Learning Center
Learning about wet-shaving concepts and techniques doesn't have to be hard or take countless hours researching online. Razor Emporium is committed to educating and empowering new and experienced shavers with essential information that will make this hobby more enjoyable.
Get A Great Shave
If you’ve never used a vintage razor and shaving brush, you may be unfamiliar with how to get started. Worry not, it’s easier than you think.
1. Wash Up
Start by rinsing your face with water. Water is what makes this “wet” shaving; providing hydration to your beard is key to a good shave. Most people enjoy warm water to open pores and soften the hair.
2. Create Your Lather
Using your shaving brush, mix water and shaving soap or cream together to create a lather. The important trick here is to make a hydrated lather that is not too runny or dry. Work the brush and soap vigorously into your beard using circular motions, avoiding a “painting” stroke. The job of a brush is to not simply apply, but to build the shaving lather into and around your hair follicles.
3. Start Shaving
Whether you’re using a safety razor or a straight razor, the two most important factors are angle and pressure. With a vintage razor, there is no flexible head that contours to your face; you must find the right shaving angle (usually between 20-30 degrees). The other variable to keep in mind is pressure. Because most of us have formed bad habits from modern cartridge razors, you must keep in mind that the weight of the razor does the work. In addition, lathering up several times and completing “passes” across your beard will get it the smoothest. Using with-the-grain,across-the-grain and against-the-grain strokes, you can achieve a close shave while minimizing irritation.
4. Clean Up
It’s that simple! When you’re done shaving, rinse your face with cool water to help close pores and sooth your skin. At this point, apply either a shaving balm, after shave, or lotion to your face to help your face recover from the exfoliation the razor edge provides. If you’re prone to dry skin, avoid products that contain alcohol, as this can worsen the situation.
Video Tutorials
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Safety Razor Basics
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Angle & Pressure
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Straight Razor Basics
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Sensitive Skin & Cold Shaving
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Nicks and Cuts
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Stropping Lessons
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DIY Razor Restoration
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Storing & Sanitizing Razors
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Lady Shaving Tutorial
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Is My Razor Broke?
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Lather Science
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Cleaning & Sanitizing Brushes
Vintage Razor Rating Guide
Understanding the condition of vintage razors has never been easier. We've created a 5 tiered rating guide that should cover just about any safety or straight razor you come across.
Frequently Asked Questions
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?
Stropping is the process of “aligning” the extremely fine cutting edge of a straight razor before and after shaving. Since human facial hair is about as tough as copper wire of the same diameter, the cutting edge can be “sharp” but not comfortable to use. Stropping is similar to running a kitchen knife along the steel in your knife block before usage. This is how a blade is maintained.
Latigo leather comes from cowhide and has gained much popularity in the razor community lately. The tanning process involves both chemical and vegetable ingredients which yields a very pliable and supple leather. It is tumbled with natural fats and oils and thus builds up a waxy-like feel. The grain pattern on Latigo is broad and large so selecting flat sections to cut strops out of is crucial. When used in Strops, Latigo provides a high amount of draw- valuable feedback when perfecting your stropping technique. Care for with a cotton cloth and neatsfoot oil semi-annually.
Natural Horsehide comes from the sides of horses and has been the stropping material of choice for over 100 years. It is vegetable tanned and lightly tumbled, yielding a soft and supple feel without a waxy texture. The grain pattern of Horsehide is smaller than Latigo, however selecting pieces that are flat and without blemishes is very important. When used in strops, Horsehide will provide a medium amount of draw and expertly maintain the cutting edge of a straight razor. Some of the best care comes from simply rubbing the leather with your hands or fingers- your natural oils are perfect for this leather. Buff with a cotton cloth as needed.
Learn The Terms
Draw
The resistance of the leather against the steel of a straight blade. It is the feedback one feels when using a strop and is very much a personal preference whether more or less is desired. It is akin to the way a car “grips” the road.
Lap
One pass of a straight razor blade back and forth along a medium.
Honing
The process of uniformly removing metal from a straight razor blade to bring both sides together as close as possible. Honing is carried out with a series of natural or synthetic sharpening stones. This is how a blade is sharpened and should be done every 3-6 months or as the shaver requires to maintain comfort and performance.
Neatsfoot Oil
A great conditioner for leather products like baseball gloves and strops. Neatsfoot oil will keep leather soft and supple, prevent drying or cracking but also increases draw.
Pastes
Compounds added to either the canvas or leather side of a strop that increase its ability to maintain or sharpen the cutting edge of a straight razor. Some pastes can even take the place of regular honing on a sharpening stone.
