Monday, February 19, 2007

Shaving a religion?

My barber is one of the few in Toronto that

still uses a straight razor. 

"Once these guys realize they can switch and in most cases alleviate those skin problems, some of them are almost in tears. It has actually changed some people's lives," Lubrano said.

Joel Ferman also converted because he was "absolutely miserable," his skin red and irritated. He has become a collector in his quest to try blades, and now owns 150 straight razors.

He also runs BadgerAndBlade.com, the largest online forum for wet shaving. After a year in operation, the site gets 200,000 to 300,000 hits per day, Ferman said.

The forum has helped foster a subculture of straight-razor enthusiasts that sometimes borders on religious.

Source: The lure of the straight razor

 

More tips.

Shave after your shower or soften your whiskers with a hot, wet towel for a minute or two before getting started. Apply shaving cream.

Angle the blade 30 degrees away from the face. NEVER slice it across your skin, and try not to use pressure. Also, watch your fingers.

When you're done, dry off the blade with a few strokes on the leather or by stropping it lightly a few times on a towel. Rinse your face with cold water and apply a gentle after-shave appropriate for your skin.

For more information

www.badgerandblade.com

www.classicshaving.com

www.straightrazorplace.com

www.uniclectica.com/conserva/ razor1.html