Men desire a close shave and in fact are in a constant quest for better, more effective ways of getting that stubble off their faces. Just by following any one of the principles outlined below, you will get a closer shave. Follow all three and you will get the closest shave possible with a cartridge razor in the comfort of your own home.
The closer the better is the rule, yet problems such as a difficult beard, razor burn, and ingrown hairs often hinder a truly close shave. The following technique follows three primary principles; sharp blade, hot lather, and a cold razor.
Use A Sharp Razor
Razor blade companies spend millions developing new and better razors and claim there are valid scientific principles behind these developments. Whether true or not, the prices have risen. Razor companies offer good deals on the razors themselves, but purchasing replacement blades is quite expensive. Unfortunately, a good sharp blade is essential to a really close shave, and new blades dull rather quickly.
There is a possible solution to a dull blade. Purchase a razor blade sharpener, now available online for about $10.00, including shipping and handling. Many people use them and individual reviews of them on the Internet give them mixed endorsements. It seems clear that more damage may be done to the blade if the directions are not followed exactly, so use them cautiously.
Hot Lather is Best
Hot lather softens the beard, setting the stage for a superior shave, and hot lather can be achieved without purchasing a special machine. Ideally, use a badger bristle shaving brush with a shaving cup and shaving soap, but a regular shaving brush will do. Find them at large chain pharmacies for less than $20.00. To substitute, use a coffee mug, soft paint brush, and gel shaving cream.
Wet the brush with hot water from the faucet and lather up the mug of soap. Apply a thick coat of the lather to the face or shaving area. Then hold the brush under running hot water again, fling the brush out once to release some of the water, and use it as hot as possible to work in the lather. The facial area is now covered in hot lather.
A Cold Blade is Sharper
Razor blades, even new ones, have tiny microscopic jags and a certain lack of smoothness. Heated metal expands, so when a razor blade is placed under hot running water, the blade expands, further emphasizing the jags and nicks, making the blade duller. Conversely, running the blade under cold water has the opposite effect; the blade contracts making the blade actually sharper since the jags and nicks come closer together. This in fact is the most important aspect of a truly close shave.
Shave, holding the blade under cold running water between every stroke. When finished, splash warm water on your face, then follow with cool water to close the pores. Apply aftershave as usual.
Steps to Achieving a Close Shave
- Use a sharp razor.
- Make a lather in a shaving cup with a brush and hot water.
- Apply liberally to face.
- Hold the brush under hot water again, shake it once, and work the lather into the face with the hot brush.
- Hold the blade under cold water and shave. Repeat for every stroke.
- Splash face with warm water, followed by cool.
- Apply aftershave.
Following this method will truly give you the closest shave with a cartridge possible.
Christopher T. Reilly - Hello. I have been a professional writer for 25 years with experience that encompasses articles, essays, websites, Internet content, stage ...
Join the Conversation