This brief guide on How to shave using your Safety Razor aims to outline the main
steps in obtaining the best possible shave. The key to success is undoubtedly preparation.
Make sure you have everything to hand before you start so that would include shaving
cream or soap, your shaving brush and warm water.
1. Two, possibly three passes over your beard will give you the best results. The
first will be with the grain (the direction in which your beard grows), the second
against the grain and the third the “mopping up” mini passes.
2. Make sure you have a sharp blade. Ok all blades are sharp but as a rule change
your blade once a week. A fresh blade gives a better shave, it’s as simple as that,
and at a fraction of the cost of cartridge blades they shouldn’t break the bank.
Quality blades like Merkur, Derby or Feather are recommended and will remain sharper
for longer.
3. So having lathered up you are ready to go. Position your razor against your face
( a good starting point is below one of your sideburns) at about a 30o angle and
ease the razor down your cheek in a steady downward movement. At this juncture I’ll
make a very IMPORTANT point.
4. PRESSURE. The most common mistake to make whilst safety razor shaving is to apply
too much pressure as you shave. This will only increase the risk of cuts and nicks
and give you razor burn. The blade is so sharp that an effortless, light movement
across the face will shave the beard, so be warned.
5. Shave down each side of your face taking care to adjust the blade angle across
the jaw etc. A good tip is too tighten your skin across your mouth area by shaping
your mouth into an “O” or to pull the skin taut with your fingers.
6. Some shavers prefer short, progressive movements of the blade. You may wish to
adopt this approach initially as a beginner until you gain more confidence.
7. Lather up again (always make sure you have a good lather on the face) and repeat,
this time shaving against the grain. This will give the closest shave as opposed
to a one way grain shave. When shaving above your lip though a single down stroke
should suffice as to shave upwards here is more difficult.
8. Run your hand across your face. Have you missed an area? If so revisit to achieve
that clean shave look.
So in summary:
Always maintain a good lather
Use sharp blades – change regularly
Maintain a good angle on the face – about 30o
Use light pressure, let the blade cut the beard not your face
2/3 passes will provide a better result
Millions of men prefer wet shaving with a Safety Razor. It’s cheap and produces the
best of shaves that can soon be mastered with a little practice.
© The Complete Man 2012
