The 13 Most Soothing, Smooth and All Around Best Shaving Soaps for Men

There are few things that can make a modern man feel more like a classic gentleman than grabbing a proper shaving brush and lathering on a soft layer of a good shaving soap.

Sure, nowadays there are dozens – if not hundreds – of brands pushing various shaving gel, shaving cream and lotion products that can give you all sorts of skin-boosting benefits.

But as Moneypenny said as she (sexily) shaved Daniel Craig’s James Bond in Skyfall: “Sometimes the old ways are the best”.

Single blades are single blades, but where traditional wet shaving really gets the rubber hitting the road, or the blade gliding on skin, is the amazing variety of quality shaving soaps and creams. Not only are they good quality, and often artisan made, but they are very good to use on the skin, without having the chemicals or aerosols that come with most commercial shaving products.

I still prefer a harder shaving soap puck, which I use a stiffer brush to lather. But there are no shortage of options out there, and if you look around you’ll usually also find artisan soap makers in most cities (and even small towns).

The very essence of the traditional shaving experience typically lies in the soap or cream being used.

See https://www.irreverentgent.com/best-shaving-soap-for-men/
#Blog, #shavingsoap, #traditionalshaving, #wetshaving

How to Shave with a Safety Razor

This is a no frills, no lengthy intro, guide that gets straight into the meat of the topic. Learning anything new though does require a little memory muscle reprogramming. It did take me about two shaves to get into the swing of it, and from there the benefits just flowed.

One really need not get too tied up in the details though, as there is a bit of give and take (the 30 degree shaving angle is just an approximation), and you will settle on what is comfortable and works well for you. Nowadays I shave as quickly with a safety razor as I would have done with a cartridge razor.

Traditional wet shaving does bring quality, better economics, more freedom of choice, is more environmentally friendly, and pleasureful.

I still regret my dad trying to be modern in the 1970’s and only introducing me to cartridge razors. I endured a good 30 years of hell before I even knew about traditional wet shaving. I have just never looked back since then. The biggest problem for many is, not having actually tried traditional wet shaving. It was also probably an initial mistake of mine to go buy as super cheap disposable Bic razor and blades from the corner shop. There was a world of difference when I tried the Merkur 34C razor with some decent Astra and similar blades. If a razor is going to last 20+ years, you may as well spend a little more on it.

See the guide at https://zomchi.com/en-au/blogs/news/how-to-shave-with-a-safety-razor
#Blog, #safetyrazor, #shaving, #traditionalshaving, #wetshaving

How To Maintain and Care for Your Safety Razor

Geofatboy demonstrates how to maintain and provide proper care for your safety razor. See how to dry, clean, properly lubricate, and store your safety razor so that it will keep that fresh look and provide you with many years of fantastic shaves. Have you ever asked yourself: How do I clean it? Do I remove the blade after shaving, or leave it in the razor? What types of oil are best for lubrication? How and where do I store it? Get all the answers here.

I certainly learnt some new things like loosening the head, and also about oiling that head’s thread.

Watch https://youtu.be/6y4-a6WLrvw
#Blog, #razors, #traditionalshaving

Elevate Your Shave with a Quality Shaving Soap

Shaving soap is a prime example of a classic men’s grooming essential that’s been overshadowed by its canned cousins, even though, in several respects, the newer product is actually worse than what it attempts to replace! The fact of the matter is the only real difference between bar shaving soap and canned shaving cream is water, some added stabilisers and chemicals, and a bit of extra convenience, but as you will learn in this guide, there is at least one factor in which shaving soaps are the clear winner!

This guide will explain exactly what shaving soap is, reveal how it differs from and is largely superior to canned shaving cream, teach you how to find a quality shaving soap, and share with you some of the Gentleman’s Gazette’s house favourites.

This is actually quite a thorough guide into shaving soaps specifically, rather than delving into shaving creams as well. LOL I see shaving soaps are apparently approved by the USA TSA as they are not aerosolized creams (just remember your blades have to travel in the luggage hold).

Regular bath soaps do not have the higher fat and glycerine content necessary to ensure the best possible shaving experience. Also, if choosing between using a regular soap or a shaving cream for shaving, you should always use the shaving cream.

See https://www.gentlemansgazette.com/shaving-soap-guide/
#Blog, #shavingsoap, #traditionalshaving

Gillette Cartridge Blades R110 ea (US$5.79) vs Gillette DE Blades R4 ea (US$0.21)!

