whip up a lather. In 1840, the Walnut Oil Military Shaving Soap from Vroom and Fowler became one of the first soaps dedicated solely to shaving.

When in the 20 century, the safety razor had gained much popularity, especially after the first world war and many men had taken to shaving by themselves, a new culture developed. This new male culture was the morning ritual of wet shaving with a single bladed safety razor. And although many changes have come and gone, like electric dry shavers and canned shaving creams, none of them could offer the efficiency and psychological benefits of the wet shave.

 

The Resurgence of Wet Shaving

Wet Shaving

The romantic and positive therapeutic effect of taking the time to hydrate your face with warm-to-hot water, then applying a pre-shave solution, and then using a brush, apply your shaving cream before shaving and applying aftershave is well known to many men. Even many retailers of shaving products have reported an increase in sales of straight razor shaving kits like this straight razor bundle after having seen James Bond’s erotic close shave with a straight razor from Bond-girl Eve in the 2012 movie Skyfall where she also commented “Sometimes the old ways are the best”.

Edwin Jagger Safety Razor R35611SR

Although the straight razor is the best razor for wet shaving, it is still regarded as only for the most daring of men, because of the dangers of shaving with it. This is where the traditional double edged safety razor comes in and this is the reason it is also very popular and has recently been increasing in popularity too. Some of the reasons many men give for reverting to wet shaving include:
– Cheaper cost per shave.
– Male Tradition (“wanting to shave like the ancestors did”).
Clean shave.
– Avoiding skin conditions such as ingrown hairs.
– Environmental concerns.
– Pleasure
There is much pleasure to be gained from shaving yourself daily with a traditional single bladed razor. Looking at yourself in that mirror with your cream covered face will remind you each day of who you are and how far you have come.

Wet Shaving

For any man who would like to try out wet shaving using a double-edged safety razor in the traditional way, there are pre-packaged sets like this Merkur Safety Razor Set. It is also possible to build your own bundle from scratch.  We hope you have enjoyed this historical background provided on the art of wet shaving.  Please feel free to contact us with any questions on any of our fine shaving products.

 

Shaving with a safety razor and how to do it properly

Merkur Chrome & Black Safety Razor

Shaving with a Safety Razor – How to do it properly

Shaving with a safety razor has always been the standard method of shaving since the early years of the 20th century. Their practicality and safety made them quite popular over the straight-razor. Initially available as single-edge razors, the safety razor slowly evolved into the double-edged razor which hasn’t change much in design since then. Shaving with a safety razor is still basically done the same way today as it was done over 100 years ago.

Since 1974 when Bic first introduced the disposable razor, many men and women alike, have slowly been pushed into using disposable shaving razors. A result of intelligent marketing, the disposable razor has evolved into cartridge-type razors that can today contain up to five blades per shaving stick. But in recent years, there has been a steady increase in the number of people who are reverting to the traditional method of shaving with a safety razor. This trend towards the safety razor, as you will see, is for a good reason.

The Safety Razor vs Cartridge Razors

While slick marketing has persuaded many men to adopt shaving with multi-bladed cartridge razors, it has in reality been a counter-intuitive move because shaving with a double edged safety razor is simply the most practical, cost-effective method of shaving. Following are the benefits of shaving with a safety razor as opposed to cartridge razors.

The Benefits of Shaving With a Safety Razor

– Close Shaves
A safety razor provides a cleaner shave than a cartridge type razor. This is because it has only a single blade unlike the multiple blades of a cartridge razor which pull at hair, cut wrongly and scrape the skin thereby causing ingrown hairs, skin irritations and razor burns. In fact, it is only a straight razor that can shave better than a safety razor, but then it comes with a very steep learning curve.

– Cost
In the long term, shaving with a safety razor is way much cheaper than using cartridge razors. The only problem with safety razors is the initial price of the razor which can cost anywhere from $30 to over $100. But the blades then cost about $0.10 each when you buy in bulk. Given that a cartridge razor handle costs about $10 and a pack of cartridges costs about $6, shaving with a cartridge razor will cost you about $130 in the first year and then about $120 every subsequent year. Shaving with a safety razor on the other hand, will cost about $60 in the first year, assuming you choose a cheaper safety razor model. Subsequent years will then cost you less than $20 if you buy the blades in bulk.

