The Fundamentals of Shaving

Before becoming a professional shaver, there are 3 basic things to understand.

Knowledge

Shaving is not rocket science but it is an art. There's a whole lot more to it than just plainly removing hair. People who see it like this are the ones often plagued with cuts, bruises, and other skin irritations. Deciding the level of reduction you want to achieve is usually the first step. Then proceed to wet shaving techniques and get it right. You should know the direction of your hair and shave along with it. If you are not familiar with the direction, leave your hair to grow for a while and carefully observe it.

Shaving Products

There are lots of shaving products available in the market today. The most important wants needed for a good shave include, a good DE razor, shaving creams/soaps/gel, shaving brush, after shaves, etc. While there are expensive shaving products out there, there are some inexpensive ones also. Don't get deceived that the more expensive, the better. There are less expensive products like those offered by Vikings Blade that still provide the same quality as others.

Practice

As we earlier stated, while it is not rocket science, there are many still getting it wrong. Spend time to practice quality shaving. You'll be amazed the degree of chance - positively - you can get when you know how to do it right. There's no shame in admitting you don't know how and learning how to do it effectively. Make shaving is an awesome experience rather than an unbearable chore.

Do Men and Women Shaving Creams Differ?

This is yet another follow up question from the ‘do men and women razors differ?’ While men grooming is often talked about a lot, we tend to forget that women too have hairs on the body that need shaving. So if the same techniques advised to men to shave are to be used by women, then it implies that they too will have similar products or something of the sort, right?

While men and women razors are similar but share a little difference, shaving creams is totally on another level. Basically, men and women have similar shaving creams with only having difference in smell and price. These means other ingredients are basically the same but the fragrance and packaging is somewhat different.

If the only difference is in fragrance besides price, why then are women shaving creams more expensive? This question is still up for debate as different shaving cream manufacturing companies have their reasons for making this difference in price. Whatever the case, these grooming products have the same function in helping to soften hair in preparation for shaving.

Mistakes You’re Making When Shaving

If you are making these mistakes, chances are you are probably frustrated with all those bumps, and skin irritation. Well they have become your best friends because you have been making some shaving mistakes and making them proudly. So we will list out some of these mistakes and hopefully you take a cue as to what you have been doing wrong for some time now.

Shaving Immediately You Get Into the Shower

Understandably you are always in a hurry and would love to kill two birds with a stone - who wouldn’t? It’s a pity you came so close to getting it right but still managed to get it wrong. Getting the hair wet helps make it soft. Soft hair allows the blade to run through the stubble easily and allow for smoother cuts.

Refusing to Lather Up

Dry shaving will not help you in the long run. Unless of course, you have little, shy stubble still hoping to grow out. A good lather helps moisturize, soften, and feed the right protein to the hair. It helps reduce the occurrence of bumps and skin irritations. If you don’t have time to lather, just postpone the shave – it will be worth it eventually.

Refusing to Change Blades on Time

 Even a good razor blade like those on the Vikings Blade has an average service life of 5 shaves. As much as we would all wish longevity on these blades, they are yet to get such powers. You would never understand the punishment you have placed on yourself by using a dull blade until you change to a new, clean blade.

Sharing Blades

You probably love this person you are sharing blades with. You both probably have come to the understanding that there is no better way to show love to one another. Please be adjured by whatever you hold sacred to stop shaving blades with anyone. So many things can actually go wrong with this act. Vikings Blade have cheap blades just about anybody can afford.

Is Using of Pre-Shaves Good?

This argument on the use of pre-shaves has been on since they first came into existence. One side of the argument says it is not necessary because their granddads shave without them and didn’t have many problems. The other side of the argument says they have cuts andirritations without them. One thing both sides of the argument are forgetting or mot taking into consideration is the fact that we all have different types of skins – in terms of sensitivity.

Pre-shaves are usually made in oils, gels, lotions, and cream forms and has unarguably helped men with sensitive skin. While the razor plays an important part in whether a shave will have cuts and irritation, there are some skins that are just too sensitive even for the mildest of blades. Pre-shaves are usually applied to the chin, neck, and upper lip area. The basic idea behind pre-shaves is providing a layer of protection over the skin to check the effect of repeated contact of the razor on the skin.

These pre-shaves contain emollients whose main purpose is to soften the hair. By getting the hairs soften, it is much easier to get a cut and also reduces the number of strokes needed. These emollients also make the hair slippery. This makes it much easier for the razor to move through the skin without much contact. The slippery movement of the razor does not prevent its cutting action. A good razor like the Vikings Blade will be able to deliver a clean, smooth cut even with no matter how slippery the pre-shaves may be. 

