Two things, maybe together over 100, but 1) a German made quality safety razor holder, and 2) a good badger bristle shaving brush. You can use and bar soap, or a little shampoo and a drop of conditioner in your palm to make shaving cream. Drastically lowers your plastic footprint from Big Soap disposable. I buy Japanese razors blades (Feather brand) = 1 week of shaves = about seven cents per shave. (Yes, I know about electric razors. Nothing like a blade for closeness.)
I second this, with the caveats that it doesn’t need to be German made (I’m quite happy with my Rockwell), and the brush doesn’t need to be badger. I prefer the stiffer horsehair, and I hear synthetic brushes have gotten quite good.
Actually, warm soapy water is a lubricant. There is a barber theory about the shaving brush: The bristles push water against the beard which keeps it wet and therefore the hairs stay softer and easier to cut. Can’t swear there’s any science to this theory, LOL. Just do what works, eh?
I don’t use it either, I use an electric razor, but
The foam will moisturize and add fat to your skin. It reduces skin irritation when using a razor - physical razor force which can irritate skin to various degrees.
If you don’t have any skin issues with just water, lucky I guess, must be very moist/fatted or robust skin, or very sharp razor with good technique. :)
The brush is for working up a lather with the bar soap. You can achieve the texture of shaving cream just using bar soap and a brush (and water obviously).
Two things, maybe together over 100, but 1) a German made quality safety razor holder, and 2) a good badger bristle shaving brush. You can use and bar soap, or a little shampoo and a drop of conditioner in your palm to make shaving cream. Drastically lowers your plastic footprint from Big Soap disposable. I buy Japanese razors blades (Feather brand) = 1 week of shaves = about seven cents per shave. (Yes, I know about electric razors. Nothing like a blade for closeness.)
I second this, with the caveats that it doesn’t need to be German made (I’m quite happy with my Rockwell), and the brush doesn’t need to be badger. I prefer the stiffer horsehair, and I hear synthetic brushes have gotten quite good.
As a man I’ve no idea what a shaving brush is for.
I used to just shave with a safety razor and warm water.
Now I have a beard so I just shave my neck and cheeks along with my head,
I’ll also use the same razor for like 2 months before I change it.
Never understood all the steps
Actually, warm soapy water is a lubricant. There is a barber theory about the shaving brush: The bristles push water against the beard which keeps it wet and therefore the hairs stay softer and easier to cut. Can’t swear there’s any science to this theory, LOL. Just do what works, eh?
I don’t use it either, I use an electric razor, but
The foam will moisturize and add fat to your skin. It reduces skin irritation when using a razor - physical razor force which can irritate skin to various degrees.
If you don’t have any skin issues with just water, lucky I guess, must be very moist/fatted or robust skin, or very sharp razor with good technique. :)
The brush is for working up a lather with the bar soap. You can achieve the texture of shaving cream just using bar soap and a brush (and water obviously).
But what’s the soap for?
The soap is the source of the lather. Shaving cream is literally a soap lather/foam. Loads and loads of microscopic bubbles.
But why, what’s its purpose? I’ve never used anything like that. Just water and haven’t had any issues
It lubricates the skin for a smoother shave!
…or else it gets the hose again!