How To Shave Like Your Grandpa

I said I was old fashioned. Some of my ideas and likes might be a little out dated but I thought I'd share. Maybe someone else will appreciate it.  I read this article by Brett and Kate McKay from Art of Manliness over a year ago and started using a traditional double edge razor. I've really enjoyed using it and spending a lot less on razors and cream. I like The Real Shaving Company's shave cream. The best I've used. I've been able to use a lot less and get a great shave. Hope you enjoy the article.

Proper shaving has become a lost art. Today’s average male has no clue about the fine art of the traditional wet shave that their grandfathers and some of their fathers used to take part in. Instead, they’re only accustomed to the cheap and disposable shaving products that companies market. I’m not sure when or why it happened, but the tradition of passing down the secrets of a clean shave abruptly stopped. Thankfully, this glorious male ritual is making a comeback.

Benefits of The Classic Wet Shave

Reduce costs. An 8 pack of your typical four blade cartridge razors can set you back over $20. $20! That’s $2.50 per cartridge. The cost of a double edged safety razor is no more than $.25. You can save some serious money switching over to a safety razor. Additionally, you can save money by using traditional shaving creams and soaps. A can of the chemically packed gel goop that most drug stores sell can cost you up to $5 a can and it doesn’t even last that long and they don’t give you a quality shave. On the other hand, traditional shave creams and soaps are made out of natural materials. While their up front cost may be a bit more than shaving gels, you require less product to get a proper lather. Thus, you end up saving more in the long run.

Reduce environmental impact. Traditional wet shaving with a double edged safety razor uses less waste than shaving with cartridge razors. The only waste is a single metal razor blade and lather down the sink. Unlike today’s razor cartridges, a double edged blade can easily be recycled. The tubes and bowls that most traditional shave creams and soaps are sold in produce less waste than those clunky non-biodegradable aerosol canisters that gels come in.

Better, more consistent shaves. Most men today walk around not knowing they have horrible shaves. Electric razors and the latest 5 blade contraptions irritate the skin more than needed, leaving razor burn, ingrown hairs, and redness. Shaving with a safety razor will eliminate the skin irritation and give your face a clean healthy look because you’re just using one blade instead of several that chew up your face in order to cut your whiskers.

Suggested Razors

Merkur Classic Safety Razor, Straight-#178- Made in Germany

Merkur Futur Adjustable Double Edge Safety Razor with Satin Finish- #700- Made in Germany

Merkur Classic Long Handled Safety Razor, Straight

 

Suggested Razors Blades

American Personna. You can find these in most drugstores. They’re usually marketed as generic brand blades. They’re pretty forgiving for the first time user.

Merkur Double Edge Razor Blades- Pack of 10 Blades- Made in Germany