Vikings Blade Announces Sale of Its Badger Shaving Brush on Amazon

With its recent launch of its flagship shaving brush, Vikings Blade, have announced the availability of the brush on Amazon. The company has had remarkable success in selling its products on Amazon. Just last year, the company’s DE safety razor recorded an impressive sale on through the Amazon website. Just like its razors, the badger brush will be offered for sale at a very affordable price.

This Vikings Blade badger hair brush offers a significant improvement in feel and quality over other average brushes made from other hair types. Badger hair is known for its amazing intrinsic properties that make it most ideal for use as shaving hair brush. One of such properties would have to do with its incredible water absorbing and retaining characteristics. It is also good for exfoliation purposes because it reaches deep through stubble to peel off dead skin layers. It is also best for the formation and application of lather for shaving.

According to the company, the Vikings Blade Badger shaving brush also offers the same quality provided by other relatively high priced brushes. The company says it is able to achieve and maintain this quality because it is what the company stands for. The brush is said to stand out from other higher priced competition in this regard:

• ·         Handmade with 100% Badger bristles
• ·         Rick looking wooden handle
• ·         Exfoliates the skin and prepares it for a good close shave
• ·         Industry leading bristle quality for amazing lather formation and application
• ·         Durability with greater water retention

Amazon has been a primary focus for most of the company’s marketing channel. The company has enjoyed a lot of reviews and customers satisfaction with its products. The Vikings Blade was recently voted the Best Boutique Seller on Amazon in 2014 and 2015. The company has been able to make its presence known on Amazon’s men grooming section. The badger shaving brush is just an addition to the company’s growing popularity.

The Vikings Blade - A Beautiful Grooming Equipment

The Vikings Blade is exceptionally beautiful grooming equipment. Since I bought and used it, t has become one of my most favorable shaving tools. While there is much to love about the razor, I do have a little bit of preferences. In a time when good DE razors were almost slowing becoming a luxury item to buy and maintain, I was super shocked that Vikings Blade could offer a product with great shaving power at such a low price. As it that wasn’t enough, it came with 5 unbranded blades just to keep you started. Buying more blades is as affordable as they get.

It is a heavyweight razor and gives the razor a very good grip. Although I would have preferred it if it was long handled, especially because I have big hands, I eventually got used to its classic handle. Shaving is now a fun experience for me as I can’t wait to see the VB clean up all the stubble on my face like it was nothing.  If you have sensitive skin or you don’t know why you cannot shave without a cut, then you should give the Vikings Blade a try. I highly recommend it for anyone looking to change razors. I’m certain you would enjoy the VB just like I am doing. 

Shaving Against the Grain

When it comes to effective shaving, many hair professionals always advise that men shave with the grain. As a matter of fact, shaving against the grain (ATG as it is sometimes called) is considered a taboo in some circles. This is because ATG is known to cause ingrown hairs and other skin irritations. If you have never had any of those, you probably will not understand the frustration and pain they accompanies them.

As important and good as shaving with the grain, we often see that sometimes the razor is unable to get in good proximity with the hairs. This sometimes makes shaving some areas of the body difficult. Sometimes we are left with left over stubble. To even proceed with shaving with the grain, you would have to know for sure the direction of your hair growth.

You can achieve this by rubbing your hand gently on the skin. If you can't get a good feel of it, you can make use of your credit card. Shaving ATG allows us to shave those difficult areas we just wrote about. So how do you avoid ingrown hairs and irritation if you want to attempt shaving ATG? First thing to do is to get the hair wet. Keep the hairs hydrated for about 3 minutes before applying a shaving gel or cream.

Together with shaving with a good DE razor like the Vikings Blade, you should be able to avoid cuts, ingrown hairs and irritation when shaving ATG. Do not attempt shaving ATG just like that. Begin with shaving with the grain before trying to switch direction.

Effecting Blade Changes on Time: Achieving the Best of Shaves

There are some people that just seem to have naturally well groomed shaved hair. Sometimes we often wonder if they are the god of shaving or a distant descendant of the god. There is nothing so mystical about having a clean, smooth shave. More often than not, the quality of the razor and the techniques employed plays an important role. Then there is still one major thing many men out there take for granted; knowing just when to change the blades.

Today’s double edge razor blades are often manufactured with sharpness as a major requirement, a blade like the Vikings Blade often come with extra ultra-sharpblades that can guarantee an average of 5 shaves before being discarded. Many men fail to get the right shave because they use blades that are dull. In trying not to spend much on replacing blades, they end up with cuts and bumps and spend money buying creams to stop a problem they could easily have prevented.

If you are looking at your pockets and settling for dull blades, you would be doing yourself a whole lot worse than good. There are less expensive double edge razors that offer quality shaves and even provide extra blades for your shaving experience. Invest in these kinds of razors so you do not have to compromise on blade quality because you are trying to save up on cash.