I was so shocked at the price of these cartridge blades, I had to take a photo of it. I used to use one of these blades per week when I still used cartridge shaving blades. A pack of eight blades will fill my car’s tank with petrol. I can see why wearing beards has become more popular!

In contrast, Double Edge (DE) blades, even by Gillette, cost only R4 ea. That is 27x cheaper! I actually normally use the Astra Superior Platinum blades at R17.99 per pack of 5 blades. But if we want to compare with “cheap” DE blades, then it is about R10 per pack of 5 blades.

Apart from just cost, it becomes a real no-brainer to be using DE blades for shaving, when you also consider they can be recycled, and a single blade is better for prevention of ingrown hairs than multi-blade cartridges.

#Blog, #gillette, #shavingblades, #traditionalshaving, #wetshaving

Why Use a Shaving Brush instead of ‘Modern Technology’

Perhaps you’ve caught a glimpse of one in an old movie, a vintage barbershop, your grandfather’s medicine cabinet, even that “how to wet shave” video that piqued your interest: a shaving brush. But isn’t it an obsolete tool of yesteryear? An out-of-date method replaced by modern technology? Well, in short, no. A shaving brush is still a necessary element of a great classic wet shave. West Coast Shaving offers a few thoughts on the importance of a shaving brush to a great shave.

Just remember, that like with different types of razor blade, there are many different types of shaving brushes too. Apart from the stiffer or softer bristles (soaps vs shaving creams), there are also real hair and vegan friendly synthetic hair brushes.

See https://www.westcoastshaving.com/blogs/wet-shaving-and-grooming-blog/reasons-to-use-a-shaving-brush-when-embracing-wet-shaving
#Blog, #shaving, #traditionalshaving, #wetshaving

Traditional Wet Shaving: The difference between shaving soaps and shaving creams

I’ve long been a fan of harder shaving soaps myself because I find them easier to lather, and they seem to last longer. I can usually just lather the soap right on the puck and use it from there, whereas lathering a shaving cream usually needs to be done in a separate shaving mug or bowl.

Just recently I discovered the Dusy Kabinett soap, and I’m blown away by how easily it lathers.

Watch https://youtu.be/28vBub65N7U
#Blog, #shaving, #shavingsoap, #traditionalshaving, #wetshaving

Gillette still sells Safety Razors but you don’t need to buy Gillette blades for it

Gillette invented the safety razor about 120 years ago, even though they lost interest in it when they discovered they could lock buyers into buying very expensive plastic cartridge razor blades. This happened because everyone started to manufacture standardised double edge blades that could fit any other safety razor, and profits on blades were very slim.

But safety razors and blades are going stronger than ever today as many shavers have rediscovered them to be more environmentally friendly, better for the skin, and way cheaper to use.

Competition means cheaper prices, but also a mass of options to choose from. There are many brands of blades that offer a different shaving experience (with the same razor) due to different sharpness, shaving angle, smoothness, etc. So although you buy one razor, test out a few different blades with it, as the experience will be different with each blade brand.

Gillette is not “the best” safety razor out there, as there are many excellent quality choices to choose from today. So spend some time watching reviews to get an idea before choosing. Although a razor will last a few lifetimes, many shavers do end up buying a few more razors to just try out different experiences. I’ve even bought an Ikon handle to replace the handle on my Edwin Jagger DE89 head.

See https://www.amazon.com/King-C-Gillette-Platinum-Refills/dp/B08FF44M1H/
#Blog, #gillette, #safetyrazor, #traditionalshaving, #wetshaving

CUBE Preshave Soap – Better than Preshave Shaving Oil for Traditional Wet Shaving?

It’s a good point that oils tend to clog up the razor as well as line the basin. It is true that a good shaving soap should/could offer good glide capabilities. It’s a pity though that this (and a few other alternatives) are just not available to me locally, and shipping makes the products prohibitively expensive.

Watch a video about this soap at https://youtu.be/O4AQTnXkAj8

#traditionalshaving #wetshaving #preshave
#Blog, ##traditionalshaving, ##wetshaving

What Is The Best Safety Razor For Beginners?

You’ve decided to give a single blade safety razor a try. Congratulations! But which razor? There are many different types of “old school” double edge safety razors. Some are based on designs that have been around for many years. Others offer a new take on the old stand-by’s. Which ones are the best bets for beginners?

