I used to hate shaving. Over the years I’ve tried many different disposable razors: from two to five-blade razors, with batteries that made them vibrate, with lubricating strips, and I still hated shaving.
Finally, I’ve decided to make a change and try with wet shaving. That decision converted me from a guy who hated shaving into a guy who looks forward to it as a glorious, relaxing morning ritual.
I like taking my time and enjoying the process of shaving. I force myself to slow down and I enjoy every single minute of it.
Wet shaving or “the kind of shaving your grandfather did” is a shave whereby your face remains wet throughout the entire process, and it’s the best and closest shave you’ll ever have.
It involves the use of a safety razor, a shaving brush, shaving soap or cream, bowl, and a handful of other supplies (pre-shave cream, after-shave lotion etc).
Razor: Edwin Jagger Chrome Lined DE Razor DE89L; Brush: Mühle; Blades: Derby Extra; Shaving Cream: The Bluebeards Revenge Shaving Cream; Pre-shave Cream: Proraso Crema Pre Barba; Aftershave: Proraso Balsamo Dopobarba
Tips for Wet Shaving
Here are some tips for a nice, clean and proper wet shave.
Soften Your Beard
For a good and clean shave you need to prepare your beard – to soften your whiskers so shaving is easier and causes less irritation.
The best way to soften your beard is to to shave right when you get out of the shower. If you don’t have enough time to shower before shaving, a hot towel is a great way to soften your beard.
Lather Up
Take a small amount of your favourite shaving soap or cream and place it in a bowl. Thoroughly wet your shaving brush with hot water, give it a couple good shakes and swirl the cream around until you get a nice thick lather.
If your brush is too wet, the lather ends up dripping down your face and it won’t get you a good shave. On the other hand if it’s too dry, your shave will hurt. Experimentation here is everything. Over the time you’ll find how wet your brush should be.
Apply the leather by swirling the brush in circular motions all around your face. When your face is nice and covered, take a few strokes to smooth everything out.
Hold the Razor at an Angle
Angle the blade as far away from your face as possible. The proper angle is somewhere between 30 and 45 degrees. Again experimentation is the key.
Use Short Strokes
It’s easier on your skin and rinsing your razor between every few strokes ensures that you are getting the full benefit of the blade.
Use as Little Pressure as Possible
There is no need to apply much pressure to the skin at all. A very light touch will do – don’t force it. The weight of the safety razor is enough to cut your beard.
You don’t want to find out what will happen if you press too much!
Shave with the Grain First, Then Against
Wet shaving require at least two shaving passes. Know which way your beard grows and always shave with the grain on the first pass, and against on the second.
For the best and closest shave you’ll have to add one more pass – across the grain of your beard. In this case the proper order is – with the grain, across the grain and at the end against the grain.
After the Shave
Rinse your face off with some hot water first, then with cold water to close your pores. Treat your face with a nice aftershave. Your face will look and feel smooth afterwards.
You’ll love it, your face will love it and your lady will love it 🙂
Intrigued?
A complete gentleman knows how to shave like one, so add the traditional wet shave to your list of gentlemanly skills.
Nonchalantly Yours,
Nikola
Nikola ur my favorite!