Articles On Information: wet shaving

Showing posts with label wet shaving. Show all posts

Shave Soap & Shaving Cream

I've been doing the traditional wet shaving routine with a double-edged razor for a relatively long time now, and I've kicked the habit of trying to find the best shaving products to use. I admit to buying too many different shave soaps and shaving creams in an attempt to find a holy grail that really doesn't exist (and even if one does, nobody really cares that much; we're talking about shaving your face here, not a cure for cancer).<div><br /></div><div>Traditional shaving cream is WAY better than the gel, foam, and slime that you commonly find in convenient pressurized cans. One of the best shaving creams that I've used is this one from The Real Shaving Co.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ar4rQoKXCoE8mmaxbl5aSQAsgY5WDi53aY-rqVT11VZH8HpCFsFTcfU2zfmxhxJU0NuNd74ZrRdalWmkys1OO5xsAsQS1SqgiURa8SmwzEjbWSa-VqllBEySft6kz5yDWEVvv6VYrkE/s1600/IMG_7138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ar4rQoKXCoE8mmaxbl5aSQAsgY5WDi53aY-rqVT11VZH8HpCFsFTcfU2zfmxhxJU0NuNd74ZrRdalWmkys1OO5xsAsQS1SqgiURa8SmwzEjbWSa-VqllBEySft6kz5yDWEVvv6VYrkE/s1600/IMG_7138.JPG" width="150" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>This stuff is manufactured by the same company that produces shaving cream for famous and expensive brands such as Truefitt & Hill. In fact, I believe that the basic composition is the same regardless of the brand. The ingredients are listed on the tube:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU8c_oIpJqVN7cKMgkDNfw6t-UFxqdFxfMdRlYuNupGfuhnRpj7wYNZ2yz8WeiGpZdQiEeGxoNKaDZ59HhUutfoGY_Uc-x0VwQIPv1Hkl9EG2n47j2amYfF3VFPIk41B-2JiemuzIWDXM/s1600/IMG_7140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU8c_oIpJqVN7cKMgkDNfw6t-UFxqdFxfMdRlYuNupGfuhnRpj7wYNZ2yz8WeiGpZdQiEeGxoNKaDZ59HhUutfoGY_Uc-x0VwQIPv1Hkl9EG2n47j2amYfF3VFPIk41B-2JiemuzIWDXM/s1600/IMG_7140.JPG" width="150" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>You'll find a virtually identical ingredient list on high-end branded shaving cream, but you'll pay 3-5 times as much. So, this product from The Real Shaving Co. is super economical, available at some local drug stores (Rite Aid, for example), and a tube lasts forever. Buy a tube if you see one on the shelf next to a can of slime.</div><div><br /></div><div>Some shave soaps are much better than the aforementioned canned goods. Things can get a little hairy when dealing with shave soap, however, because some are difficult to lather up, some do not perform well, and some smell terrible. I recently acquired a stick of soap (lime scented) from Mike's Natural Soaps, and it falls into the "much better" category.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLcamtEhHAFZUtM5UAnd2Ggg5Wt1POS40hHeUGFM58Cwv9WjKtlEB0nOqz0qOQEWiu-Lmebva6va2t0ch2vj27Htpiv0dnW_HkvAfkA-lP_4wfmQ06W4wiWXF8bHrHoFMAKcjASYIAmq4/s1600/IMG_7141.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLcamtEhHAFZUtM5UAnd2Ggg5Wt1POS40hHeUGFM58Cwv9WjKtlEB0nOqz0qOQEWiu-Lmebva6va2t0ch2vj27Htpiv0dnW_HkvAfkA-lP_4wfmQ06W4wiWXF8bHrHoFMAKcjASYIAmq4/s1600/IMG_7141.JPG" width="151" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>It looks like deodorant or antiperspirant, but it's shave soap packaged in a form that can be directly applied to the skin before whipping it into a foamy lather with a shaving brush. I found the stick to be a little inconvenient, so I removed the soap and smashed it into a soap dish for use with a brush in a more traditional manner.</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, this guy Mike knows how to make shave soap. The soap is old school because it's made with tallow and lanolin (vegans beware). The soap lathers up quickly and easily, the lather is really slick, and the natural lime scent isn't overpowering or artificial. After using the lime soap for a while, I decided to acquire a tin of Mike's "Orange, Cedarwood, & Black Pepper" shave soap. I think the basic soap formula and quality are the same . . . it just smells different. I like both of Mike's soaps enough to become a repeat customer.</div><div><br /></div><div>That's about all for now. Two products that work well and improve the shaving experience. Good stuff.</div>

