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What you need to know about shaving with a double edged 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

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

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.

Posted on August 3, 2016October 17, 2017 by Sean Mason

How to avoid razor burn when wet shaving

How to avoid razor burn when wet shaving

Razor burn can be a real pain, not to mention a distraction for anyone having a face-to-face conversation with you after tell-tale red, angry bumps appear. Knowing how to avoid razor burn when wet shaving usually involves just taking extra care as part of your shaving regimen.

The most frequent causes of razor burn include:

Shaving too quickly
Using too much pressure on the razor
Not hydrating your skin well enough before shaving
Using dull razor blades
Using shaving products that irritate your skin
Making a second or third shaving pass on your skin without re-applying shaving cream

How to Avoid Razor Burn During a Wet Shave

To know how to avoid razor burn when wet shaving, simply consider which of the above causes you are guilty of committing during your shaving regimen. This “reverse engineering” to correct the root issue will help you enjoy a much better wet shave each time, without razor burn.

Once you determine your wet shaving problem areas and potential causes of razor burn, simply apply these remedies below to improve your wet shaving experience.

Shaving Too Quickly
If you are guilty of shaving as quickly as you can, making quick strokes across your face as if you are in a race with the clock, you need to slow your roll. Just add some extra time to your morning or pre-event routine to do things right, at the right speed. Your skin will thank you.

Applying Too Much Pressure on the Razor
Bearing down too hard on the razor is a common mistake for men during wet shaving. You are likely more used to using an inexpensive disposable razor, the type that require extra pressure for a close shave to be achieved. But an authentic wet shave using a safety razor, Mach-3 or Fusion razor does not require heavy pressure. Let the razor do all of the work, as you slowly glide it over your skin with light strokes. Do not drag it across your face.

Not Hydrating Your Skin Before Shaving
Every shave should begin with a warm water wash, preferably in a shower before shaving. This warm water relaxes your skin, opens pores, softens hairs and makes the hairs stand up. All of this is very important toward preventing drag of the razor on your skin. Hydrated hairs are also easier for the razor to cut, providing for a close shave.

Even better than just a warm water wash is an exfoliation before shaving and application of a quality pre-shave oil. Pre-shave oil hydrates the skin, softens hairs and helps the razor glide smoothly over the skin’s surface.

Using Dull Blades
You should change your razor blades approximately every week to ten days, depending upon how often you shave. Whether you shave your entire face or just clean up edges around a beard also determines duration of your razor blades’ quality. It is important to use sharp, clean blades.

Using Shaving Products that Irritate Your Skin
Quality shaving creams, gels and soaps are the key to a better, closer wet shaving experience without skin irritation. Edwin Jagger, Taylor of Old Bond Street, BAUM.BE, Colonel Ichabod Conk and other quality brands are made from ingredients that improve the quality of your skin, rather than causing irritation.

Making Additional Passes with Your Razor Without Fresh Shaving Cream
Anytime your razor is applied to your skin, the skin should be protected using a quality shaving cream or soap. Do not rely on residue from a first pass of the razor to protect your skin on additional passes. By using a shaving brush, re-applying shaving cream is quick and easy during your wet shave.

To ensure your wet shaving experience is razor burn and irritation free, ensure your shaving kit or medicine cabinet is well stocked with fresh razor blades, shaving cream, pre-shave oil and other products from the OriginalShaveCompany.com.

Posted on May 23, 2016October 17, 2017 by Sean Mason

Easy Steps To Finding Yourself The Best Shaving Razor

Easy Steps To Finding Yourself The Best Shaving Razor

For the best shave, a safety razor is a great wet shave choice. But using a safety razor takes time and practice for a close, smooth shave. There are keys to selecting your own best shaving razor, particularly if you are going for the classic shave a safety razor provides. But when you find your perfect fit and adapt to this method, the match will be one you cherish forever.

A Safety Razor, Considered the Best Shaving Razor By Many

When selecting a safety razor as your own best shaving razor you will need to pay attention to several attributes of available choices.

