Stumbled onto this publication from 1905 titled "Shaving made easy; what the man who shaves ought to know ..." that is in the Library of Congress. (Links below)
Interesting piece of history that covers all aspects of shaving as known then. Some takeaways:
One odd perspective in the manual is that the purpose of the soap is to stiffen, not soften, the beard. "A wrong idea prevails regarding the use of the soap. The popular impression is that the soap is used for the purpose of softening the beard, in which condition it is supposed to be most easily cut. This is a mistake. The soap is used, not to soften the beard, but to produce exactly the opposite effect—namely, to make the hair stiff and brittle, so that they will present a firm and resisting surface to the razor."[Pg 51] Never heard of this perspective before as it's contrary to all of the more recent research that is out there. Wonder what the basis was?
The straight razor shaving tips may be of use to those who use one. Definitely an interesting read to understand shaving from almost 120 years ago. Enjoy!
Library of Congress link (allows for a pdf download):
Shaving made easy; what the man who shaves ought to know ... - https://www.loc.gov/item/06005154/
Project Gutenberg link for easy web viewing:
Interesting piece of history that covers all aspects of shaving as known then. Some takeaways:
- This is pre-DE so it only covers straight razors with lots of details on shaving approach. Found it interesting that this DIY shaving manual was published back then when many went to a barber for their shave.
- Presumption that the only other equipment (beyond strops & hones for the straight razor) used was a brush, cup and shaving soap to generate lather as shaving cream (in a tube) was not invented until 1919 by an MIT professor.
- No recommended pre-shave actions prior to application of the lather. This is likely due to the perspective then that the purpose of the lather was to stiffen the beard, not soften it as we do today (see quote below)
- This manual recommends that the hard puck is bloomed in water for a few seconds before the brush is used to create lather directly on the puck in the shaving cup. As we've learned at B&B there is emphasis on getting the water soap ration correct.
- After applying lather with the brush the manual instructs that fingers be used to work the lather into the beard followed by another once-over with the brush
- Lots of emphasis on care of the face post-shave including options such as a hot towel after washing all lather from the face, application of witch hazel and a face massage. Wonder if the purpose of this was minimize risk of infection from straight razor cuts (instructions for care of cuts are also included)? This is the opposite of the cold water rinse we often use today.
- Focus was on a one or two pass shave only as follows: "If you desire a really clean shave, you must go over the face the second time. Strop the razor a few times before beginning. Lather the face as before, though it is unnecessary to rub the lather in with the fingers. Simply put it on with the brush."
One odd perspective in the manual is that the purpose of the soap is to stiffen, not soften, the beard. "A wrong idea prevails regarding the use of the soap. The popular impression is that the soap is used for the purpose of softening the beard, in which condition it is supposed to be most easily cut. This is a mistake. The soap is used, not to soften the beard, but to produce exactly the opposite effect—namely, to make the hair stiff and brittle, so that they will present a firm and resisting surface to the razor."[Pg 51] Never heard of this perspective before as it's contrary to all of the more recent research that is out there. Wonder what the basis was?
The straight razor shaving tips may be of use to those who use one. Definitely an interesting read to understand shaving from almost 120 years ago. Enjoy!
Library of Congress link (allows for a pdf download):
Shaving made easy; what the man who shaves ought to know ... - https://www.loc.gov/item/06005154/
Project Gutenberg link for easy web viewing: