Off Topic: Wet Shaving

Going a little off topic today as I discuss the new world of shaving. Now, don’t get me wrong, I’ve been shaving since I was twelve, so it’s not all new, but until now it’s been a chore. Then I caught tale of something called wet shaving. And, well, that’s a general term to describe the regular non-electric method of shaving using a blade, shaving cream, and water. Wait, isn’t that how most people who don’t use an electric razor shave? Well, yes and no.

I’ve learned to differentiate between just shaving and wet shaving, and while it’s a personal differentiation, to me it makes all the difference in the world.  Like I said, I’ve been shaving since I was twelve, and I have a thick beard.  When I was in the Marines, many times I’d have to shave more than once a day.  It became a chore, a painful chore, as I’m sure it is for many of you.  When I got out of the Marines, I grew a goatee that would usually morph into a messy beard because I’d only shave about once a week, maybe twice if I had something I had to look presentable for. And, being the chore that it was, it killed me to have to spend $12+ on 4 disposable cartridges for my cheap-ass razor for something I didn’t like doing.

So, a little over a month ago I was cleaning out some old boxes that I’ve had traveling with me for years from the Marines, and I came across a straight razor that I had purchased about 13 years ago while TAD in Australia.  The idea of actually using it, though, was too much so in the box it went.  Well, when I found it, I thought that it might be my ticket out of Gillette’s pocket, and I started researching how to shave with it and that led me to where I am today.

I now shave with the straight razor, a shaving brush, shaving soap (not the store-bought cream), and finish off with some good old-fashioned aftershave (as opposed to the cheap Aqua Velva-style stuff).  It’s become an early morning ritual that I look forward to.  My face feels better.  My shave is closer.  I don’t get 5 o’clock shadow until about 10pm.  It’s just a quality of life improvement.  I’m still learning the straight razor, but if you’re not comfortable with that, there are safer and cheaper alternatives that will still be cheaper than those horrid disposable prices.

If you’re interested in wet shaving or seeing what it’s about, there’s plenty of information on the internet.  If you’re interested in getting started, I recommend Lee’s Safety Razors to get your supplies.  His prices are great, but even better than that is his customer service.  I’ve talked to him numerous times on the phone and he’s been nothing but courteous and pleasant.  I’m all about great customer service.

So, does anyone else favor the old-fashioned methods of shaving?  I had to laugh to myself when I found out that the old way produced a much better shave than the new technologically advanced razors.

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1. 

   Matt M says:

   March 26, 2009 at 8:19 pm

   I too do the wet shaving, shavemyface.com is also a good resource. I started about a year or two ago, I have a merkur hd safety razor. I have to say it has been the best way to shave.

   Matt M.
2. 

   JasonT says:

   March 26, 2009 at 9:33 pm

   There is a tread on botl.org on using a straight razor. It surprised me how many folks do it. I’m not at that comfort level yet. Maybe one day.
3. 

   Ricky says:

   March 26, 2009 at 9:38 pm

   Jason, if you’re not comfortable with the thought of a straight razor, then you might consider a safety razor. They’re cheaper than straights and still a great shave.
4. 

   Kyle W. says:

   April 11, 2009 at 10:09 pm

   Lee’s Safety Razor is a great site. I’d really like to pick up a Merkur HD sometime soon.