Edge: Single or Double?
Single-edge safety razors are less common than double. Only one side of the razorhead will have an exposed blade. For most safety razors, you are able to flip the razor around during shaving to use two blades for greater convenience. Quite simply, single edge safety razors are not as often considered the best shaving razor for a wet shave and few, if any, manufacturers produce them today. Single edge razors used to be very popular in the early part of the century but has been almost diminished by the double edge razors.

Double edge safety razors have two identical sides with the blade exposed. This allows you to spend half as much time rinsing your razor during your shaving routine.

Quality
Quality counts for a wet shave. The best shaving razor that will last for years is going to come at a price. But for the number of years you will enjoy using your razor, it is usually well worth the price. Safety razors are often handed down from father to son, as they have been for generations.

A good starter safety razor may be the Edwin Jagger Faux Ivory Safety Razor DE87BL, whereas a keepsake may be one like the gold plated Merkur Futur Safety Razor.

Razorhead
There are two primary types of razorheads: adjustable and stable. An adjustable safety razor head allows you to determine the setting of the blade. Razor blade angle and exposure are two ways that razorheads may adjust. An adjustable safety razor example is the polished chrome Merkur Futur Safety Razor. A non-adjustable safety razor is the Edwin Jagger Safety Razor R35611SR.

Handle
Your best shaving razor will be one that fits nicely and comfortably in your hand, allowing you to grip it as you need to for your best possible shave. Safety razor handles can vary in grip width, handle length, weight and materials.

Maintenance
Most safety razors are maintained in the same manner. This usually consists of rinse and air dry. You do want to ensure your safety razor is from a recognized brand, so you can rely on it properly holding the blade when it counts for many years to come.

Blades
Blades are a variable you will need to decide for yourself. Blades are available in varied thickness and sharpness. It is better to practice for several weeks using less sharp blades, before graduating to the more refined ones.

Posted on May 4, 2016October 17, 2017 by Sean Mason

The History of Col Conk and His Shaving Empire

Colonel Ichabod Conk, or Col. Conk as he is simply known, is a legendary figure among those who love a quality shave. Today’s Col Conk is a line of namesake-inspired shaving products. Yesterday’s Col Conk was a dapper gentleman who found himself inspired by love, looking good and smelling great.

History of Colonel Ichabod Conk and His Shaving Empire

Colonel Ichabod Conk was said to have been dapper and velvety-voiced, a man with legendary status due to his comings and goings which eventually led him to Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Colonel Conk was made a pauper by the Civil War, like many men and women of that time. Rather than giving up to his lost comforts, he chose to travel to New Mexico and settle in Albuquerque, still very much the wild, wild west. He lived there for awhile before becoming acquainted with a lady who owned several barber shops in the growing but dusty town. If ever there was a place that men needed help with a shave, it would be out west.

Col Conk Badger Brush Set It could be said that Colonel Conk married “up” in status, but marrying the shave shop owner was the best thing he ever did for himself and generations of men who love his products. Colonel Conk’s wife spent her days shaving men’s faces. One has to wonder whether Colonel Conk joined her to learn a new trade, earn his keep, or keep his eye on his new darling’s heart and status. Whatever his reason for picking up his first shaving mug and razor blade, this is when his real history began.

Colonel Conk became very good at a close shave, thanks to his wife’s introduction to the art. He helped his wife in both shaving of customers and accounting for the amassing fortune. Colonel Conk’s fiery spirit soon led to the idea of packaging the shaving products he and his wife used every day for sale to men all over the dusty, dirty west. Colonel Conk seems to have made it his personal mission to ensure the cowboys, pioneers, gunslingers, merchants, railroad men and gentlemen of the wide-open frontier looked as dapper as men from big cities of the east.

Col Conk started building his sales empire with shaving products and other toiletries. The business grew and expanded until he passed away in 1898. Sadly, Col Conk’s shaving empire died with him.

Col Conk Reincarnated

Colonel Conk lives on, however. His shaving name and likeness brand today’s Col Conk line of glycerine shave soap, lotions, beard care, mugs, brushes, aftershaves, balms and so much more.

To emulate the clean shaven, dapper style of Colonel Ichabod Conk, now all you have to do is visit the Original Shave Company. There, you will find a full array of Col Conk products, like the original proprietary glycerine shaving soap, pre-shave oil and handsome gift sets.

Posted on April 14, 2016October 23, 2017 by Sean Mason