Shave Soap & Shaving Cream

I've been doing the traditional wet shaving routine with a double-edged razor for a relatively long time now, and I've kicked the ha...

6:58 PM

The Wide World Of Shaving Stuff

One thing that I like about my traditional wet shaving routine is that the shaving products (shave soap, shaving cream, aftershave splash) don't need to be replenished for a very long time and, when necessary to do so, they are relatively inexpensive to acquire. Moreover, double edge razor blades are ridiculously cheap in comparison to something like the Gillette Fusion cartridges, which cost around $3.00 apiece.<br /><br />I had to restock some basic shaving supplies recently, and got what I believe are three "best in class" products. Interestingly, the products originate from all over the globe: England (Truefitt & Hill shaving cream); Japan (Feather razor blades); and Italy (Proraso aftershave splash).<br /><br />The shaving cream is the "1805" version from Truefitt & Hill, named after the year the company was founded in London. Truefitt & Hill products are all top quality, and this shaving cream is very good - slick and thick lather, nice smell, rinses clean and easily.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb4mkjGShkw7hJIyHbDa4psTlnSHC5IcYOXvWYl-gFOksoDNpO4SkKgt72pTvAMbsPfroKaxcXZ0e2ITsbrjlpk-Hk50j-OA0MBcxGeJ9FlZCQ69gDZFTCpJpicaaZXjm7uCK9AL0vNxg/s1600/IMG_7031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb4mkjGShkw7hJIyHbDa4psTlnSHC5IcYOXvWYl-gFOksoDNpO4SkKgt72pTvAMbsPfroKaxcXZ0e2ITsbrjlpk-Hk50j-OA0MBcxGeJ9FlZCQ69gDZFTCpJpicaaZXjm7uCK9AL0vNxg/s200/IMG_7031.JPG" width="150" /></a></div><br />Moving further down into Europe we come to Italy, where one can find Ferrari automobiles, leaning towers, and Proraso. This Italian brand makes a number of shaving products, including this awesome mentholated alcohol-laden splash. The scent isn't overpowering, which is one reason that I like it so much.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_fnlJ-MnGnPKCF79r1QQcU7_wI7-XHjQdUYTePO70ZknK1ZfaZ0gAabCaUTRWtbygO_uFjeB0LP-xUXKWu7HG1TK6Y8cgQD_E7ezI7KZABiO8NIZV5Cbl4_XaRrksObhL_T58HyECbqs/s1600/IMG_7030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_fnlJ-MnGnPKCF79r1QQcU7_wI7-XHjQdUYTePO70ZknK1ZfaZ0gAabCaUTRWtbygO_uFjeB0LP-xUXKWu7HG1TK6Y8cgQD_E7ezI7KZABiO8NIZV5Cbl4_XaRrksObhL_T58HyECbqs/s200/IMG_7030.JPG" width="150" /></a></div><br />Traveling east into Asia, we arrive in Japan. Simply put, Feather double edge razor blades are the sharpest and bestest blades that you can find. They are a little pricey relative to other DE blades, but they are still much less expensive than modern multi-blade cartridges.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJDOkMoRdkpM2n5mb7J2VjxMPc0PXbP9JzuKvYluiF8oZSCzxFr-pkv5ragWVqSh_j0Nkhz0yND5ZsVTymR9dzGG0mpq137Pz03dePny1pT-lBXjObuCRZTaIPi70sgq5nK38J8p1hlwA/s1600/IMG_7036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJDOkMoRdkpM2n5mb7J2VjxMPc0PXbP9JzuKvYluiF8oZSCzxFr-pkv5ragWVqSh_j0Nkhz0yND5ZsVTymR9dzGG0mpq137Pz03dePny1pT-lBXjObuCRZTaIPi70sgq5nK38J8p1hlwA/s200/IMG_7036.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />As of the date of this post, a pack of ten blades (shown above) can be had for about $4.50. I usually change blades once a week, so the cost per shave is minimal. If you are willing to buy in bulk, the cost per blade becomes even more economical.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ14DwQpCW0tiTKlSD3rMKHMPXw9TTWqYDjsyudRdgKr_p2V5qupl7-YVuur0313JYdGgr2dey02oY9ebGG7w1gyvleU91xPx3eF0mXxkPPNY0RRDlRYxUh8K1hfeUWbsTCVWE9oK9FEc/s1600/IMG_7033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ14DwQpCW0tiTKlSD3rMKHMPXw9TTWqYDjsyudRdgKr_p2V5qupl7-YVuur0313JYdGgr2dey02oY9ebGG7w1gyvleU91xPx3eF0mXxkPPNY0RRDlRYxUh8K1hfeUWbsTCVWE9oK9FEc/s200/IMG_7033.JPG" width="150" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So . . . there are twenty packs in that box, for a total of 200 super sharp blades. I'm all set for about four years now.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">By the way, good shaving supplies are also produced in countries such as the United States, Portugal, Spain, Russia, Germany, Canada, Korea, etc. This stuff is available all over the world.</div>

