Hello folks!
Quick introduction and a few questions. About 2 months ago, my mother found my grandfather’s old shaving kit. She was going to throw it away but asked if I wanted it. Of course, I did!! I remember watching him shave with that kit when I was a kid. I never picked up on his shaving routine though. I used to think that putting that much effort into shaving was a waste of time. Yes, for the past 41 years I’ve been doing it all wrong. Anyway, my grandfather passed away in 1979. This ‘lil kit has been hibernating for 44 years and inside the cracked, worn leather I found an old Gillette, a box of blades (surprisingly not corroded), a brush that the bristles all fell out when I picked it up, a empty bottle of Acqua di Parma Colonia and a small round tin that I guess held his soap. I was stoked, to say the least and the contents of the kit got my curiosity. So, I jumped on the internet and began a search. I didn’t know what I was searching for but, found a plethora of information on straight razors and shaving. I had no idea that these things still existed (safety razors).
Fast forward to today… I have found my “Happy Place”, and that’s in my bathroom every morning, using the exact same razor that my Pop-Pop used some 44 years ago. I had no idea that shaving the RIGHT way was so satisfying. I admit that my routine is not perfect, in fact, I have the nicks and cuts on my face to prove it! But it is no longer considered a waste of time. It is in fact, the most favorite part of my day and in time I will have my routine and technique just right… especially with the vibes and memories of my grandfather with me.
Now for the questions. I’m really enjoying my grandfather’s razor but, I find myself getting a bit nervous using it because I don’t want anything to happen to it. I know, I know… it’s not going to break but, I’m still nervous about it. I want to purchase another razor but, in my opinion… there’s far too many to choose from. I’m looking at spending $50 - $100. I have big hands, so nothing small. I want good quality and craftmanship. Suggestions?
Open/Closed comb. What’s the difference between the two? I currently, and most likely will not be growing a beard. Mustache from time to time but no beard.
Disinfectant/sanitizer. What do you use for sanitizing your razors? Currently I just rinse it in hot water and pour rubbing alcohol over it. Should I be using something else? Do you leave your blade in the razor until the next shave, or do you take it out?
Brushes. I was rather frustrated shopping for shave gear. None of the brick & mortar stores around carry anything regarding traditional shaving. I finally found a brush at Wal-Mart for $4.99. It works but I don’t like it. It’s way too stiff. I’d like something a lot softer. Suggestions?
Blades. Again… way too many. The only one’s I found were at the CVS drug store… Gillette. They seem to irritate my skin a bit but, I have nothing to compare them too. My skin leans more to the sensitive side. Suggestions? I’m thinking of buying a sample pack and seeing what works best.
That’s about it for now. Not quite the “quick” introduction that I started out with… guess my excitement got ahead of me. I’m just getting started, so I’m sure that I’ll have more questions. Thanks in advance for the advice and knowledge that you can lend me. It will be much appreciated.
Quick introduction and a few questions. About 2 months ago, my mother found my grandfather’s old shaving kit. She was going to throw it away but asked if I wanted it. Of course, I did!! I remember watching him shave with that kit when I was a kid. I never picked up on his shaving routine though. I used to think that putting that much effort into shaving was a waste of time. Yes, for the past 41 years I’ve been doing it all wrong. Anyway, my grandfather passed away in 1979. This ‘lil kit has been hibernating for 44 years and inside the cracked, worn leather I found an old Gillette, a box of blades (surprisingly not corroded), a brush that the bristles all fell out when I picked it up, a empty bottle of Acqua di Parma Colonia and a small round tin that I guess held his soap. I was stoked, to say the least and the contents of the kit got my curiosity. So, I jumped on the internet and began a search. I didn’t know what I was searching for but, found a plethora of information on straight razors and shaving. I had no idea that these things still existed (safety razors).
Fast forward to today… I have found my “Happy Place”, and that’s in my bathroom every morning, using the exact same razor that my Pop-Pop used some 44 years ago. I had no idea that shaving the RIGHT way was so satisfying. I admit that my routine is not perfect, in fact, I have the nicks and cuts on my face to prove it! But it is no longer considered a waste of time. It is in fact, the most favorite part of my day and in time I will have my routine and technique just right… especially with the vibes and memories of my grandfather with me.
Now for the questions. I’m really enjoying my grandfather’s razor but, I find myself getting a bit nervous using it because I don’t want anything to happen to it. I know, I know… it’s not going to break but, I’m still nervous about it. I want to purchase another razor but, in my opinion… there’s far too many to choose from. I’m looking at spending $50 - $100. I have big hands, so nothing small. I want good quality and craftmanship. Suggestions?
Open/Closed comb. What’s the difference between the two? I currently, and most likely will not be growing a beard. Mustache from time to time but no beard.
Disinfectant/sanitizer. What do you use for sanitizing your razors? Currently I just rinse it in hot water and pour rubbing alcohol over it. Should I be using something else? Do you leave your blade in the razor until the next shave, or do you take it out?
Brushes. I was rather frustrated shopping for shave gear. None of the brick & mortar stores around carry anything regarding traditional shaving. I finally found a brush at Wal-Mart for $4.99. It works but I don’t like it. It’s way too stiff. I’d like something a lot softer. Suggestions?
Blades. Again… way too many. The only one’s I found were at the CVS drug store… Gillette. They seem to irritate my skin a bit but, I have nothing to compare them too. My skin leans more to the sensitive side. Suggestions? I’m thinking of buying a sample pack and seeing what works best.
That’s about it for now. Not quite the “quick” introduction that I started out with… guess my excitement got ahead of me. I’m just getting started, so I’m sure that I’ll have more questions. Thanks in advance for the advice and knowledge that you can lend me. It will be much appreciated.
