What is “Wet-Shaving?”
The resurgence of wet-shaving in today’s high-tech world may leave a few people scratching their heads and asking, “What exactly is wet-shaving?” Wet-shaving is simply the term used to describe using water, a shaving soap or cream, a shaving brush, and a razor to shave. It’s the opposite of electric shaving.
Why use vintage shaving items to wet-shave?
For most of us already in the modern wet-shaving community, using adouble-edge (DE) or single-edge (SE) safety razor is a requirement. There are also those who prefer to turn back the clock even further and use a straight-edge razor. But why use vintage?
First, let’s talk about razors. Vintage razors offer something that today’s disposable razors can’t give: quality, craftsmanship and a connection with the past. When you hold a hefty metal safety razor, or fold open a vintage straight razor, there is no question that you are now in the driver’s seat to your shaving experience. These razors were made to last more than a lifetime, created out of heavy metals, plated in nickle or gold, or forged and shaped into existence. And besides the “cool” factor that comes with using vintage razors, using a single blade edge (as opposed to a multi-bladeshaving system) can help out dramatically with prevention of ingrown hairs, shaving irritation, and nicks.
Next comes the shaving brush. The pleasure of using a warm brush to build a comforting lather on your face is a far more enjoyable experience than smearing shaving gel out of a can across your beard. A great shaving brush allows the user to do three things: create a lather that is balanced in water/soap ratio, gently exfoliate the skin, and work the shaving lather into and around the hair follicles on your face. Most people notice an improved complexion and less irritation after incorporating a well made badger, boar or synthetic brush into their shaving routine.
The last element in the wet-shaving process is a well-made shaving soap or cream. The differences are really personal preference, so I suggest trying both. Either way you go, by creating your own lather you avoid the drying chemicals and propellants found in most canned shaving gel or foam. The lather created with your own brush and soap hydrates your skin, and adds to the general benefits of wet-shaving for your beard and complexion.
Are vintage safety and straight razors sanitary and safe to use?
The short answer is “yes.” If you find one that looks like it hasn’t been cleaned up and restored yet, its best to use some dish-soap, warm water, and plenty of elbow grease with an old toothbrush to clean around the surfaces. When you’re done, pour a little rubbing alcohol on it for good measure. That’s it- now the razor metal is cleaner than most surfaces in a kitchen!
When you purchase razors from our site, rest assured that besides these precautions, we also put all shavers through an ultra-sonic cleaner and Barbasol before arriving to you. These extra measures makes our razors practically as clean and sterile as surgical instruments.
What do I need to start this vintage wet-shaving hobby?
The nice thing is that taking your shaving experience back in time and going “vintage” can be quite easy. There are only three real requirements:
- A quality safety razor (and blades) or straight razor
- A shaving brush and a soap or cream
- Time, patience & experimentation
With these three things, you can get started today with vintage wet-shaving. Sure there are more accessories and elements to “going vintage” than this, but they come with time.