The Wide World Of Shaving Stuff

One thing that I like about my traditional wet shaving routine is that the shaving products (shave soap, shaving cream, aftershave splash) d...

5:45 PM

Aftershave Aquisition Disorder

I have never been a scent or fragrance person. Except for an extremely brief experimental phase in high school, I've never worn cologne. Not into it. At all. Moreover, I never used aftershave . . . until a few years ago.<br /><br />Aftershave acquisition disorder (ASAD) hit pretty hard soon after I got into traditional wet shaving with a double edge razor. I consider aftershave to be an essential part of the wet shaving routine (for medicinal and therapuetic purposes, not to smell like a 70s disco or an old time barbershop). Yeah, so ASAD forced me to buy, sample, and try an extraordinary number of different aftershave products. It really is an impressive (or demented and sad, depending on your perspective) list. First up are the different aftershave splashes that I've tried (in alphabetical order): 4711; Adidas Dynamic Pulse; Anthony Logistics Astringent; Aqua Velva Ice Blue; Bravas (from Japan!); C.O. Bigelow Dr. Galen Herbal Skin Tonic; D.R. Harris Arlington; Floid Suave; Floid Amber; Floid Blue; Hattric Classic; Kiehl's Blue Astringent; La Toja; Lucido; Ogallala Bay Rum; Pitralon (Swiss version); Proraso; Santa Maria Novella Lavender; Speick; Thayers Witch Hazel Aftershave; Thayer's Medicated Witch Hazel; The Shave Den Lavender Tea Tree; and The Shave Den Mojito.<br /><br />Next are the different aftershave balms that I've tried (in alphabetical order): Art of Shaving Unscented Balm; Gentlemens Refinery Unscented Balm; Gentlemens Refinery Standard Balm; Kiehl's Facial Fuel SPF 15 Lotion; Nivea Sensitive Balm; Nivea Replenishing Balm; Saint Charles Shave Avocado Oil Balm; Saint Charles Shave Lime Aftershave Milk; Saint Charles Shave "Bay Rum with a Twist" Aftershave Milk; The Shave Den Signature Scent Aftershave Milk; The Shave Den Tea Tree Aftershave Milk; The Shave Den Unscented Aftershave Milk; The Shave Den Lavender Tea Tree Aftershave Milk; Truefitt & Hill Ultimate Comfort Balm; and Trumper Limes Skin Food.<br /><br />Wow, that's ridiculous! To be honest, most of those were samples or trial sized portions. Moreover, I didn't like most of those products for one or more of the following reasons: (1) smelled like old man, Grandma's flowerbed, ass, or a combination thereof; (2) left a sticky residue on my face; (3) too greasy; (4) the scent was too strong and lingered for too long; (5) unimpressive list of therapeutic ingredients. So, the above lists are so long because I've been searching for the perfect aftershave product.<br /><br />As of the writing of this post, only the following items are worthy of continued use and repurchase: Proraso splash; Kiehl's Facial Fuel SPF Lotion (although not sold as an aftershave <i>per se</i>, it works well and it has sunscreen in it); D.R. Harris Arlington splash; Nivea Energy splash (which I spiked with some menthol crystals); and Speick splash. This "top shelf" lineup actually resides on the middle shelf of my cabinet, but whatever:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJMcjojZ0jUZ6AeCbptbCR0g8QV1JPGVGVMIhPmEkv9zyANr4WPP8PlfA_OYP_mK-lO5Cvr1m9NIdTz9JVX-na_KEA-EHmr_U72ZjgHSGvHTKn3QetW7IiA_QJH5yG7cBy_R_krZ6pY1w/s1600/IMG_6146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJMcjojZ0jUZ6AeCbptbCR0g8QV1JPGVGVMIhPmEkv9zyANr4WPP8PlfA_OYP_mK-lO5Cvr1m9NIdTz9JVX-na_KEA-EHmr_U72ZjgHSGvHTKn3QetW7IiA_QJH5yG7cBy_R_krZ6pY1w/s200/IMG_6146.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />I'm totally over the trial-and-error phase, and I will only consider something new when I run out of one of the above "<strike>top</strike> middle shelf" products. I doubt I'll find anything comparable, but I'll still keep my eyes and nose open just in case. By the way, if I had to pick only one of the above, I'd go with the Speick splash. It's good stuff.

Aftershave Aquisition Disorder

I have never been a scent or fragrance person. Except for an extremely brief experimental phase in high school, I've never worn cologne....