This article gives excellent advice. I went with the Merkur 34C, and still use it today. It’s worth noting that many heads, such as the Edwin Jagger D89, can have the handles swapped out. I added an iKon made from solid stainless steel with good knurling. They end off with some advice about razor blades, which is also very true, you’ll get different shaves from the same razor depending on the blade you use, so experiment with a few different blades.

See https://sharpologist.com/best-safety-razor-beginners/

#traditionalshaving #wetshaving #shaving #razor
#Blog, ##razor, ##shaving, ##traditionalshaving, ##wetshaving

A Guide to Using Shaving Soap for Traditional Wet Shavers

The realm of wet shaving has a strong attraction. More and more men and women are ditching the cartridge and canned foam for the sublime luxury of shaving with a soap and safety razor/straight razor. And isn’t it wonderful when the thing you love is also good for you. (How often does that happen. . . I’m looking at you dessert. Sigh). Wet shaving is different. This meditative practice of lathering and shaving with quality products is something to love that loves you back.

So, you might be sold on the idea of the wet shave with a voluminous lather, but how do you produce it? One of the central aspects of a great classic shave is a well-lathered soap or cream.

The soap compliments the choice of razor, blade, brush, and your skin type, and there are more varieties of soap out there than blades or razors. So there is a lot to choose from, and also ways to lather it. Generally, the harder the soap, the harder the type of brush you’d want to use.

See https://www.westcoastshaving.com/blogs/wet-shaving-and-grooming-blog/guide-to-using-shaving-soap

#traditionalshaving #wetshaving #shaving #shavingsoap
#Blog, ##shaving, ##shavingbrush, ##traditionalshaving, ##wetshaving

How (and Why) to Shave with a Safety Razor – It’s easy to save Money and get better Comfort than Cartridge Blades

Cartridge razors do a great job, though they are also sort of reinvented the wheel, given that the single-blade shave razor was achieving smooth results for nearly a century before the cartridge came along. But there’s a reason cartridges are so popular—and almost certainly what you learned to shave with. They’ve got a terrific and easy-to-learn design and feel a lot less dangerous. They’ve become increasingly inexpensive to replace (unless you use Gillette cartridges) and receive by mail.

But there are two big reasons to shave with a safety razor. The first is price: you can score a year’s worth of safety blades for like $10. The second is comfort, especially for guys who are prone to ingrown hairs. And it’s hard to beat a better shave for less money.

I’d agree that straight razors take quite a learning curve, but a mild safety razor, like a Merkur 34C, is really pretty easy to get going with. Finding the right brush and shaving soap can also take a bit of experimenting, but one can use a safety razor with canned chemical goo (tinned gels) while you become accustomed to it.

See https://www.gq.com/story/how-to-safety-razor

#traditionalshaving #safetyrazor #environment #shaving
#Blog, ##environment, ##safetyrazor, ##shaving, ##traditionalshaving

Best Shaving Brushes: Synthetic And Badger Hairs Reviewed – Animal-Free Options Are Well Worth Trying

Whilst traditional shaving is hands-down cheaper and better for the environment in most aspects versus cartridge razors and tinned gels, one sore point that still stands out is the perception around the use of badger hair brushes (horse hair is animal-friendly).

In the past, such brushes were undoubtedly the very best you could get, but the picture has changed quite dramatically now, with many excellent synthetic fibre brushes being available. In my own experience, I bought what I thought was a boar hair brush, only to hear a year later it was in fact a synthetic fibre brush that looked and worked the same (I thought the lack of smell was because it was bleached).

The review does also touch on some added advantages of the synthetic brushes.

See https://www.toolsofmen.com/best-shaving-brush/

#traditionalshaving #wetshaving #shavingbrush
#Blog, ##shavingbrushes, ##traditionalshaving, ##wetshaving

7 Best Safety Razor Blades for The Most Comfortable Shave Ever – Because you have Lots of Options!

You want a quality brand that offers a sharp blade along with safety features. Longevity and consistency are elements that will give you a good shave every time, and you can find these in a quality double-edged razor blade.
In this buyer’s guide, they cover the basics of finding the right safety razor blade for you to prevent ingrown hairs, nicks, and cuts.

