How I Shave

Some sixty years ago, I had took great pleasure watching my dad shave and I’m sure that’s why I use some of those same technics today, sorta’ like he passed his skill down to me. This so called, ‘rite of passage’, seems to be all but lost in today’s society.

How did you shave this morning? Did you use an electric razor, or a trusty blade – single edge or double edge? Today we have a variety of ways to remove the stubble that’s grown since we last subjected our faces to the rigors of shaving. Ahhh, that glorious time we set aside for shaving; and how long does it normally require in your case? Maybe I should not remain such a chauvinist referring only to the male species because now a days many women have to likewise set aside time for the arduous task of unwanted hair removal from delicate areas of their bodies.

Today we find we have more options than ever before to remove this stubble. Likewise there are many brands of electrical or battery devises that curve, roll or glide across the skin while under a very thin layer of foil or metal usually small blades moving back and forth or in a rotary fashion clip the hair off at the surface of the skin, I know, some even claim to remove the hair below the surface, but really… (this could be the subject of another hub) Suffice it to say we all must be satisfied with hair removal at the surface before we even attempt to remove it from below the surface of the skin and our attention here is with the use of instruments and devises rather than crèmes, jellies or other methods that claim to dissolve or cream away the unwanted hair.

The skin… something needs to be said here about our skin; that durable organ that covers our bodies and holds everything essential to our well-being, neatly inside. Now I hope everyone reading this has at least a thin layer and when it comes to shaving I realize some have a ‘thinner layer’ than others. Now this skin; why do we treat this micro thin layer of membrane so rough and abusively that we scrub and cleanse it, then apply a drying soapy lather or a drying alcohol to the surface and then scrap a dulling blade(s) across it hurriedly looking at the foggy mirror while glancing up at the clock realizing we have exceeded the time allotted and while picking up the pace, we suddenly notice a thin red line at first, then as it grows larger we exclaim, “Oh, no, that’s all I need right now…” and we quickly reach for the styptic pencil.

Hey, we’ve all been there and done that I suppose. All razor companies claim to be the best - plus, their products are the easiest on the skin and the safest to use; so say those that make the products placed before us. After all, it’s the American way, right- the claims often made don’t have to be 100% true all the time; I mean, we all can ‘fudge’ a little, here and there. Everyone else does, just watch your TV commercials sometime - they all can’t be right.

So here we are! Unless we are just starting to shave we are probably using a method that we have become accustomed to over the years. Not saying that we couldn’t be convinced otherwise if someone cared enough to persuade us. I must say, I’ve tried most every razor imaginable I believe, from the single edge, the double edge, the disposable with one, two and three blades (I think they’re up to five now), electric, wet/dry – you name it, I’ve tried it. But I think I’ve finally found the answer to a clean, comfortable shave without all that fancy stuff and ultra-modern equipment meant to entice us that we see each day on TV. I just make shaving a part of my shower. Let me explain. After I shower, I shave - while still in the shower.

I use an old Gillette adjustable razor, like the one first issued to me at boot camp almost fifty years ago. Also handmade shaving soap and stainless steel blades that are made in Israel ordered off eBay, an old Old Spice mug and a good shaving brush. After my warm shower, I lather up and shave. I shave down and then I shave up. The warm steam in the shower and having showered first has softened up my beard real good and I can use that old double edge blade a week or better before I have to change it for a fresh one. I very seldom nick myself anymore so I don’t need a styptic pencil. How do I see what I’m doing you ask, oh, I ask my wife for an old compact after she was through with it some ten or twelve years ago and it fits nicely on top of the shower stall. As I look up to see my little compact mirror, the light in the bathroom illuminates my face and neck so I don’t have to do that little thing we men do as we look straight ahead into the wall mirror or medicine cabinet to see our neck or under our chin.

Now you might be saying, that’s fine for you but I…, I know, I know – and you’re right, the proof is in the feelin’. So all I got to say is, my wife sure ain’t complainin’…

© 2011 SamSonS