So the "be a real man" adventure of shaving with a straight razor is coming along. I think I've finally settled on the right combination of razor and shave cream now, and I'm really enjoying this daily task.
I started with a Dovo shavette, which was pretty good...very lightweight razor, uses disposable single edge blades, fairly easy to use without becoming Sweeney Todd, the demon barber of Fleet Street:
What I didn't like is the little red, plastic, insert they use to hold the single edge, disposable blade...besides looking weird - red, the color of blood, yes? - it's not all that stable and the last thing you want with a straight razor on your throat is for the blade to shift.
Surprise! Gonna need a bigger styptic pencil for that one...
So then I bought a Solingen straight razor...
...this one is a true straight razor...permanent blade, does not use disposables. They told me at "The Art of Shaving" store I could use it for 10 or so shaves, then should get it professionally sharpened, and after that it would last for 6 months before needing to be sharpened again.
Wrong...tried it as it came from the store, and it pulled and bit too much...definitely not sharp enough. So I had it sharpened, and it was better, but still not as good as using a disposable single edge blade.
Began experimenting with different shave creams...brush styles in a mug, hot lather, etc...but just didn't like the shave I was getting...was about to go back to the Dovo shavette when I happened onto this:
That's an AVA Barber straight razor, and I really like it...uses disposable single edge blades, and the mechanism that holds them in place is 100 x better than the Dovo...very solid and secure, no slipping or vibrating. Plus, it's a little heavier than the Dovo, I like the way it feels in my hand, and love the stainless steel look:
Ok, so it takes a little longer than a safety razor, and yes, I've nicked myself a few times as I've been learning the art and science of this style of shaving...but every man should have a few scars and for crying out loud, don't be such a wuss! Move toward the fear...
For the ladies in the audience who are puzzled by this, remember: if it has tires or testosterone, you're going to have problems with it.
For the men in the audience who are puzzled by this, I'm writing a book just for you...stay tuned...
Can't wait for some sunshine and warmer temps...
Later, mcm fans...
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