– They Last Forever
Unlike the plastic handles of cartridge razors, safety razor handles are made from solid materials which are so durable that they are normally passed down from father to son.

– Better Access
The slimmer design of safety razors makes them more ideal for hard-to-reach areas like neck crevices and under the nose. They are therefore better for shaping up mustaches and side-burns.

– Manly Accessory
A safety razor looks infinitely more classy and masculine in the bathroom than any plastic shaver ever.

– Better for the Environment
Shaving with a safety razor makes it possible for you to reduce the amount of metal blades you dispose of regularly, plus you do not dispose of plastic at all. Recycling steel blades is also simpler than recycling a plastic and steel cartridge.

– Perfectly Weighted
Safety razors are much heavier than plastic cartridge razors. This makes it needless to apply force while shaving, resulting in a smoother, cleaner shave.

How to Shave with a Safety Razor – A Step by Step Guide

Step 1. You need to wash your face with warm water or apply a warm towel to it. You could also start shaving after taking a bath or a shower, the important thing is that the warm water opens the skin and hair follicles leading to a smoother shave.

Step 2. Generously apply a good amount of pre-shave gel or oil on the skin in the area of your face that you are about to shave. This is necessary to reduce friction.

Step 3. Apply shaving cream or soap as usual. Try to lather your face in a circular motion. This is to ensure that the face is properly lubricated including the skin below beard stubbles.

Step 4. Make sure your razor blade is fresh. It is possible though to use a safety razor blade up to 5 or 6 times, but just make sure you change it regularly, ideally once to twice weekly.

Step 5. Hold the safety razor loosely and gently move your hand, allowing it to glide across the surface of your skin. Do not press it and do not try to force it, just be easy and gentle. It is important at this stage that you try and maintain the razor at a 30 degree angle to your skin because this is the perfect angle to shave with a safety razor.

Step 6. After you are done shaving, wash off the remaining traces of shaving cream from your face using warm water preferably, then splash with cold water to close the pores. All that is now left is to apply a moisturizer or skin food to replenish the skin where you have just shaved and to act as protection.  This part is very important to seal your shave in and kick off your day the right way feeling and smelling fresh.

Finally, you can see that shaving with a safety razor is an enjoyable ritual of manliness that gets better with time. Practice makes perfect, therefore with time, even a beginner will be able to effortlessly and comfortable shave like a pro.

Some Recommended Safety Razors

Product 1. Edwin Jagger DE3D14BL 3D Laser Diamond

shaving with a safety razor

The DE3D14BL from Edwin Jagger is a very classically designed safety razor that offers you a firm grip while shaving. This ensures that your razor does not slip out of your wet hand. This is also one of the most popular designs from Edwin Jagger of England and can be quite fitting for any beginner.
Price: $69

Product 2. Merkur Chrome & Black Safety Razor

shaving with a safety razor

The chrome and black safety razor from Merkur is one of the lowest priced safety razors from this German manufacturer. Despite its low price, this razor is of high quality. The soft rubber offers a nice grip and is also perfect for wet hands. With its price and quality, this razor makes shaving with a safety razor even more cost-effective.
Price: $29

Product 3. Merkur Long Handled Safety Razor

shaving with a safety razor

This safety razor is the German equivalent of the Edwin Jagger DE3D14BL. It is also a best seller and perfect as a first razor.
Price: $39

Product 4. Edwin Jagger DE89BA11Gbl Safety Razor Gold

shaving with a safety razor

This safety razor is the one to get if you really love style. This gold plated beauty will not only enable you to perform clean shaves, it is also an object of beauty that will give your bathroom a true masculine touch.
Price: $99

Product 5. Edwin Jagger DE86811GBL Safety Blade

shaving with a safety razor

The DE86811GBL from Edwin Jagger is a beautifully made safety razor in a classic design. It features gold plated parts with a faux ebony handle. The octagonal shape of this beauty puts it in a class of its own and it will both offer you a clean shave and be as well a prized possession.
Price: $79

Frequently asked Questions concerning Safety Razors

– Can i shave my head with a safety razor?
Yes, it is possible, but you must be extremely careful not to cut yourself.  You must follow the same procedure mentioned above for the most optimal results.

