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  • So You Want to Be a Wet Shaver?
    June 16, 2014 Mike Sandoval

    So You Want to Be a Wet Shaver?

    The most common question we get from Shaving 101 readers has always been, “Where do I start?”  Having published many reviews of various brushes, razors, blades, and accessories, we easily see how someone taking his first steps in traditional shaving can quickly get overwhelmed with the choice of products on the market today.  On the other hand, with the recent resurgence of interest in traditional shaving, many high-quality and economically priced products have appeared.  There are more traditional shaving products available today than since the use of the double edge razor tapered off in the 1970s.  Rather than focusing on one particular piece of the equation, this article presents an overview of what goes into your first shaving setup and what you need to take into consideration for your own needs.

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  • Make Shaving Not Suck
    July 2, 2013 Mike Sandoval

    Make Shaving Not Suck

    This article by Shaving 101’s Mike Sandoval is featured in the July 2013 issue of Cigar Advisor Magazine. The article describes the problems with modern cartridge razors and aerosol creams, and why many men are caught in a vicious cycle of shaves that suck. Mike encourages men to go old school: use a double edge safety razor for a comfortable and enjoyable shave. He also describes the benefits of using a shaving brush to get a closer shave and softer skin. He also explains that traditional shaving is a fun hobby -- particularly for cigar enthusiasts -- because collecting tobacco accessories and shaving accessories are very similar with vintage and new gadgets, and products that are available in many different styles and scents. 

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  • Technology's Curse: The Pivot Head
    March 14, 2012 Mike Sandoval

    Technology's Curse: The Pivot Head

    By today’s modern standards, traditional shaving can appear complicated. Lather must be created with cream, brush, and bowl instead of the push of a button on an aerosol can. Similarly a traditional wetshaver has to master important variables, such as angle and pressure, which modern cartridge razors remove from the equation. Because they are widely available and most of us learned to shave with these convenient products, many men developed lazy habits that hinder their results with traditional products.  This article helps new wetshavers more easily transition from mass-market cartridges to the enjoyment of traditional shaving.

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  • Double Edge Razor Blades: Troubleshooting
    June 30, 2011 Mike Sandoval

    Double Edge Razor Blades: Troubleshooting

    The double edge razor blade is a simple piece of steel with two cutting edges, one on each side of the blade. It mounts into a traditional safety razor and provides a close shave. Despite this straight-forward concept, there remains a lot of confusion about blades in general. How long do they last? How do you choose the right one? What is the safest way to store them? This article discusses double edge blades and answers some of the most frequently asked questions about them.

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  • Wet Shaving While Traveling
    February 21, 2011 Mike Sandoval

    Wet Shaving While Traveling

    Just because you are away from the comforts of home does not mean that you have to go without an enjoyable shave. Despite the minor inconveniences of airport security or lack of space in your suitcase, there are many popular traditional shaving products that are either designed for travel or have sturdy and compact packaging that make them smart choices. This article offers some tips and suggestions on traveling with your favorite wet shaving gear.

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  • How to Hold a Safety Razor
    November 25, 2010 Mike Sandoval

    How to Hold a Safety Razor

    For those who are moving from a mass-market multi-blade razor to a traditional safety razor, they will immediately notice that the cutting angle of a double-edge razor is much different than cartridge or disposable razors.  The safety razor does not have a pivoting head, and the weight and balance of the all-steel constructed double-edge razor requires a different grip in order to maintain the correct pressure of the blade against the skin.  This article demonstrates the correct way to hold a double-edge safety razor to achieve the proper angle and comfortable shave.

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  • Types of Safety Razors
    November 22, 2010 Mike Sandoval

    Types of Safety Razors

    Frustrated by his dull straight razor, King Gillette envisioned an inexpensive, double-edge blade that could be affixed to a handle, used until it was dull, and then discarded. His dream became a reality when the first modern safety razor was patented and mass produced in 1904. Since that time, the basic designs of the safety razor have remained relatively unchanged. Although the materials and craftsmanship have varied over the years, there are still only a few basic designs of safety razors. This article describes the three types of double-edge safety razors as well as the benefits and drawbacks of each design.

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  • The Benefits of Traditional Wet Shaving
    October 14, 2010 Mike Sandoval

    The Benefits of Traditional Wet Shaving

    In April 2010, Money Magazine published a short article on the frugality of traditional wet shaving. This feature, while helpful in bringing the national spotlight to the benefits of wet shaving, failed to mention many facts. It's important to look at the monetary costs as well as other costs that cannot be quantified. Despite the celebrity endorsements and high-dollar marketing campaigns, men are turning away from disposable razors and returning to old-school products. This article explains the costs and benefits, and explores mass-market shaving vs. traditional wet shaving from a financial and personal perspective.

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  • The Myths of Method Shaving
    September 15, 2010 Mike Sandoval

    The Myths of Method Shaving

    Charles Roberts, the creator of Method Shaving and the Hydrolast brand, spent countless hours writing lengthy and in-depth documentation, which many critics argue makes the process too complicated, too time consuming, and too expensive. Most of these critics, however, have never tried the system and have encouraged a lot of skepticism and inaccurate assumptions. Set aside the lingo, documentation, and eccentric personalities, and you'll see that the basics of Method Shaving are straight forward and highly effective. This article addresses these assumptions and disproves common myths about Method Shaving.

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  • A Test in Patience: Teaching Your Teen to Shave
    July 16, 2010 Mike Sandoval

    A Test in Patience: Teaching Your Teen to Shave

    Like many men, I had to learn how to shave on my own when I was a teenager. I clearly remember staring into the bathroom mirror with a can of cream in one hand and plastic razor in the other, having no idea what I was about to do. My son was 12 when we decided that he could no longer go to school with his wirey whiskers and lengthening sideburns. Introducing my son to shaving was a great father-son moment, and a good exercise in patience and communication for me. He is now 13 and shaves about once or twice a week under supervision. I'm proud that I was able to give him a positive introduction to a task that he can enjoy for the rest of his life.

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  • Feather All Stainless Razor
    May 5, 2010 Mike Sandoval

    Feather All Stainless Razor

    The new Feather All Stainless safety razor is probably the most beautifully crafted razor I have ever seen. Quality is nothing new for Feather, the Japanese favorite famous for its Hi Stainless double edge blades and the Artist Club disposable straight razor system. These are among the highest quality and quite possibly the sharpest instruments that any shaver will ever encounter. Feather's newest razor breaks the mold of traditional double edge safety razors and raises the bar for design, cutting angle, packaging, and -- of course -- price.

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  • Choosing the Right Blade
    February 28, 2009 Mike Sandoval

    Choosing the Right Blade

    After the first challenge of selecting the appropriate razor for your wet shaving setup, then the question of which blade comes in to play. With the increased popularity of traditional wet shaving over the past few years, many different brands of double edge razor blades from different parts of the world have become readily available. While most are perfectly capable of performing the basic duty of cutting through hair, there are differences in each blade that have be taken into consideration.

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