For those paying attention, I posted last week about my new shaving regime using a traditional DE (double edge) razor.  It’s actually going OK. The first shave was “interesting “and I ended up with quite a few cuts and a lot of blood. However it’s actually really enjoyable. I’m still working on my technique and it’s nowhere near perfect yet, but it’s far more enjoyable than standard shaving with nasty gel and a Gillette Mach 3.

My total shave time has now gone from 5 minutes to around 20. Here’s what I do:

• Wash face with hot water and face scrub to soften the hairs in preparation for the shave
• Using a dollop of this Taylors of Bond Street cream I whip up a lather in a mug using the shaving brush. This takes a couple of minutes to get just frothy and creamy enough.
• Then first application of the shaving cream/foam to the face using the brush. Takes a couple of minutes to get it all over the face just right. You have to take your time and do it in a certain way so all the hairs are prepared just right for…
• The first pass with the razor.
• Then rinse off the face and
• The next layer of foam with the brush, again it takes a couple of minutes
• Then shave again, this time going from left to right instead of downwards
• Then rinse off again and re-lather
• Shave again, this time getting all the bits I missed
• Rinse with cool water then rub an alum block all over my face – it closes the pores and acts as an antiseptic. And it stings!
• Use a styptic pencil if I have cut myself to stop the bleeding
• Apply organic, natural aftershave balm

So you can see, it’s not exactly a quick process but it’s far more involved and enjoyable than a “normal” shave!