– Can i shave my groin area with a safety razor?
You better not, because you will definitely cut yourself. Women on the other hand can have more luck given the differences in anatomy.  There are other solutions such as trimming with a beard trimmer or scissors.  You can alternatively use hair removal creams such as Nair.

– What is the best shaving angle?
The best angle to keep the safety razor at while shaving is 30 degrees.  Don’t get frustrated if you aren’t able to perform the perfect shave on the first try.  Wet shaving with a safety razor is an experience and art which could be perfected over a lifetime.  Just have fun with it!

– Can i fly with my safety razors?
No, due to the rise in terrorist attacks, safety razor blades, amongst other items, have been banned by many countries and most airlines from being taken aboard an aeroplane.

– Can i buy double edged razor blades in bulk?
Yes, and they can cost as low as just pennies a blade. In the beginning, it might be better to buy a few different brands from different manufacturers.  After testing them out, you will know which blade brand is your brand that you will stick to.

Build Your Own Bundle – Mach3 Razor Package

Build Your Own Bundle - Mach3 Razor Package

Exclusive to the OriginalShaveCompany.com, you can custom design your very own bundled package and have the combination of perfect men essentials which include but is not limited to Mach3 razors, shaving brushes, pre-shave essentials, shaving creams/soaps, after shave essentials and much more!

For men who love the close, convenient shave of a Gillette MACH3 razor, this great MACH3® bundle personalizes and streamlines your shaving experience with elegance. Gillette MACH3® razor heads feature three blades designed to prevent friction and remove hair without irritation. Known for their comfort and performance, Gillette MACH3® razor heads employ comfort guard microfins to smooth skin, ensuring even shaving with less effort. A lubrication strip turns from blue to white when it is time to change blades.

To get started on your custom Gillette MACH3® shaving bundle, simply select the MACH3 razor that calls your name.  With different handle materials and the same classic MACH3 head, you are sure to find the perfect one for you.

Select your shaving brush from brands such as Simpsons, Col Conk, Edwin Jagger and many more. Together, these brands provide options of synthetic and pure badger bristle brushes with handles, quality and accessories suited to your style.Pre-shave gel is a step in shaving many men overlook. But for the best, closest shave, prep your skin and soften hairs using your preferred pre-shave gel by featured brands.

Creating the perfect foam using your hand selected shaving brush and choice of soap, cream, bowl or tube is what you imagined doing when you were a kid. This is the fun part, building a lather to support perfectly executed shaving strokes using your razor.

After shave lotion or balm is the finishing touch for your face after completion of your perfect shave. Select from classic scents and brands known throughout the world as some of the quintessential after shaves.

Finally, drip stands, cologne, alum bars and other accessories are available if you would like to accent your perfect shave with any of these optional items.

If you’re the type of person who wants it all, you have officially found it.  Get a discount on this package by bundling your very own kit which discounts each item below the price of what you would pay if you purchased them individually.  When you bundle, you save.  So what are you waiting for, Bundle & Shave® now!

Understanding Face Paint and Beard Dye Before Super Bowl Sunday

Are you rooting for the AFC or NFC at your Super Bowl party? Regardless of their fandom, some guys like to show their support with beard dye and face paint. These products are part of the fun evening, though it’s essential to understand the risks and how to apply them.

What to Know About Face Paint Before the Big Game

Face paint is easier to apply for kids because they likely don’t have beards. However, adult men must be more careful because of their facial hair. Here’s how you should approach it.

1.   Choose a Good Face Paint

When choosing a paint, consider which one would be best for your skin. You have plenty of options. Start with a water-based paint if you want to get rid of it quickly after your Super Bowl party.