See 7 Best Safety Razor Blades for The Most Comfortable Shave Ever – [2021]

#wetshaving #traditionalshaving #safetyrazors #DEblades

At A Glance: Our Top 5 Picks for Safety Razor Blades Closest Shave: Astra Platinum Sharpest: Feather Longest Lasting: Personna Shark Wilkinson Sword Getting a clean, comfortable shave can be a challenge when using the wrong type of razor blade. You want a quality brand that offers a sharp blade along with safety features. Longevity […]

#Blog, #rss- - - - - -

https://gadgeteer.co.za/7-best-safety-razor-blades-for-the-most-comfortable-shave-ever-because-you-have-lots-of-options/

7 Best Safety Razor Blades for The Most Comfortable Shave Ever - [2021]

At A Glance: Our Top 5 Picks for Safety Razor Blades Closest Shave: Astra Platinum Sharpest: Feather Longest Lasting: Personna Shark Wilkinson Sword Getting a clean, comfortable shave can be a challenge when using the wrong type of razor blade....

Ultimate Guide to Traditional Shaving Practice because about 2 billion razors, including cartridges, are disposed of every year in the US alone

Wet shaving doesn’t involve some new disposable razors or cartridges, making it a more sustainable practice. Many shaving soaps and creams are in reusable containers, which means it is not as much waste if you are responsible. And check to make sure you are buying a biodegradable one, which means the little you throw away also doesn’t kill the planet.
A double-edged razor is an upgrade, no matter how you look at it. It is heavy and sturdy and better than a plastic razor. This one will also last longer, which is the cheaper option. You can pick from the many universally fitting blades available in the market. A straight razor also comes with the same benefits.

See Wet Shaving – Ultimate Guide to Traditional Shaving Practice – Beardoholic

#traditionalshaving #environment #shaving

No-shave November is behind us. Now it’s time to revisit the techniques that give your beard the best look. Your beard is a critical part of your look which conveys style, hygiene and attention to detail. So, we thought we’d put together a guide that will tell you how to kick it old school with […]

#Blog, #rss- - - - - -

https://gadgeteer.co.za/ultimate-guide-to-traditional-shaving-practice-because-about-2-billion-razors-including-cartridges-are-disposed-of-every-year-in-the-us-alone/

Wet Shaving - Ultimate Guide to Traditional Shaving Practice - Beardoholic

No-shave November is behind us. Now it’s time to revisit the techniques that give your beard the best look. Your beard is a critical part of your look which conveys style, hygiene and attention to detail. So, we thought we’d put together a guide...

An original Gillette Fatboy D4 safety razor circa 1958 sells for R2,450 ($155) in South Africa today

I still have my dad’s old Gillette Fatboy razor, which he would have been using in the 1960’s. I cleaned it up and have shaved a few times with it, as of course as safety razor shavers around the world know, today’s DE blades still fit perfectly well. A safety razor is built to last multiple generations. Try that with today’s cartridge razors – you won’t find blades for them in 40 years time, or by then the blades purchased, will have bankrupted you!
I just really regret my dad never let me into the secret of safety razor shaving, and I had to suffer ingrown hairs for 30 years before I discovered this…

See Gillette Fatboy D4 1958 (V188)

#safetyrazors #traditionalshaving #wetshaving #gillettefatboy

The Gillette Fatboy is one of the most iconic safety razors available today. Originally called the Gillette 195 (the price point was set at $1.95), it got the name ‘Fatboy’ shortly after Gillette released its ‘Adjustable slim’ model. Since the 195 had a handle of greater diameter than the slim model, it got nicknamed t

#Blog, #rss- - - - - -

https://gadgeteer.co.za/an-original-gillette-fatboy-d4-safety-razor-circa-1958-sells-for-r2450-155-in-south-africa-today/

Gillette Fatboy D4 1958 (V188)

The Gillette Fatboy is one of the most iconic safety razors available today. Originally called the Gillette 195 (the price point was set at $1.95), it got the name 'Fatboy' shortly after Gillette released its 'Adjustable slim' model. Since the 195...

Why wet shave with a safety razor? The safety razor is no longer a historical artefact, more a beautiful object of desire to shave with!

They cover many of the usual accepted reasons that so many of us know, but I love their honest ending: The reality, however, is that wet shaving is an addiction. The money saved on cartridges is often spent on building up a vast collection of artisan shaving soaps/creams, stylish safety razors and shaving brushes!

See Why wet shave with a safety razor?

#shaving #safetyrazor #wetshaving #traditionalshaving

Shaving with a safety razor is the latest trend, here's 4 reasons to switch to a traditional wet shave!

https://gadgeteer.co.za/why-wet-shave-safety-razor-safety-razor-no-longer-historical-artefact-more-beautiful-object-desire

Why wet shave with a safety razor?

