Mini essay on using double edged blades to shave (you know, the ones that people smuggle into prisons in their mouths in movies).
Being sick at home a lot I've managed to work out how to shave using a double edged razor without looking like a crime scene. Steps below are how to do it while being ultra paranoid to not get cut up, get razor burn or get shaving pimples. Perhaps a bit of overkill on that front, but it works.
It's also obviously focusing on using cheap brands. BTW using double edged razors is like a few cents a blade, so heaps cheaper than disposable or cartridge razors, and work heaps better too. Plus no plastic.
(BTW I used to use an electric rotary razor - recently learned you can sharpen the blades using brasso and a mirror. If you have a wet and dry use a shaving cream like King of shaves brand, and you can use the witch hazel and balm etc below to stop rash)
Shopping list:
Step 1: Buy a razor (handle) - this can cost a fortune, or you can get a mingshi from AliExpress. EDIT:. Perhaps not the best for beginners - review. Try a weishi razor instead - review. I'm going to get one for quick shave days. Thanks OZB AI.
Step 2: Get blades. I got Astra SP blades but would probably buy Gillette Nacet instead - about twice the price, but meant to be easier on the face. Pick one type of blade and keep using it until you learn to shave cleanly.
Step 3: Proraso red shaving cream
Step 4: Buy a (profanity) cheap shaving brush like this or this. Will shed all over you. Try yaqi store on AliExpress for a step up. Or get a better brush if you got the cash.
Step 5: Buy a crystalised aluminium block (alum block). I just bought a crystal deodorant stick from a chemist like this one. This stuff is great, stops mozzie itching too - same basic ingredient as Stingos.
Step 6: Get a styptic pencil - same stuff as the alum block, but more concentrated to stop bad cuts bleeding.
Step 7: Get some witch hazel. This cheap stuff smells (profanity), but the smell goes away pretty quickly.
Step 8: Get some kind of post shave moisturising balm, like this or [this] (https://www.chemistwarehouse.com.au/buy/31812/Nivea-for-Men-…)
The process:
- Wash face in warm water, put warm water on brush
- Put about 2cm of shaving cream on brush and work it over face.(It's important that your beard absorbs the water and cream, so good to shave after a shower or wait a bit after you put the cream on)
- Set razor to setting 3 or 4, shave at about a 30 degree angle. Go with the grain in very short strokes a rinse the blade regularly. Don't try too hard to get it smooth initially. Only shave once until you are used to it. When you are used to it, can try doing multiple shaves or going against the grain to get it smoother. Take your time.
- Wash face in warm water to clean
- Wash face in cold water (closes up cuts and reduces rash)
- Dry face.
- Wet the alum block or crystal deodorant and give your face a once over - again, closes cuts and reduces rash.
- If you have any bleeders, use the styptic stick (wet the top, rub on cut)
- Splash witch hazel over face (closes cuts, reduces rash, plus cleans the face to help prevent shaving pimples)
- Put on shaving balm (reduces shaving rash)
Don't use hot water, use warm water to avoid leaving your skin parched.