9:16 AM

Shave Soap Hoarding

I use shave soap and a badger brush a couple of times a week, usually on weekends when I am not in a rush in the morning. I've tried many different types of shave soap, and the soap from The Art of Shaving ranks very high. A few weeks ago I was thinking about buying a new puck of soap (because I am near the end of my puck of Tabac soap, which, by the way, is another top notch performer even though some say that it smells like an ashtray lurking in your Grandma's linen closet), so of course I browsed over to the Badger & Blade website to see about the latest and greatest trends in shave soap.<br /><br />After spending some time in the "Shaving Soaps" sub-forum, I saw a post about the end of the shave soap universe - The Art of Shaving changed its soap formulation! They will no longer be tallow-based soaps. Zounds! You see, some believe that tallow is a magic ingredient for a proper shave soap, and many feel that The Art of Shaving BLEW IT by making the change. So there you go, I scratched that soap off of my wish list and decided to move on to something else.<br /><br />Fast forward about a week, and I found myself wandering about in my local mall, waiting for the females in my family to complete some trivial and unimportant shopping. I spotted a brick and mortar Art of Shaving store, and the mission was ON. I immediately targeted the shave soap display but my trek across the store was intercepted by the young lady working at the store. "Are you looking for anything in particular?" she asked. At this point, I felt ready to test her knowledge of the product line, and blurted out in a holier-than-thou tone: "Yes. I'm interested in your old tallow-based shave soap formulation because I really liked that product and am disappointed that you changed it." Take that!<br /><br />I was expecting a blank stare from her, but was pleasantly surprised by her response: "We actually do have some old stock left, and you're not the first person to ask about it. We have some of the unscented, lemon, and lavender soap left. You can tell which ones are the old tallow soaps by looking at the packages and [TOP SECRET CONTENT REDACTED]. See, this one is the old soap, and this one is the new stock."<br /><br />Wow, this person knew her stuff, and her unexpected response caught me off guard. "If you like the old soap, you should stock up on them now," she said. I thought to myself: "Damn, she is right. This is a great product and soap has a long shelf life. Whatever." So, although I was really looking for the sandalwood flavor, I convinced myself to load up on some lemon and lavender soaps. After getting home and realizing how idiotic my acquisition was, I did some rationalization and convinced myself that the soap could be considered to be an "investment" (I should be able to break even at the very least by selling them to other like-minded idiots).<br /><br />The sales lady at the store suggested that I keep the soap in a cool, dry, dark place (e.g., Grandma's linen closet). I took the advice of this knowledgeable person, wrapped the boxes in Saran Wrap, and stashed them away in a cabinet.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtGuKO6kvZMd2F6ZnP1IGlFA9nJa2rzHbgLIb2pSpWFJhi0AkLD-wIJmSL5Z5_CNvpxD4qd7AjexHTCaEC0NI6h67vkxTYmmlzghXGQ9wpHeLt7UMJQ47H52uMbksnw-6SZAj4wcZGyoM/s1600/IMG_6090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtGuKO6kvZMd2F6ZnP1IGlFA9nJa2rzHbgLIb2pSpWFJhi0AkLD-wIJmSL5Z5_CNvpxD4qd7AjexHTCaEC0NI6h67vkxTYmmlzghXGQ9wpHeLt7UMJQ47H52uMbksnw-6SZAj4wcZGyoM/s200/IMG_6090.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hermetically Sealed AoS Soaps</td></tr></tbody></table>As shown, I bought six pucks. My plan is to save them for a few years to see whether or not they become highly sought after on the seedy shaving goods market. Or I might sell them or trade them for other goods or services. Or I might actually use them. I have options.<br /><br />After the thrill of finding these awesome soap pucks wore off, I realized that I still needed to buy something to actually use. I decided to try the Windsor soap from D.R. Harris, an English brand that claims to be one of London's oldest pharmacies (200+ years in existence). I wonder if they have any 200 year old shave soap lurking somewhere in their stockroom.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDC7AejjfsjARRQ4g9onxCpJJniZMdhizc6I_PNY8rCeEd2oO-7hcZxYVE1crRJi6bNQIWSOgWXzn4ipKbS_pmZB5Um_rLIcwvVNnzACC5_U327Fdbncszxks5GPUyuKt9pclrwdrxpiw/s1600/IMG_6088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDC7AejjfsjARRQ4g9onxCpJJniZMdhizc6I_PNY8rCeEd2oO-7hcZxYVE1crRJi6bNQIWSOgWXzn4ipKbS_pmZB5Um_rLIcwvVNnzACC5_U327Fdbncszxks5GPUyuKt9pclrwdrxpiw/s200/IMG_6088.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />I'm not sure why the box says "Shaving Bowl" on it, because there was nothing but a piece of soap inside. Pleasantly scented, and made with tallow of course!

Shave Soap Hoarding

I use shave soap and a badger brush a couple of times a week, usually on weekends when I am not in a rush in the morning. I've tried man...

