I’ve been wanting to try out an old-fashioned safety razor (similar to the one at the right) ever since I read somewhere that it gives a closer shave than disposables (even my beloved triple-blade Mach3). Men’s shaving gear has become a multi-million-dollar industry, with sites like The Art of Shaving catering to the swelling ranks of men who spend loads of money on skin care products. But I wasn’t willing to fork out $45 + S&H on a fancy new safety razor because I didn’t know if I’d like it or not. So, I’ve been periodically hunting for one at antique stores.
I finally found one in West Seattle the other day. Next, I needed double-edged blades, and I was surprised to find them at the regular ole corner drug store. One quick stop into the bath and body shop on University Ave. for a shaving brush later, and I was ready to lather up like it was 1929.
I was able to find everything I needed for my excursion into antiquated shaving practices much easier and much more cheaply than I had counted on. This, of course, meant that the actual practice of shaving would either not work as well as I hoped, or I would end up slicing my jugular.
But not so! Today, I withdrew the shining, deadly piece of stainless-steel from its case, screwed it into my new antique Gillette holder, liberally applied my Tom’s of Maine mint shaving cream over my beard, and gave my face a scrape.
The result: no blood … and no hair. I can’t say it’s the absolute smoothest shave I’ve had, but it’s pretty close to what my Mach3 can accomplish. The one difference is that I shaved only with the grain using my new razor whereas I have to shave both with and against the grain with the Mach3. Most shaving enthusiasts will tell you that it’s verboten to go against the grain (it’s bad for your follicles, or something) so maybe this will be a good thing for my face in the long term.
Comments
Guess what, Sonny Boy. Yah shudda ast me. In fact, any WOMAN my age could tell you all about safety razors. We grew up with them. I, your sainted mother shaved my legs and underarms with a safety razor for more years than I will admit. One more thing you may want to add to your shaving equipment is a styptic stick. It helps eliminate the little gobs of toilet paper sticking to your face when you nick yourself. I still have small scars on my ankle bones from run-ins with the good old safety razor. My motherly advise (which you never take anyway why do I waste my time)is BE CAREFUL or, better yet, stick with the Mach 3. I took your advise and invested in one 5 or 6 years ago.
Posted by: Your Mother | February 22, 2006 9:29 AM