Cream-based products typically last longer and are more suitable if you need all-day color. Your next priority should be getting hypoallergenic and non-toxic face paint to mitigate itchiness or dangerous chemicals. Then, consider trimming your beard to make the application more manageable.

2.   Application

Regardless of the paint you choose, the first priority should be washing your face. Get a clean start by removing oils, dirt and other contaminants in your way. Then, apply the base paint to your face, avoiding contact with your eyes.

Once you have the base, you can start adding stencils, stripes or numbers. For example, a Chiefs-themed face could be red with yellow and white lines on your beard’s edge. Alternatively, you could add your favorite player’s number. Wearing No. 26 on your face won’t make you as strong as Saquon Barkley, but it’s a start.

3.   Aftercare

Face paint is terrific for Super Bowl Sunday, but you don’t want to show up at work the next day with leftover decorations. Start with a makeup remover that’s gentle on your skin. If yours is sensitive, consider coconut oil because it doubles as a moisturizer.

Then, focus on your beard’s needs. If some paint gets in your facial hair, use a beard wash to clean it up and remove any remnants. Most face-paint products don’t have a scent, but a sandalwood beard wash could remove any lingering odd smells.

4.   The Risks

Some football fans try to budget their night wisely after the holiday spending by skipping the decorations or co-hosting. How can you save time and cash in your festivities? Know the risks of face paint before spending money on medicine to care for a rash or bad reaction.

While most products are safe, there are still risks to buying paint with unfamiliar ingredients. These cosmetics could cause an infection or allergic reaction on your face. For example, your face paint may contain heavy metals like arsenic or lead. When consumed in significant amounts, they could be toxic.

How to Approach Beard Dye for Your Super Bowl Party

Your face isn’t the only thing you can decorate on Super Bowl Sunday. With beard dye at your disposal, you can take your pride to the next level. Here’s what you need to know about it.

1. Picking a Beard Dye

First, you must choose what dye you want for the party. Don’t get hair and beard dye confused, as they operate differently. The hair on your head is typically thicker than your beard, thus requiring stronger components to alter the color. Conversely, the dye for your facial hair is gentler due to the less effort necessary.

Another critical consideration is whether you want to get a professional dye or a do-it-yourself job. At a salon or barber shop, you get an expert’s touch, but you can dye your beard at home if you want a quick fix.

2. Application

Some precautions could protect your skin before you apply the dye. For instance, consider testing a small amount of the product on your arm before applying it to your facial hair. This strategy lets you see how your skin reacts and adjust accordingly. If everything goes as planned, you can take the next step with your beard.

Like the face paint, your beard dye requires a fresh start. Wash your facial hair with beard shampoo to remove contaminants and extra oils. Some guys apply petroleum jelly like Vaseline around their beards to safeguard their skin. Then, you follow the box’s directions to ensure you get the most from your dye.

3. Aftercare

Dyeing your beard can negatively affect it by making it quite dry. Therefore, it’s essential to apply quality beard oil in your aftercare. When you want to remove the color, refrain from using bleach or other harmful products. It’s best to let it fade over time until your hair returns to its original color.

If you want a quicker solution, consider trimming your beard or shaving it completely. Other options include going to a barbershop or removing the dye yourself. DIY adventures include mixing baking soda, white vinegar, dish soap and shampoo to remove the color.

4. The Risks

It’s fun to dye your beard for a Super Bowl party — especially if your team is playing — but it comes with some risks you might be unaware of. For example, the American Cancer Society says consistent exposure to dyes has some correlation to an increased risk of bladder cancer.

While less severe, dryness and brittleness are other risks of using beard dye. These products strip moisture from your facial hair, thus leaving coarser textures over time. With weaker hair, you may find split ends and more challenging styling sessions. Another consequence is fading colors, requiring more time to get to your preferred color.

Wisely Decorating Your Face and Beard for the Big Game

Sporting events are about showing your team pride and celebrating wins with your friends. How can you do it in style? Face paint and beard dye are terrific products to put your game face on for your Super Bowl party. Before you change colors, ensure your hair and skin are ready for application.