12:58 PM

Merkur Progress Double Edge Razor

<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUbGTavMhzkz94ErSmHFSWDkL5IusUb4L2spPKtf6Sco1V_wtSwVnwSXSN_L6mdyQvLbcreIlIjZqygwa9sJomOl5uhL6Qf3wTtJNpA_D_7QerMKSy1BD8qgAIjMp8_r7PiVEYYjG0NUU/s1600/IMG_5692.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUbGTavMhzkz94ErSmHFSWDkL5IusUb4L2spPKtf6Sco1V_wtSwVnwSXSN_L6mdyQvLbcreIlIjZqygwa9sJomOl5uhL6Qf3wTtJNpA_D_7QerMKSy1BD8qgAIjMp8_r7PiVEYYjG0NUU/s200/IMG_5692.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Merkur Progress</td></tr></tbody></table>I introduced the idea of traditional wet shaving awhile ago in <a href="http://dailyacquisition.blogspot.com/2012/09/traditional-wet-shaving-seriously.html" target="_blank">this post</a>, which mentions my Mühle R89 double edge (DE) razor. The R89 is a great shaving instrument, and I had been using it exclusively for a long time until RAD (razor acquisition disorder) got the best of me. I don't know why, but I just got an urge to try a different razor. After considering all of the options (it may be hard to believe, but there are a LOT of modern DE razors on the market these days), I decided to buy the Merkur Progress.<br /><br />The Progress is a two-piece adjustable razor. Everything shown in the first picture represents the handle/base part, and the blade guard or cap part screws into the handle/base part to hold down the razor blade. The ivory colored knob on the bottom of the handle is turned to connect and disconnect the two parts. The knob is also used to adjust the amount of blade exposure, which in turn affects the "aggressiveness" of the razor, which in turn impacts how bloody your face gets after shaving. Thus, hairy Neanderthal types may prefer an aggressive setting (e.g., number 5 on the Progress scale), while those with sensitive skin or people new to double edge razors may find a mild setting more to their liking. Some real experienced black belts of wet shaving will vary the settings of the Progress during a multiple-pass shaving ritual that requires spread sheets, Gantt charts, Venn diagrams, and flow charts for success. Thankfully, Merkur provides multilingual operating instructions for newcomers:<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW8mySWvUssPXCx9skegvPMCABgqqG6LCJepI5TTA1xCEKAygr2pOFZJ0QTvFyEACKone4nfBSHovpBqPkqRnmzSp5VndpO3ZZy1XH1FxBw_nJm8_cVXZRKsIFWBzukKP5fIg73OKTNeQ/s1600/IMG_5694.