Shot, Shower, Shave

For Christmas in 2014, I bought Alan an array of tools for his newest endeavor-- safety razor shaving. He has since fallen in love with his little ritual, so I thought I'd share some information on the art of shaving, with his tips thrown in for color.

He always begins with a shot of something-- coffee or whiskey. Something that gets him nice and warm inside, depending on the time of day. Currently in rotation: Community Coffee Between Roast or Elijah Craig 12 year Bourbon.

The Equipment:

The Razor:   Parker 24-C Long Handle Barber-Style Open Comb Razor

The Brush:   Omega Chrome BeeHive Handle Synthetic Boar

The Blade:   Feather Stainless Steel

The Bowl:   Suis Generis Large Chrome Footed Shave Bowl

The Stand:   Suis Generis Full Moon Chrome Stand

The Suds:

There are two brands in heavy rotation in our bathroom: Barrister & Mann and Edwin Jagger

The Edwin Jagger stuff is Alan's favorite for pre-shave lotion and aftershave. In addition to aftershave, Alan also uses an alum block to seal his pores. The aftershave scent of choice is sandalwood.

Barrister & Mann makes great soaps. Alan's favorite scent is Leviathan, though it's a sadly "seasonal only" offering of fall.

The Technique:

A hot shower is essential to the best, most lasting shave. The skin needs time to loosen and the pores to open for best results. 

Apply pre-shave lotion thoroughly. "A little dab will do ya," says he. Wait a minute or two until your skin feels nice and prickly. Rinse with hot water. 

Put a thumbnail size piece of soap in the shave bowl. Wet the brush thoroughly, and beat the bowl like you're making scrambled eggs. A thick, unctuous mousse-like foam is what you're after. Apply to your face liberally.

Now the hard part-- practice makes perfect. Shave starting with your cheekbones and sideburns and work down. You want to move the razor initially WITH the grain of the hair, and then across the grain. Never, ever, against the grain (unless you are a tough-guy). 

"Always drink WITH the grain of the whiskey!"

Alan does two shaves-- one whole shave with the grain, and then another across the grain. Get to know the grain of your hair growth. Necks are hard, most always, and lead to nicks.

In case of the slip-up, keep a styptic nearby. Brand of choice-- My Nik is Sealed styptic pen (roll-on)

Rinse the brush and razor thoroughly and hang dry.

Wet the alum block, then glide gently across your face. Alum is a key ingredient in keeping pickles crisp, so in this case, we're using it to seal and close pores.

Rub a generous portion of after-shave lotion in between your hands to warm, then gently rub on your face, again trying to stay with the grain of hair-growth. Don't miss the neck!

That's it!

Follow up work: let your Honey glide her cheek along your freshly shorn one. Delightful!