What is shaving

 

The objective of this section is to help you reconnect with your ancestors’ mode of shaving, all the while advising you on the best products to use. Whether you have sensitive skin, leathery skin or skin that's in between, we offer products that are well-suited to your needs. This category contains all the items you'll need in the course of your journey, such as:

- Double-edged razors

- Straight razors

- Safety razors

- Razors

- Blades

- Shavettes

- Brushes

- Shaving creams

- Shaving soaps

- Aftershave

- Electric trimmers

- Disposable razors

- Cartridges

- Pre-shave cream

- Sharpening stones

- Strop leather

- Shaving mugs

So—whether you're a veteran of the traditional art of wet shaving or just a beginner—at our store you'll find everything you need to transform your shaving routine forever. When you turn to wet shaving, you can never go back.

The Advantages of Classic Shaving

The classic shaving technique offers many advantages, so we have to wonder: “Why have shaving techniques transformed so much in recent years?” Whatever the answer may be, classic shaving is undoubtedly a superior technique. The first advantage is obviously the badass feeling that invades you when you take out your wet shaving kit or straight razor. What's better than taking part in a ritual practiced by all the great men of this world—people like your grandfather, John F. Kennedy, or Teddy Roosevelt? There’s something almost sensual in traditional shaving, in the way we cherish our faces, and added to all of this is the feeling of rejuvenation, that you'll once again be ''clean''. It's really a shame that the quick shave market has turned this male ritual in a bland experience focused on using plastic instruments to shave your face as fast as you possibly can. Well, barbaware decided to go back to the basics—and we'll bring you into this shaving style, too. From here on out, you can forget your 50$ Gillette cartridge package and the boring shaving style you're used to. Your shaving ritual will become memorable—and your razor, a friend for life.
 
The classic shaving technique will also help you significantly reduce the costs related to shaving. A pack of 12 cartridges of brand-name blades can cost upwards of $ 50. That is to say: it costs $ 4.20 per cartridge—which is quite expensive for blades that are difficult to clean and have a very short lifespan. As for wet shaving: you can save lots of money over time because, as a matter of fact, the cost of the blades of a double-edged safety razor tallies in at about $ 01.30 per blade. Not to mention, their lifespan is much longer. In addition, you'll also save by using traditional wet-shaving creams and soaps. The cans of chemical aerosol and the chemical shaving foam sold in most pharmacies costs up to $ 10 per unit. Not only do they offer of poor performance and a lower-quality shave, but they also they don't last as long as genuine shaving soaps and creams. Traditional shaving creams and soaps are made from natural ingredients, and they offer premium-quality shaving. Despite this, their initial cost is generally a little higher than gel you can find at the drugstore. This is due to the fact that it takes less gel to create proper lather. However, this means that you'll end up saving in the long run.
 
By opting for the classic shaving method, you also reduce your ecological footprint. The traditional wet-shaving method—which employs a double-edged razor or a straight razor—will produce more than 100 times less waste than shaving with cartridges and disposable razors. The longer-lasting creams and shaving soaps also take steps to reduce waste production, unlike non-biodegradable aluminum cans sold in pharmacies.
 
Traditional shaving is better in every respect, and its quality is more consistent. Today, in the 21st century, most men strut around, ignoring that their shaving style is completely horrible. Electric razors and fancy 5-blade razors actually irritate the skin much more than necessary. Even aside from the famous razor burn, it can cause ingrown hairs and redness. Wet shaving your face with a double-edged razor, or with a good old straight razor, prevents such irritation of the skin. Instead, it leaves your face both looking and feeling fresh and healthy.

What About Electric Trimmers?

Shaving with an electric trimmer is ideal for those who are looking for a more remote shave. Generally, this is the simplest and least expensive practice—assuming, that is, that your face can endure it, as many men’s faces don't. The design of electric trimmer has the result that—instead of cutting the hair—the trimmer tears it up, causing irritation. Electric razors are recommended for men who wish to trim their beards equally, with an even hand, or for those who want an effective way to shave and are willing to sacrifice the closeness of the cut.

 

The Equipment

 

Double-Edged Safety Razors and Straight Razors

Switching from a disposable razor to a double-edged razor is like switching from a Ford Pinto to a Mercedes-AMG GT S. Safety razors are machines,  real pieces of art. To hold one is to hold a heavy, oddly pleasant piece of solid metal in your hand that you can use to bring back your masculinity—and not just a small, insignificant piece of plastic. One highly recommended model of the safety razor, which has interchangeable blade, like the iKon B1—or, even better, the Urban Beard (available here). There are many types of razors to choose from: open- or closed-comb, single- or double-blade. Prices vary, though models like the Merkur are priced at around $ 50. For a good machine that will last for generations, expect to pay about $ 175.
 
The classic style of shaving with a straight razor or a double-edged safety razor brings you back to the old-school shaving methods of your grandfather’s time. Although this type of shaving frequently leads to Acquisition Disorder (in which you'll feel the need to not only buy more razors, but also more soap, creams, and other shaving tools as well), your skin and your wallet will thank you in the long term. Indeed, a pack of 100 blades, each good for 3 - 5 shaves, can cost less than $ 15. Compared with disposable razors or cart razors, this is a huge reduction in cost.
 
In terms of straight razors—also called open razors or sabers—these might seem like scary creatures, but there’s actually nothing to fear about them. For thousands of years—indeed, until the safety razor was invented—shaving with a straight blade was known as shaving, period. Wet shaving with a saber is both economical and enjoyable. On the other hand, it may take a long time to learn this technique. Shaving with a straight razor requires a lot of maintenance, planning and shaving skills. It's considered by many as a hobby and a passion, in addition to being the most precise and most efficient way to shave. One type that provides you with a balance between a straight blade—which needs to be sharpened and maintained—and the safety razor, which requires no maintenance, is undoubtedly the straight razor known as Shavette. Shavettes are straight razors that use the same interchangeable blades as a double-edged razor, rather than a fixed blade.

