Advancement in safety razors for shaving is a good example that newer is not always better. The double-edge razor, though much older than the new razor blade systems, often provides a closer shave with less irritation, when used correctly. In addition, the razor blades in double-edge razors are cheaper and often last longer than newer cartridge-style safety razors. Though the double-edge razor forces you to unlearn shaving techniques taught by safety razors, the money saved, and the results may be worth the effort for you.
Step 1
Lather up as you normally would when shaving. Splash hot water on your face and neck prior to applying the shaving cream to help soften your whiskers.
Step 2
Choose where you want to start shaving. Flex your facial muscles, move your head or pull on your skin to tighten the area where you want to shave to achieve a close shave.
Step 3
Touch the metal safety bar in the middle of the razor lightly to your face and raise or lower the handle of the razor until it sits at a 30-degree angle, according to Classic Shaving. Raising the handle of the razor allows you to shape with upward strokes, while lowering the handle allows for downward strokes. Maintain the 30-degree angle when shaving--at all times--to prevent accidental cuts.
Step 4
Glide the razor up or down, depending on how you are holding the razor, in a short stroke. Adding pressure is not necessary as the weight of the razor is enough pressure for the sharper blades.
Step 5
Flip the razor around and repeat Step 2 through Step 4 with the opposite side of the razor blade.
Step 6
Wash the shaving cream and whiskers out of the razor. Tap the end of the razor lightly on the side of the sink if running water alone does not dislodge all the whiskers. Repeat Step 2 through Step 5 until you are finished shaving.
Step 7
Rinse your face of any remaining shaving cream. Feel for patches of whiskers you missed. Reapply shaving cream to those areas, and shave again.
Tips and Warnings
- Take a hot shower before shaving or place a hot towel on your face to help soften the whiskers, recommends the Zen Habits website. Softer whiskers are easier to shave. Practice using short and long strokes when shaving to find out what works best for your facial hair and the type of blade you are using. Consider purchasing a variety pack of razor blades to test which product works best for your facial features. Not all razor blades are made the same.
- Double-edge razors do not bend or pivot like many safety razors sold today. You must take care to move your wrist along the contours of your face and neck when shaving. Take your time when you are first using a double-edge razor. Using these razors in the same way as standard safety razors will lead to injury.
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