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW8mySWvUssPXCx9skegvPMCABgqqG6LCJepI5TTA1xCEKAygr2pOFZJ0QTvFyEACKone4nfBSHovpBqPkqRnmzSp5VndpO3ZZy1XH1FxBw_nJm8_cVXZRKsIFWBzukKP5fIg73OKTNeQ/s200/IMG_5694.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">User's Manual</td></tr></tbody></table>I like the Progress even though I haven't really played around with the adjustable settings too much. I haven't used my R89 razor for awhile, but that doesn't mean that it's been decommissioned. I'll probably return to the R89 after the novelty of the Progress has worn off. I also have my father's adjustable Gillette Slim razor (made in 1967; yes, I researched it) that I use about once a year. I guess RAD hasn't hit me too hard; I only have three DE razors in my collection:<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjcu3SgGAfvFFxUjCYyqXR4hJN6LOl7gNXqhHrz7yAqGmRFM1rJpey9VuyCSmiLlTIg4uJM4g4voO54HAlGcFcyQd2aAYiVNFzBA21_VHaQx8jdOo4uRxb6KnBy2O8UDA6LLVAzLEf0AU/s1600/IMG_5698.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjcu3SgGAfvFFxUjCYyqXR4hJN6LOl7gNXqhHrz7yAqGmRFM1rJpey9VuyCSmiLlTIg4uJM4g4voO54HAlGcFcyQd2aAYiVNFzBA21_VHaQx8jdOo4uRxb6KnBy2O8UDA6LLVAzLEf0AU/s200/IMG_5698.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">R89, Slim, Progress</td></tr></tbody></table>Actually, I should probably retract my last sentence because I have acquired a few other DE razors that I eventually sold (on the seedy underground used razor market) or gave away. The following DE razors are no longer with me:<br />      Merkur 34C Heavy Duty - A sociopath gave this to me as an introduction to traditional wet shaving. I gave up on it prematurely, and Paid It Forward to a friend, who probably hates me now;<br />      Edwin Jagger DE89 - The razor head parts are identical to the R89 razor. I didn't like the handle; and<br />      Edwin Jagger Chatsworth Barley - The razor head parts are identical to the R89. It looked like a work of art, but didn't like the massive and heavy handle.<br /><br />If you are interested in learning more, there are a number of websites and online forums that cover the topic of traditional wet shaving. The <a href="http://badgerandblade.com/" target="_blank">Badger & Blade</a> website is a good place to start.

