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.

Two years ago I tested the Parker 91R and gave it a less-than-favorable review. The obvious flaws in craftsmanship led me to steer clear of Parker razors for a while. Despite my negative comments, Parker has continued to gain in popularity among shavers, particularly those looking for affordable alternatives to German-made safety razors. I'm open-minded and I don't carry a grudge; I'm giving Parker another chance.

Hair shedding – the phrase alone is enough to enrage a badger shaving brush owner. I recently contacted several of the most respected shaving brush manufacturers in the world and asked them about their return policies. This article offers some insight about normal vs. abnormal brush shedding and address common misunderstandings. Recognizing the causes of shedding can help you know when to contact your retailer and how to keep your shaving brush looking brand new for years.

G.B. Kent & Sons was first issued a Royal Warrant by King George III and boasts an unbroken tradition of quality by the granting of Royal Warrants for nine reigns. The BK series comprises some of the highest quality silvertip brushes available anywhere in the world. I have shaved with Kent brushes before, but the BK4's felt-lined red presentation case packed a few surprises.

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.

One of the more talked-about razors to come around in a long time, the PILS DE razor has sparked a lot of questions, mostly concerning the incredible price unseen in a long time. Is it worth it? What does it feel like? Does it shave well? Ken, have you gone off your medication again? All these questions will be answered! (Except maybe that last one.)