Badger & blade: the classy way to shave
All of a sudden, I have developed a weird desire to learn the gentlemanly arts. Before this year, I didn't have the slightest interest in Windsor knot-tying or pocket squares. Now I feel like the height of sophistication would be to come home from work, put a jazz LP on the hi-fi, change in to my smoking jacket, and mix myself a cocktail at the wet bar.
In that vein, I introduce the new allure of vintage masculinity. John Koontz wrote a compelling guest post on Zen Habits, in which he advocates reclaiming the ritual of shaving with a double-edge razor. He provides a list of 5 purported benefits; the most compelling of which, to me, is that "it's fun!" There's also a brief beginner's guide to wet shaving.
Almost as compelling as the tradition itself are the classic accoutrements of shaving. (Did you know that the bristles of a quality shaving brush are made of badger hair?) I am tempted to try it. Consider me intrigued.
6 comments:
It's not just fun, it's exhilarating. In high school I used to shave with a badger-hair brush and a straight blade. There's nothing like running that blade up your throat, hearing each hair cut free from its roots, and realizing you are millimeters away from certain death. It makes you feel like a man, but also very alive!
Actually I can identify with the gentlemanliness; I've been thinking a lot about it recently too. I made myself a gin & tonic one day. Are we growing up?
I was just thinking... will the badger hair brush be a problem for you as a vegetarian?
Only if I eat it.
If I were a vegan, however, I would have to go with a synthetic brush.
I can testify that my daily shaving routine went from a hassle to an indulgence when I started using the right tools and products.
I have not yet gone down the double blade/safety razor route, but I'm considering giving it a try.
Cool post as for me. It would be great to read a bit more concerning that matter.
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Shaving using the straight razors or double edge razors means giving myself the closest shave possible with less nicks and cuts. Thanks for sharing!
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