Shaving with a safety razor is the latest trend, here's 4 reasons to switch to a traditional wet shave!

Example of FALSE advertising to try to sell cartridge razors as being more environmentally friendly than straight razors (it's the opposite, in fact)

A couple of things really totally incorrect about this blatant advertising:
* The method continues to "hold nostalgic value in certain cultural pockets" - well it's (and safety razors) actually been growing due to being environmentally friendly and the closest possible shave without razor bumps, etc as well as cost savings. You only have to look at all the artisans and big brands selling straight razors today.
* Reasons such as closest shave, cost, safety, stropping, etc are zero to do with the environment, but yes, not having to buy very expensive cartridge blades at all does pay back very well over 5 or 10 years. And certainly I've timed my straight razor shaves to be a good 25 minutes including boiling water, stropping, and shaving, so given it can take a little longer.
* But "Many conventional shaving creams also use aerosol propellants" and "Shaving with a straight razor virtually always requires the use of these products" are very incorrect assumptions to make about straight razor shaving as the usual practice excludes aerosols, opting rather for natural soaps that are usually environmentally friendly. Convectional cartridge razor shavers, on the other hand, are known to default to aerosol gels and creams, though.
* A straight razor can last for decades if cared for properly, and requires no disposal in landfills (unlike cartridge blades, which cannot be recycled easily due to the composite material).

See Why men have to stop shaving with straight razors

#environment #shaving #advertising #marketing #misinformation #traditionalshaving

They’ve got flair and history, but it’s time to say goodbye to a dinosaur in the bathroom. Now mostly found at retro barbers, the straight razor was the most commonly used option by men until the 1950s when it was largely replaced by the safety razor. Straight razors allow the wielder to whip out the blade with a drama

https://gadgeteer.co.za/example-false-advertising-try-sell-cartridge-razors-being-more-environmentally-friendly-straight

Why men have to stop shaving with straight razors

They’ve got flair and history, but it’s time to say goodbye to a dinosaur in the bathroom. Now mostly found at retro barbers, the straight razor was the most commonly used option by men until the 1950s when it was largely replaced by the safety...

A Look Back At Traditional Wet Shaving Over a Decade and a Half, and why it has made Shaving now Enjoyable

Like lifeforms, human culture continually evolves, and for much the same reasons: reproduction with variation, occasional mutation, and a built-in selection process that results in some entities prospering while others struggle or die off. Cultural evolution is so fast that we can trace the evolution of language, music, fashion, technology, and so on. In this piece, Leisureguy takes a look at how traditional shaving has evolved over the past decade and a half.

See A 15 Year Look Back At Traditional Wet Shaving | Sharpologist

#traditionalshaving #wetshaving #TraditionalWetShaving

Around the time that Mantic59 first started making shaving videos, I discovered “traditional wetshaving”. I dived in.

https://gadgeteer.co.za/look-back-traditional-wet-shaving-over-decade-and-half-and-why-it-has-made-shaving-now-enjoyable

A 15 Year Look Back At Traditional Wet Shaving | Sharpologist

Around the time that Mantic59 first started making shaving videos, I discovered “traditional wetshaving”. I dived in.

9 Best Shaving Soaps for Men [All Skin Types] – 2021 Review

This article takes an in-depth look at the best shaving soap for men that are easily available on the market.

Many things that had gone out of style are slowly coming back. These pertain to music, cars, clothes and now, shaving. Yes, there is nothing wrong with wanting to shave like your grandfather or great-grandfather used to.

One of the tools that were handy to our forefathers in their clean shaving endeavours is the shaving soap. Yes, sure, most people today probably think of a shave cream when they are looking to boost their daily shave. However, there is also the option of shaving soaps. And believe it or not, unlike cream, shaving soap has been around for centuries.

See 9 Best Shaving Soaps for Men [All Skin Types] - 2021 Review

#traditionalshaving #wetshaving #shavingsoap

The best shaving soaps can make the difference between a great or a bad experience. Learn how to find a shave soap that fits your preferences now.

https://gadgeteer.co.za/9-best-shaving-soaps-men-all-skin-types-2021-review

9 Best Shaving Soaps for Men [All Skin Types] - 2021 Review

The best shaving soaps can make the difference between a great or a bad experience. Learn how to find a shave soap that fits your preferences now.