Shaving, a traditional
staple of masculinity passed from father to son has been a constant fixture in
a man’s life dating back to our earliest of ancestors. Prior to the invention
of the razor, early man utilized sharp objects such as stone and shell to trim
and pull hairs to see their removal. As time progressed, the earliest forms of
the traditional razor came to life around 3000 BC in the period in which copper
tools were beginning to develop. Ever since, the razor and the shaving process
have been associated with ideas of masculinity and maturity that all men alike
can identify with. More recently, however, these associations have been
discarded alongside the advent of electric trimmers and plastic disposable
razors. Shaving, once considered as a fine art, has turned into a rushed,
dreaded chore that men all over the world fail to appreciate. Not all is lost,
however, for when equipped with the right tools, techniques, and perspective,
this routine can be transformed into one of the most relaxing, enjoyable
moments of the day.
Safety Razor
First, toss aside your
disposable cartridge razor or electric trimmer and arm yourself with a safety
razor. The design, utilized prior to the invention of modern shaving equipment,
is typically made from stainless steel and is fitted with a single, double-edged
blade. The weight and sturdiness of a safety razor combined with its single
blade design allow for greater control and precision while shaving.
Blades
Double-edged safety razor
blades are typically purchased in packs of multiples for a fraction of the cost
of disposable cartridge razor heads. Typically made of stainless steel, the
blades deliver a smooth, consistent, and precise shave that leave you looking
your best. Depending on the frequency of shaves and the thickness of your
beard, the blades need to be changed only when they begin to feel dull.
Shave Soap
As opposed to modern
shaving cream found in a pressurized can, traditional shave soaps offer natural
ingredients that provide the face with nourishment and hydration. In addition,
these traditional soaps leave you feeling fresh and clean with brilliant scents
reminiscent of classic barbershops and shaving parlors.
Shaving Brush
A shaving brush is used
to hydrate and form shaving soap into a thick, rich shaving lather. Once a
lather is built up, the brush is also used to apply the soap to your face and
allows complete coverage under every whisker. Brushes, typically equipped with
a wooden or ivory handle, are made of either boar or badger hair. Boar
bristles, a more affordable option, hold less water and are more course in
nature. In comparison, badger bristles offer soft bristles that massage the
face as lather is applied. These bristles also hold more water than boar,
allowing for a thicker, fuller lather.
Technique
Now armed with the
correct tools, the next, most important step is your shaving technique. A great
deal of information regarding technique can be found via various sources on the
web. Below is a short tutorial provided by Mr. Porter featuring Charlie King, a
barber at Pankhurst London, which provides an excellent summary of shaving
technique utilizing the aforementioned tools.
Armed with tools reminiscent
of days of yore in addition to traditional shaving techniques, this grooming
procedure can be transformed into a relaxing, meditative experience utilized to
prepare for the excitement of the day ahead. In addition to providing an
improved quality of shave, using these tools and techniques is extremely cost
effective being that replacement blades and soaps are far cheaper than expensive
disposable razor cartridges. In addition, the use of double-edged blades and
natural soap cuts down upon environmentally-unfriendly waste from clunky cartridges,
cans, and packaging.
Ultimately, the pleasure
of knowing that you are practicing the same shaving techniques and using the
same tools utilized by countless great men of the past is immeasurable. You
too, can begin your day just as your grandfather, presidents, and other icons
and heroes of the past did. Gone are the days of rushed shaves using inferior equipment
and techniques… It pays off to embrace the classics.
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