Safety razorThe safety razor, first patented in 1890, was modified in 1901 by King Camp Gillette to include a double-edged blade that was both disposable and replaceable. In the 1960s, entirely disposable razors entered the market. In 2005, a five-bladed disposable razor made its debut. The recent "never needs replacing" Infinity" razor has been unanimously declared a complete failure. With cartridges, hairs can be cut too short or sliced off under the skin and grow painfully into the epidermis, instead of through it.
This extreme closeness is the cause of razor burn and ingrown hairs , especially for black men and those with sensitive skin. The 19th century double-edge safety razor is far from outdated. If you have sensitive skin or tend toward ingrown hairs, the tool with a replaceable double-edged blade may be just the thing for you. Benefits of a safety razor Hairs are cut at the skin's surface, rather than beneath it. Replaceable blades stay sharp three times longer than multi-blade cartridges and cost about 70% less. The blade has two sides so you can shave with both sides before replacing it. Disposing of a blade (instead of an entire plastic shaft and blade) decreases your environmental footprint. In addition, blades come in a small package as opposed to the oversized, wasteful package that surrounds cartridge razors. Double edge safety razors feature a bar or comb at the base of the blade, which provides much the same function as a multi-blade cartridge's microfin and "lubricating strip." This lubricating strip provides no actual benefit. It's a marketing gimmick to give the illusion of enhanced comfort and to justify the high sticker price. The angle and proximity of the blade can be adjusted until you find the most comfortable setting for your skin type. They're part of an old tradition - the rite of passage of fathers inducting sons into manhood. What you'll need A beard softened in a shower or by several minutes of holding a warm wet towel on your face A high quality lather produced by a shaving brush and a good shaving cream A double edged safety razor The right blade. The comfort and smoothness of the shave comes approximately 70% from the blade and only 30% from the razor. (With the right cutting technique on a well-lathered face and softened beard, a blade can last a week.) Note: - blades are a matter of personal preference. Buy sampler packs that include a variety of blades to find the one you like best. . The Procedure Let yourself wake up for a few minutes. This allows the swelling to go down (sleep causes faces to swell/get puffy) and to prepare you to handle a sharp instrument. Lather up with a really good shaving cream and a shaving brush. Keep the blade close to parallel on the skin being shaved, and maintain the angle over the changing contours of your face. Allow the weight of the razor to exert the pressure. A sharp razor glides over your face. If you push too hard, the result is razor burn as you remove the top layer of skin cells, if not more. If you find you have to press too hard, it is time for a new blade. Rinse the razor frequently in hot water. Keep strokes short. especially for coarse or thick beards. A thin beard permits long smooth strokes. A closer shave results from more passes, not more pressure.As you get more practice, this wont be necessary. Hold skin taut with your free hand and shave in the same direction as the hair growth. Go slowly. Note Make it habit to change your blade once a week, on a set day, so that it becomes part of your shaving routine. A quality double-edged blade will provide about a weeks worth of good shaves. Electric razors and the latest multiple-blade contraptions irritate the skin more than is necessary. The resulting close shave and healthy, good looking (and good smelling) skin from a straight or safety razor are worth the small amount of time it takes to learn how to use it. I think my life would be easier, he said, if I could just get my selves to agree on something. Story People
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