Use and Maintenance

Q: What is the proper steps for a traditional wet shave?

1. A: The classic wet shaving steps are as follows:

2. Prep: Wash your face with warm water and a cleanser to soften the beard and open pores.

3. Lather: Use a shaving brush to create a rich, creamy lather from a quality shaving soap or cream and apply it evenly to your face for protection and lubrication.

4. First Pass - With the Grain: Shave in the direction of hair growth (With the Grain). Do not apply pressure; let the weight of the razor do the work.

5. Second Pass - Across the Grain: Rinse your face, apply more lather, and shave again perpendicular to the direction of growth (Across the Grain).

6. (Optional) Third Pass - Against the Grain: For ultimate smoothness, apply lather and shave against the direction of growth (Against the Grain). Those with sensitive skin should skip this step.

7. Aftercare: Rinse your face with cold water to close pores, then use an alcohol-free aftershave balm or lotion to soothe the skin.

Q: Why do I keep getting nicks and cuts with a safety razor? How can I avoid them?

A: Cuts are usually caused by:

• Incorrect Angle: The optimal angle between the razor and skin is approximately 30 degrees. Too large an angle (handle far from face) won't shave effectively; too small an angle (handle against face) will cause cuts.

• Using Pressure: The biggest mistake is thinking "pressing harder gives a closer shave." A safety razor relies on blade sharpness and its own weight. Guide it gently with ZERO pressure.

• Dull Blade: Using old or low-quality blades forces you to use more pressure, increasing risk.

• Poor Preparation: Beard isn't softened enough, or insufficient lubricating lather.

Solution: Practice maintaining the 30-degree angle, imagine the razor is "gliding" over your skin, and ensure you use a sharp blade with plenty of lubrication.

Q: How often should I replace my safety razor blade?

A: This depends on the coarseness and density of your beard and your shaving frequency. Generally, a double-edge blade can last for 3-7 shaves. The best indicator is when you feel significant tugging or pulling during the shave, need to go over the same area repeatedly, or experience post-shave irritation. For the best experience, we recommend not over-extending blade usage.

Q: How do I clean and maintain my safety razor to ensure its longevity?

1. A: Proper care can make your razor last for decades.

2. After Each Use: Rinse the razor thoroughly under warm water to remove all stubble, lather, and moisture. Gently dry it with a soft cloth or shake it dry, and store it in a dry, ventilated place.

3. Regular Deep Cleaning: Every few weeks, fully disassemble the razor (unscrew the handle). Soak the parts in warm water with a little mild dish soap. Gently scrub with a soft-bristled toothbrush, then rinse and dry thoroughly.

4. Prevent Water Spots: Stainless steel razors are highly corrosion-resistant, but drying keeps them pristine. For materials like brass, prolonged moisture can cause patina, so drying is crucial.

Q: I have very sensitive skin that gets red and breaks out easily. Is a safety razor suitable for me?

1. A: Absolutely suitable. Safety razors (especially single-blade) are often the best choice for sensitive skin. Here's why:

2. Less Irritation: A single blade minimizes multiple passes and pulling over the same skin area, drastically reducing irritation and razor burn.

3. More Hygienic: You use a fresh blade every time, avoiding the issue of bacteria and residue buildup common in multi-blade cartridge heads.

4. Control: You can choose extra-mild blades designed for sensitive skin and pair them with shaving soaps and aftershave balms containing soothing ingredients (like aloe vera, chamomile).
   The key is to follow proper technique (no pressure, with the grain) and practice good pre- and post-shave skincare.

Q: Why should I use a shaving brush and shaving soap instead of canned shaving foam?

• A: Using a brush and soap significantly improves shave quality and skin health:

• Superior Lubrication & Protection: Hand-brushed lather is denser and has more water content than canned foam, providing a better protective layer between skin and blade for smoother razor glide.

• Better Preparation: The act of brushing lather onto your face acts as a gentle exfoliating massage, helping to lift and soften beard hairs more effectively.

• Healthier & More Economical: Canned foams often contain propellants and skin-drying alcohols. A quality shaving soap puck can last for months or even years, saving money and being more environmentally friendly in the long run.

Q: What do "With the Grain," "Across the Grain," and "Against the Grain" mean? Which order is best?

A:These terms refer to the direction of your shaving stroke relative to your hair growth.

• With The Grain (WTG): Shaving in the same direction your hair grows. Least irritating, but may not be the closest shave.

• Across The Grain (XTG): Shaving perpendicular to the hair growth. A good balance between closeness and irritation.

• Against The Grain (ATG): Shaving opposite to the hair growth. Provides the closest shave but has the highest risk of irritation and ingrown hairs.

Best Practice: For most, the ideal order is: 1st pass: WTG → 2nd pass: XTG → (Optional) 3rd pass: ATG. Always re-apply shaving cream between passes.

Q : How should I dispose of used razor blades?

A:Safety is the top priority to prevent injury to yourself, family, and sanitation workers.

• Do NOT throw loose blades directly into the trash can.

• Use a Blade Bank: This is a dedicated, sealed container for old blades. You can purchase a metal one or easily make your own by cutting a slot in the lid of an old metal tin (e.g., an Altoids tin) and sealing it with tape.

• Alternative: If the original blade packaging has a slot on the back for disposal, use it until full.

• Final Disposal: When your blade bank is full, seal it completely with strong tape, mark it "SHARP - USED BLADES" for safety, and then place it in the general household trash.