Men have been shaving since the dawn of time, when the only tools they had were clamshells and sharpened flint. Men's shaving kits have evolved through the centuries, though the turning point in convenience came in 1901 when King Camp Gillette and William Nickerson patented the disposable blade razor, starting a revolution in men's shaving tools. From straight-edge razors to cordless electric shavers, tools for shaving are available to suit every style and preference.
Soaps and Lathers
Always use a shaving soap or lather for wet shaving. "The perfect shave has three ingredients: a good razor, a good brush, and glycerin-based shaving cream," writes Corey Greenberg at Today Weekend. He recommends a badger-bristle brush and English shaving soap, but many modern men might not be willing to go that far. Lather and shaving soap keep your face moist and give the razor a smooth, lubricated surface to glide across.
Straight Razors
Straight razors need to be sharpened before every use, according to the experts at artofmanliness.com. This requires either a whetstone or a leather strap called a strop. Learning to use a straight razor involves trial, error and a fair amount of courage because while the correct angle of blade to skin---30 degrees---will give you a close, clean shave, the wrong angle will either not work at all or will cut your face to ribbons.
Replaceable Blade Razors
There are two kinds of replaceable blade razors. The oldest dates back to 1901, and is shaped like a "T." A ring on the handle opens and closes the top, rather like the way a drawbridge opens, allowing you to replace the double-sided flat blade inside. The second kind has a sturdy, disposable handle with replaceable multiple-bladed heads that slide or clip on and off.
Disposable Razors
There are several levels of quality in disposable plastic razors, from the 10-packs that cost $1 at discount stores to the more expensive ones, which are designed to be used several times before being discarded. Opinions vary as to the relative advantages and disadvantages of disposable razors. Proponents argue that they are inexpensive, convenient and easy to use; critics such as those at razorblades.biz decry the fact that they are more likely to cause skin irritations like razor burn and are bad for the environment.
Electric Shavers
The first automatic shaver was a wind-up model patented by Willis G. Shockey in 1910. The first true electric shaver was offered to the public in 1929, by Lt. Col. Jacob Schick. According to quickshave.com, the public was not impressed. Electric and cordless shavers are used without soap or shaving cream, usually on dry skin.
Aftershaves, Lotions and Balms
Aftershaves come in many forms, including scented liquids, thicker lotions and wax- or glycerin-based balms. "Aftershave helps reduce any irritation that may have occurred and will leave your skin looking healthy," according to artofmanliness.com.They should be applied while the skin is still damp, and aside from soothing your freshly shaved face, they will add a light, fresh scent to your skin.
Member Comments