Have you grown tired of the daily drudgery of shaving?   Tired of the tugging and pulling, nicking and chaffing, but unsure what to do about it?  There is a better way.  It’s called classic wet shaving.  The definitive “old school” method of shaving and shaving accessories.  The preferred method of shaving until the invention of the electric razor and the canned foam.

Wet shaving, the way our grandfathers and great grandfather shaved, requires a bit of time but it delivers a wonderful shave, a wonderful experience.  Makes shaving an event not a chore.  First, wet the soap and brush with hot water in a shaving mug or bowl.  The whiskers are softened by the application of a hot towel to the face.  A luxurious foam was coaxed from the soap by a rapid beating of the brush.  The warm foam is vigorously rubbed onto the face and allowed to set for just a moment.  Then the shaving commenced.  The pull of the blade is so easy and gentle that it seems to glide.  Once done, the face is rinsed with warm water, dried and a liberal application of a bracing aftershave is applied.  That’s the way to shave.

It is possible to capture that wonderful experience? You bet.   All you need is a little time and money.  But an investment well spent.  The first order of business is to gather the proper shaving accessories.  At a minimum you need: a shaving brush, a shaving mug or bowl, shaving soap and a single bladed safety razor.  Now there are some things you need to keep in mind as you begin your accumulation process.  Brushes – only badger hair.  There are various grades at various prices but whatever you decide, be sure and get one with genuine badger hair.  These are a bit difficult to find at local retail stores but are readily available on line.  Shaving mugs—these too are a bit difficult to find at your corner store but again available at the internet store or auction sites.  Soap—This you may be able to find at a drugstore but you’ll want to experiment with different brands until you find one that works best.  Online again is your best bet.  Single bladed safety razor – Why single bladed?  They work better.  If created properly, the wet shave foam is thick and heavy and tends to cake between the gaps in the multi-bladed razors.  Once again check on line.  For those who really want “old school” look to EBay for real vintage models.  My personal favorite – The Fat Boy by Gillette.  Depending on your preferences your dollar investment should run in the $75 range.

Once you’ve assembled all the proper shaving accessories you need to lean the techniques of wet shaving.  Here too the internet can help.  Check out “wet shaving” on YouTube.  You’ll find all the basic training you need.  There’ll be a period of trial and error as you perfect your style but at the end of it all you’ll start your day with a bang not a whimper.

To step forward sometimes you need to step back.  To get a terrific shave turn back the clock and experience the wonders of the wet shave.