Merkur Progress Double Edge Razor

Merkur Progress I introduced the idea of traditional wet shaving awhile ago in this post , which mentions my Mühle R89 double edge (DE) razo...

7:36 AM

Traditional Wet Shaving. Seriously.

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaJqGdUs3Jhu7Nem2sQoPXR2qijd6npvmfua90y06IvErF8d9KhaFt8GOH7XWQ01DAxYlOt1EPiHeUGzO19365Gp8FKzgKDQlcDqYIGJsh8Wn8HCFGvsKnk9Pdu1U0PGVyS6vt1o95zHM/s1600/IMG_5448.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaJqGdUs3Jhu7Nem2sQoPXR2qijd6npvmfua90y06IvErF8d9KhaFt8GOH7XWQ01DAxYlOt1EPiHeUGzO19365Gp8FKzgKDQlcDqYIGJsh8Wn8HCFGvsKnk9Pdu1U0PGVyS6vt1o95zHM/s320/IMG_5448.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />And now for something completely different (I'm getting sick of writing about pens). Today's entry is about another fascinating and extremely interesting topic: traditional wet shaving and related gear. I suppose that "wet shaving" could mean anything from "scraping your face with a wet Neanderthal spearhead" to "squirting some gel crap on your face and wiping it away with the current multiblade cartridge that costs $6.00 per unit." This is true. Accordingly, I use the term "traditional wet shaving" with reference to the act of shaving the old fashioned way with traditional style shaving cream or soap, a shaving brush, and a non-multiblade razor instrument (e.g., a straightedge razor, a safety razor, or the like). I am also willing to concede that the definition of "traditional wet shaving" may also include the use of alternative products and/or gear, as long as the essence of what I'm about to describe is fairly captured. What you see in the picture represents a very modest collection of shaving gear and products. What you don't see is the ridiculous amount of time I spent, wasted, and/or enjoyed getting to this point.<br /><br />A good friend and coworker of mine is 100% responsible for this particular "hobby," and I don't know whether to thank him or kick his ass for it. One day a few years ago my friend mentioned that he switched to traditional wet shaving, showed me some shaving cream from a 150+ year old English company, and proclaimed that there is a huge <a href="http://badgerandblade.com/" target="_blank">online wet shaving community</a>. Of course, I loled, wtfed, and called him a metrosexual. But deep down I was at least somewhat interested because at the time I was getting fed up with the less-than-acceptable shave I was getting from my electric razor. After this so-called friend sent me a safety razor as an unexpected gift, I decided to give wet shaving another try.<br /><br />I said "another" try because my first whiskers (or fuzz) were cut via a wet shave technique. Like most guys, my dad taught me how to shave. At the time, Dad used a disposable Gillette Good News razor with some type of canned shaving foam or gel. Now, I do remember Dad using a safety razor, a shaving soap mug, and a brush, but he had decommissioned those items by the time I was ready to learn. Although shaving with a disposable double-bladed razor and an aerosol foam hardly qualifies as "traditional," it requires water and, therefore, I consider that technique to be wet shaving <i>per se</i>. As time passed, I stopped using disposable razors and graduated to the Gillette Sensor cartridge system, along with Edge shaving gel or Barbasol shaving foam in a can. I used this stuff for many years without really paying any attention to the quality, comfort, or feel of the shave. At some point, I switched from wet shaving to dry shaving with an electric razor. I used electric razors (Braun or Norelco) for many years and lived with the discomfort and generally poor results because I had convinced myself that I was saving money and time with the electrics. I always felt that my electric razor saved precious morning time at the expense of quality and comfort.