Shaving face

I shave on most days, and the two devices I use most commonly are an old Norelco electric razor and a blade razor.

After hearing so many ads for safety razors I decided to try them after many years of using one of the Gillette Fusions with the disposable multi-blade razor cartridge. But it's old, and I'm afraid that the blades available these days might not fit. They are too expensive for trial and error.

I dug out an old safety razor and put a new blade in it. But the razor had been dropped too many times and resulted in too much blood letting.

So I ended up buying a new Van Der Hagen safety razor along with some of that brand's blades. It works great. And so far, no cuts!

All this came to mind as I read this popsci.com article: For the closest shave, get naked—doctor's orders. Basically, it says the best time to shave is after a shower while the face is wet and warm. (Actually, a basin of warm water and a wash cloth can achieve the same effect.)

Among the other suggestions are to use a shaving gel rather than cream:

Next, Fenton suggests you thoroughly rub a shave gel or cream into your face. Generally, he thinks the gels do a better job. Lathering in the goo helps the whiskers stand up on their ends, making them easier to mow down with your razor blades like you’re the grim reaper scything souls. If you’re not shaving in the shower, let the gel sit for a couple minutes before you pick up your razor.

And this:

Fenton suggests shaving with the grain, not against it, to avoid irritation and ingrown hairs. Jaber also recommends going with the grain, but says, “If you want a really close shave, and your skin can handle shaving against the grain, by all means do it.” It all depends on how sensitive your skin is and how close a cut you want.

After each stroke, rinse off your razor. This will keep it clean so it cuts efficiently.

As for cuts, I've relied on the styptic pencil to stop the bloodshed. But here's their alternative:

What if you’ve actually cut yourself though? First, apply pressure to stop the bleeding. Then cover the tiny wound with a product like Vaseline or Aquaphor to help it heal, says Jaber.

Meanwhile, those of us who like to stretch the pennies are likely curious about how to sharpen a razor blade. The most common advice on the net is to strop them on blue jean material.

Good luck, and may all your shaves be blood free.

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2:03 PM 7/6/2018

Comments

[Rob O.]

I switched to a single-bladed safety razor several years ago and have never looked back. Knicks and razor burn are exceptionally rare, it gives me as close as shave as I've ever had, and the blades (Astra) cost pennies. I'm currently using Awakenings mentholated shaving soap and the same "puck" has lasted me a couple of years.

[Geo]

Astra, huh? I'll have to check those out.