I didn't start until the late 60s, but I can definitely state that in the 50s my dad applied lather generously from an aerosol can only once at the start of the shave. After washing his face, of course. He used Gillette adjustables and Gillette blades from a dispenser. I remember both a Slim and then a Super Adjustable, stored in their flip top plastic cases. He kept up to date.
He didn't obsess about shaving but as a salesman he was trying for a closely shaven face. He did not limit himself to a strokes in a single direction. There was a styptic pencil close at hand but seldom used (I still have it). And aftershave, but no cologne.
The man of the 50s was exposed to a lot of shaving advertising. TV, magazines, newspapers. And shaving scenes in TV shows and movies. My dad did not formally introduce me (oldest son) to shaving. Or ever talk about it, really. With one small bathroom we guys all shared in the morning, I got to see a lot of shaving. I think he felt it would be easy enough for me to choose the gear I liked and pick up the technique.
He didn't obsess about shaving but as a salesman he was trying for a closely shaven face. He did not limit himself to a strokes in a single direction. There was a styptic pencil close at hand but seldom used (I still have it). And aftershave, but no cologne.
The man of the 50s was exposed to a lot of shaving advertising. TV, magazines, newspapers. And shaving scenes in TV shows and movies. My dad did not formally introduce me (oldest son) to shaving. Or ever talk about it, really. With one small bathroom we guys all shared in the morning, I got to see a lot of shaving. I think he felt it would be easy enough for me to choose the gear I liked and pick up the technique.