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GETTING STARTED IN WET SHAVING ON THE CHEAP
The thought occurs to me that some would like to get started in wet shaving but are deterred by uncertainty what to buy, expense, and reticence to order over the Internet.
To get those people introduced to the benefits of wet shaving cheaply (less than $10.00), quickly (today), and locally (available in your neighborhood), I offer these suggestions.
RAZORS.
One of the principles of wet shaving, as promoted by Badger and Blade, is the single-blade razor. The advantages are avoiding the expense, irritation, and illogic of multiblade razors. Choices in single-blade razors are largely limited to double-edge razors and Bic Sensitive disposables.
Before investing in or ordering a double-edge razor, I suggest buying a package of Bic Sensitive disposables. A package of a dozen at Wal-Mart costs less than $2.50; with gratis two or three razors in the bag, the unit cost is less than 20 cents.
If you can get past their inexpensive appearance and evaluate them for what they are, you may appreciate, as I do, that they are fine shaving instruments. Ive never had a bad one. Its easy to find the correct angle. They last; I have a fairly heavy beard and I can get a weeks shave from one.
They have other advantages. Im klutzy and frequently slice myself loading and unloading double-edge razors; the problem is avoided with Bic Sensitives. Bics may be taken in carry-on airplane luggage; double-edge blades cant.
SHAVING CREAMS.
There is an intimidating availability of shaving creams, soaps, and oils. If you want to get started on the cheap, I have a suggestion. Choose from one of these three: Toms of Maine (check tomsofmaine.com for a store near you), C. O. Bigelow at Bath & Body Works (bathandbodyworks.com), or, for Canadians, Florena. Dont agonize over which to buy; theyre all good and they all cost less than $7.00. Just choose the one thats easiest for you to acquire.
PREPARATION.
Preparation is paramount. Wet whiskers are softer and easier to cut than dry whiskers. It takes three minutes to saturate whiskers. You can use a wet terrycloth washcloth (flannel) with or without soap and gently rub your beard area. The abrasion of the washcloth may also lift hairs that tend to become ingrown. With winter and dry skin, you can omit the soap or use it only on the first pass.
BRUSHES.
You dont need one to get started. I anticipate a lot of disagreement on this point. Nevertheless, just squeeze a half-inch of cream on the palmar surfaces of your wet fingers and rub the fingers of your hands against each other; youll soon build an acceptable lather which can then be augmented by rubbing your fingers on your face and adding water by repeatedly wetting your fingers.
TECHNIQUE.
Limit yourself to a single with-the-grain pass. Know why youre making each stroke and make each stroke count. Dont go over the same area more than once and never go against-the-grain. It takes discipline not to take extra strokes and not to go against-the-grain, but youll learn good technique faster if you limit yourself. You can take care of those missed areas tomorrow.
Rinse thoroughly and thats pretty much it.
AFTERSHAVE BALMS.
If you find you need an aftershave balm, use whatever is around the house. I use the complimentary white lotion I pick up in motel rooms.
PROLEPTIC RESPONSES.
My suggestions probably represent a minority opinion of the members of the board. You wont have the gratification of holding a finely crafted metal double-edge razor. You wont have the luxury and satisfaction of building lather with a badger brush. But you will get better shaves than you previously did, your face will feel healthier, youll save money, and you have a lifetime to indulge in the acquisition disorders that are endemic to members of the fraternity.
GOOD LUCK AND HAPPY SHAVING.