How to Shave Like an Italian with a Double Edge Safety Razor
Shaving is something most men learn from watching their father (or some other male figure) or from simply trying it on their own. There are no formal “how to” shaving classes offered during Freshmen year in high school, for example, so how’s a man (Italian or otherwise) supposed to learn the fine art of removing hair (or shaving with a double edge safety razor) from a surface that has all sort of grooves and oblong areas and bleeds very easily?
There is a process of getting a close, cut free, shave and it begins with the preparation:
- Wash your face with a gentle face wash. I like Nivea’s Sensitive face wash given price and availability. Your face needs to be clean in order to achieve the right result.
- Take a shower! Yes, I know your body doesn’t need to be clean in order get a good shave, but in order to achieve an optimal shave your face needs to be both hydrated and hot. A hot layer of water on your face allows the razor to skim across the skin as opposed to dragging on it, which is the cause of irritation. The hot water also softens the whiskers on your face, as well as relaxes facial muscles. If you don’t have the time to shower before your shave, then wet your face with hot water for 2-3 minutes prior to shaving
- Keep your face hydrated. This is the number one tip that will yield a great shave, regardless of equipment. Splashing plenty of hot water on your face during the shaving process will greatly improve the end result.
Your face is now ready to meet your shaving equipment (which should include a double edge safety razor, a badger brush, and a glycerin based shaving cream). Note: I’m not advocating you quickly dump your plastic, Mach3, razor and aerosol shaving cream, but if you put the time into learning how to shave properly, you’ll want to buy the best equipment on the market (which doesn’t include any of the overpriced and poorly contstructed Gillette or Mennen products).
In turn, here are some recommendations on equipment:
- A single blade safety razor – I use a Edwin Jagger De89lbl Double Edge Safety Razor as it presents the best value in a single blade safety razor. I wish I could recommend Merkur from Germany, but after 2 months of using one of their razors the shaving head came loose from the handle and Merkur wouldn’t replace the unit.
- A high quality badger (and NOT Boar) shaving brush – I like the price of the Crabtree and Evelyn travel badger brush or have a look at the many badger brushes available at Amazon.
- Glycerin based shaving paste – I like the Art of Shaving lavender paste or Bond Street shaving paste.
- Double edged blades – I like the Feather high stainless platinum double edged blades, but you can purchase a sample pack and experiment.
After you’ve prepped your face and assembled your equipment, it’s time to whip up a batch of shaving cream. I like to take a dab of shaving cream paste and apply it to my badger brush and work up a good lather (you can purchase a shaving bowl and work up the lather in the bowl as well). Next, apply the lather with your brush making sure to work the lather in circular motions.
Now it’s time to shave! You’re going to want to make three passes and all require that you re-lather your face (no one said wet shaving doesn’t require time and patience). Your first pass should go with the grain and basically comprise of north-south motions (this can be done quickly and don’t worry about removing too much stubble). Note you’ll want to let the weight of the razor do the work, do not push the razor! Your second pass is a diagonal motion (again going with the grain); remember your goal is to slowly eliminate stubble and not to reduce your beard all in one motion (like you’re accustomed to with a plastic razor). Your third pass encompasses an upward motion against the grain. At this point you’ll probably have some areas that you’ve missed so you’ll want to apply a bit more lather and finish off your shave with a final downward pass. Blade angle is important during all three passes so make sure to experiment with what feels right from a razor positioning perspective. After you’ve completed the 3-4 passes you can rinse off your face and apply either an after shave balm (Nomad balm from Crabtree and Evelyn is nice) or wet shave conditioner (Hydrolast after shave conditioner is great). Regardless of what you purchase, make sure the product does not contain alcohol (this will dry your skin).
At this point, you’re probably asking yourself why on earth would I spend that much time shaving? Well, a wet shave will provide a superior end result and, in my view, the prep and shaving process is very soothing and Zen-like (that is to say, its a wonderful, daily, experience).
There area a couple of things to note before you rush into wet shaving, however:
- It will take time for you to become an expert and you’ll probably be disappointed with the end result during the first 2-3 weeks of wet shaving. Cartridge razors found at drugstores are designed to remove as much hair as possible with one pass, this is not the case with a wet shave.
- Wet shaving requires an upfront investment in terms of equipment and time. The superior equipment you purchase should last a long period of time and the extra time you put into your shave will yield superior results. Over the long run, it’s much cheaper to invest in quality wet shave gear versus buying expensive and poorly engineered plastic blades.
Here are some great shaving resources on the web:
- Benefits/ROI of wet shaving and a quick tutorial from the editor of from John Kootze moderator at Badger and Blade forum.
- Mantic59 has the best wet shave videos on the web and you can find his blog here http://mantic59.blogspot.com
- Crabtree and Evelyn
- Classicshaving.com
- Hydrolast Products
Awesome in-depth article about wet shaving! You covered everything you need to know without too much fluff. Buying the equipment takes a bit more research, but you mentioned some great products.
I use a Merkur Hefty (I think that’s what it’s called) double edge safety razor, Taylor of Old Bond Street Shaving Cream (Almond or Avocado), and a badger hair shaving brush. I was using the Merkur blades, but recently got some Feather blades and love them.
If you’re too scared of sticking a razor blade against your skin, just try the badger hair brush and some quality shaving cream (not from the cans). It’ll make a pretty big difference and you’ll soon be wanting to try full-fledged wet shaving, razor blades and all.
Great article, Vince!
Great article! And thanks for the shout-out!
Different people have different styles of shaving. No matter your styles are different but if you are doing shaving in proper way then you can see the perfect shaving on your face.
I am impressed with your shaving equipments! Merkur razors are really the best. Merkur razors permit a close shave while still offering maximum protection from razor burn.
great lookin blog here 🙂
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The great post on your blog, it really gives me an insight on this topic.
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I will never forget when my son became fixated on shaving with a straight razor .. UGH! He has since (at 25 y/o) become quite proficient at the art.
It takes a while to perfect! Glad he stuck with it!
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Italian style is one of the best 🙂 Great article Vincent.
I guess we have the same review about Edwin Jagger, I even choose is as one of the best Safety Razors, here is the link to have a look at it http://bestelectricshaver.ca/whats-the-best-safety-razor/
Keep up the good work.