The art of the shave.

I love a good shave. I love the process of it all; putting a blade on a leather strop and making a uber lather with a quality badger hair brush. Then to meticulously and skillfully shave with a straight razor and splash away with some Bay Rum. It is like going back to a time and place where life is more simple. It requires you to slow down and to learn each skill in order to master the shave. Shaving should not be rushed. Proper technique should not be neglected. It is something almost every man in the professional world must do on a daily basis and is typically viewed as more of an annoyance rather than a joy. This used to be my view of shaving until I discovered wet shaving.

Wet shaving is simple. Shaving with water, shaving cream or shave soap, a brush, and a good blade. My preference is a straight razor but many use a DE razor. For many a straight razor or DE razor is a little overwhelming. If that is you then keep using multi bladed razors you are used to (but remember when it comes to blades scraping across your face, less really is more). Start by finding a good quality badger hair shave brush, and a good shave soap or cream (not the goo in a can). Brushes can be pricey but will last you 20 years if you take care of it. My two favorite sites to buy my supplies are classicshaving.com and straightrazordesigns.com. Give it a try and I think you will finally begin to look forward to your morning routine rather than begrudge it.