<br /><br />Coincidentally, I was in the process of researching modern electric razor offerings when my buddy planted the traditional wet shaving seed. Even though I had a brand new safety razor in hand, I wasn't completely sold on the idea. Moreover, it had been ages since I had used anything other than an electric razor, and I had never used a safety razor before. I was afraid. Very afraid. So I decided to ease back into the world of wet shaving rather than go all in at the outset. I put the new safety razor away in a safe place out of harm's way, and picked up two items from the local drugstore: a disposable Gillette Mach3 razor; and a tube of shaving cream (made by The Real Shaving Co.). After getting comfortable with that combo, I went back in time from a shaving gear perspective and bought a Gillette Sensor razor (yes, they still sell them), a Gillette Atra razor (yes, they still sell them), and a Gillette Trac II razor (yes, they still sell them), along with their respective cartridges. Eventually, I broke out the double edge safety razor and got the snowball rolling with vigor.<br /><br />As the snowball rolled downhill it picked up other items, namely, shaving brushes, different razors, shaving soaps, shaving creams, pre-shave products, aftershave products, shaving mugs/bowls, double edge (DE) razor blades, etc. Yeah, the craziness took over very quickly. Keep in mind that almost all of the items listed above may have a related acquisition disorder. In fact, I learned the term "acquisition disorder" (AD) from the gents at <a href="http://badgerandblade.com/" target="_blank">Badger & Blade</a> in various contexts (RAD = razor acquisition disorder; ASAD = aftershave acquisition disorder; and so on). That said, I am in a state of semi-recovery now, which is why my cabinet only includes a meager collection of shaving stuff. At this time, only the aftershave department (top shelf) is out of hand, which is odd because I've never liked cologne (still don't) and I don't like smelling like a 70's era disco.<br /><br />Wow, this post is way too long. I'll end it with a contents callout. On the top shelf, from left to right: Old Spice Classic aftershave (I don't really like it, but there's a story behind it); Lucido aftershave (from Japan!); Proraso aftershave; D.R. Harris Arlington aftershave; Speick aftershave; 4711 aftershave; and Kiehl's Facial Fuel with SPF 15 sunscreen (not really sold as an aftershave product, but it works well in that role). On the bottom shelf, from left to right: a few boxes of DE razor blades; an Old Spice shave soap mug sitting atop a Pyrex container that is perfect for most pucks of shave soap; D.R. Harris Arlington shaving cream; Tabac shaving soap; and Arko shaving stick sitting atop the container of Tabac. The Old Spice mug contains an assortment of razors (from left to right): modern Gillette Sensor handle; modern Trac II style handle (sold under the Bump Fighter brand and available in most drug stores); modern Gillette Atra handle; my father's vintage Gillette Slim razor; and my daily DE razor, the Mühle R89 razor. The Mühle is an awesome implement, and I love the fact that the name includes an umlaut. Hey, I'm a big fan of Mötorhead and the use of röck döts in general.<br /><br />I lied about the end of this post, and need to write one more paragraph to explain why I'm currently hooked on traditional wet shaving. I think it relates to the overall philosophy of "try to enjoy your everyday activities to the fullest extent possible." It's either that or "you are two cans short of a six pack," so I'll run with the former. Now, some wet shaving practitioners will toss around reasons such as "it's cheaper than using modern cartridges" or "it's good for the environment" or "I get the best results using my DE razor" or "chicks dig it" - those and other reasons may indeed be valid. In my case, the morning ritual of wet shaving is usually enjoyable, it gives me ample time to chill out and get mentally prepared for the day, and it's fun. Not as much fun as bowling or skeet shooting and not "funny ha ha" like a clown, but fun nonetheless. Actually, I sometimes look forward to a good shave in the morning, rather than dread what used to be a chore. So there you have it.