The Blades

There are an almost infinite variety of blades that you can buy to use alongside your double-edged safety razor with interchangeable blades. Each type of blade has a unique sharpness and cut. To find the kind of blade you prefer, mix and match with different types. Most Shavettes have the same blades as safety razors have; you only need to snap them in half.

Shaving Brushes

One thing is certain: if you've never used a shaving brush before, you're in for a treat! In the art of wet shaving, shaving brushes are used to hydrate the shaving cream or soap, which makes it richer and forms a nice thick lather. Using a brush will also help you transfer the cream to each hair, which results in a smooth, better shave. Moreover, the feeling of spread hot lather all over your face with a shaving brush will leave you with a feeling of comfort and a wonderful sense of peace of mind.
 
There are mainly two types of whiskers for shaving brushes: boar or badger hair. Brushes made with boar bristles are stiffer, and their capacity to hold water is reduced. Boar-bristle brushes are also less expensive. However, if you want to splurge and reward yourself with an incredible shaving experience, get a badger-hair brush.

Shaving Creams and Soaps

If you're like most men, you probably buy your shaving cream in a spray can at the grocery store or corner drugstore. However, what you might not know is that this green or blue chemical glue has absolutely no benefit for your face. Not to mention, it feels (and smells) like your local hospital. Traditional shaving creams and soaps, on the other hand, are made of natural ingredients that nourish your skin and hair, all the while giving your face with a more manly smell. Although these types of creams and soaps typically cost more than the crap in a can, just a small amount of foam is enough to create so much lather that you can completely cover your face twice.

 

The Traditional Wet Shaving Technique

 

Prepare Your Beard

If you want to get a clean shave with no complications, you absolutely must prepare your beard properly. Your main goal is to soften your beard hair to make shaving easier and cause as little irritation as possible. Undoubtedly, the best way to accomplish this is by shaving yourself directly after a hot shower. The hot water from the shower usually provides enough hydration so that your beard will be softened properly—so that, in other words, it will be prepared for shaving. If you don't intend to shower before you shave, however, you should prepare your beard by wetting it thoroughly with hot tap water and a warm towel.

Lather Up

First, take a small amount of shaving cream and place it in a cup or—even better—in a shaving mug. A dollop that's the size of a nickel is big enough. Afterward, take your shaving brush, soak it in hot water, and shake the cream out until you're left with a nice, thick foam. Then, apply the foam on your face using by making circular motions with the brush. Completely cover those parts of your face where you want to shave, and pass a few good, final strokes over your face to smooth everything over.

Shaving

Unlike shaving with disposable or cartridge razors, shaving with a double-edged safety razor requires a certain level of skill. However, once the technique has been mastered, you'll be able to get that perfect close shave in no time at all. Here are the 4 keys to success when it comes to wet shaving:

1) Apply as little pressure as possible.

2) The angle of the blade should be as far away from the face as possible.

3) Shave in the same direction as the grain.

4) For the first strokes, aim for reducing your hair, rather than giving yourself a completely close shave.

If you're having trouble with this at first, don't give up! It may take some time to get accustomed to this shaving technique, especially if you’ve used a Gillette cart razor all your life. Now, let's look at the 4 keys to wet shaving in detail.
 
Regarding pressure, you don't need to use force, seeing as the weight of the safety razor itself is more than enough to trim your beard properly. If you ignore this advice and use too much pressure, you'll end up cutting your face—something you'll definitely want to avoid. To help counteract the natural tendency to apply pressure to the razor, try holding it, with only your fingers, by the tip of the handle.
 
Now, the cutting angle. This is, without any doubt, the most delicate task of all. The perfect angle varies depending on the blade you're using, but, in general, the appropriate angle falls between 30 and 45 degrees. The easiest way to find the perfect cutting angle is as follows: Place the top of the razor head against your cheek; the razor handle should be parallel to the ground. Next, gently lower the handle until the blade can trim your beard. If this is your first time with the wet-shave technique, a good tip is to practice this part an arm or leg a few times before you go for the face.
 
Men often make the mistake of shaving against the grain, as doing so gives them a close shave with a smoother finish. But this practice is also the main cause of cuts, ingrown hairs, razor burn and razor bumps. When you're shaving your beard, always shave with the grain. And, if you'd like that smooth finish, shave your face more than once—or, if your skin can handle it, you can even shave against the grain the second time around.
 
Your goal should always be gradually reducing the size and thickness of your beard, rather than cutting your hair off in one stroke. Most men using this technique are trying to get rid of their beards by passing their razor once over their faces. Against this hack-and-go technique is what causes the majority of the shaving-related skin problems. To avoid irritating your skin, make sure to lather up your beard and shave your face several times. Your face will thank you, I promise!

Aftershave

After shaving, you should always rinse your face with cold water so that your pores can close up. Then, apply a high-quality aftershave of your choice. The aftershave will help reduce any irritation that has been caused by the shaving, and it will leave your skin feeling healthy and smelling fresh.

 

Conclusion

 

The results will vary from person to person; everyone is different. Every man’s hair is unique; it grows at different angles and speeds, with different thicknesses and different textures, and lies on different parts of the face. All these reasons ensure that some things can work for one man, but just won't work for you. So, a person could shave dry, against the grain, with a straight razor, and have no problems, while another would be hospitalized if they tried the same thing (THIS IS NOT RECOMMENDED). Experimentation is the ultimate key to success when it comes to developing the perfect shaving routine. For more information, don't hesitate to contact a member of our team or visit our blog. Give yourself a good shave! But please—leave some of your manhood behind!