Understanding the Badger Brush Knot

Badger brush is the most preferred choice for use as a shaving brush. This has got to do with its properties and natural makeup. When badger brush knots are being discussed, these are some things that should be taken note of.

Badger brush tips

This is one way to check for the quality of your badger brush. A good quality badger brush will have the natural tips of the bristle. As a result of this, the tips will feel softer. When dealing with cheaper, inferior badger brushes, they usually have their bristle tips clipped and trimmed into a desirable shape. Such brushes have harsher edges than their natural high quality counterparts.

Brush knot density

Usually the denser the knots of a badger brush, the more it would be able to retain water and lather creams or soap effectively. Although in some few cases, a dense knot could act as lather hogs.

Machine or hand made

Badger brushes are either handmade or machine made. Machine made badger brushes usually have issues like clipped ends, excessive shedding of bristles, and poor knot density. As a result of this, they're usually cheaper to buy than handmade types. Handmade types usually do not have these issues.

Knot size

The knot will feel a whole lot firmer in the face if the knot is larger. Larger knots are formed by accumulating more badger hair. Obviously, this would make a badger brush with a large knot size more expensive.

How to Shave Sensitive Skin Delicately

Sensitive skin is no myth. There are people with sensitive skin who are easily prone to skin irritation with every shave. For them, the act of shaving alone is tormenting but it doesn't always have to be so. Try these steps if you have got sensitive skin.

Prep Your Skin

If this step could be repeated twice, it'd be better. Prepping your skin entails getting it wet and soft. Dry hair is hard and will tug on your sensitive skin if not softened. Either rinse hair area with warm water or just go take a shower. Allow skin stay wet for about 2 minutes before attempting to shave.

Use Shaving Cream

Prepping with water is just the first step to softening your hair. Shaving creams not only soften the hair, it moisturizes it by providing necessary proteins. Just like in the case of water, allow the shaving creams to sit for about 2 minutes before attempting to shave.

Exfoliate often

Dead skin can trap ingrown hairs and cause razor burns. Exfoliating helps remove these dead skin cells. Ensure you exfoliate once or twice in a week.

Allow hair to grow

You have a sensitive skin and cannot afford the luxury and perks of everyday shaving. Allow your hair grow a little before shaving. When you are not shaving, ensure you keep your skin and hair moisturized to keep them soft. With time, your hair will lose its natural dryness that causes razor burns when you shave.

The Vikings Blade vs Feather AS-D2 Double Edged Razor

Both of these brands are among the top best safety razors available in the market today. Using their design, dimension, unique features, and accessories, we compare both products to see how similar or different they are.

Design

The Vikings Blade is made from super quality materials that give it strength and durability. It has got a very attractive look with its chrome plating finish. It is a butterfly razor and comes with all of its perks. The Feather AS-D2 razor is a work of art. It is made from 100% stainless steel and it is a 3-piece razor.

Dimension

The Vikings Blade is a classic handle razor with a length of 3.75". The product has a weight of 85g and has a hefty feel to it. The Feather AS-D2 is also a classic razor with a length of approximately 3.85". It has a weight of 91g which puts it in the heavyweight category.

Unique feature

As a butterfly razor, the Vikings Blade comes with a micro-comb feature in its advanced butterfly head. The micro-comb prevents cuts while shaving. The Feather AS-D2 is one of the best 3-piece razors in the market today.

Accessories

The Vikings Blade comes with 5 unbranded, sharp blades that allow for uninterrupted shaving experience. It also has a travel case with a mirror attached inside. The Feather AS-D2 doesn’t come with any noticeable accessories.

Major Differences Between a 3-piece Razor and a Butterfly Razor

Modern safety razors usually come as either 3-piece razors or butterfly/TTO razors. Even old brands like the Gillette have found a way to adapt with this new safety razor types the way newer brands like Vikings Blade have done. There are quite some differences between these two. The first and foremost difference is seen in their...

Design

Just like the name implies, 3-piece safety razors are made up of three basic parts - top safety bar plate, base plate, and handle. The butterfly or TTO have no removable part but has a handle that can be twisted to open two doors on the base plate.

Blade Change

With the 3-piece razors, the top plate has to be separated from the base plate after the handle is unscrewed to effect blade change. In the butterfly razors, by twisting the base of the handle, the base plate opens up like two doors. This exposes the protected blade and replacement can be made.

Price

The 3-piece razor is regarded as a more traditional type or razor. Most people think it should be obsolete but razor brands have found a way to reinvent and redesign them. The 3-piece razors are less expensive in comparison with the butterfly razors. This is because of their simplicity in design and function.

Parker 92R Ultra Heavyweight Butterfly Open Double Edge Safety Razor - Too Aggressive for a Daily Shaver

The 92R is well made, and my particular model had symmetric blade exposure on both sides. Well and good. However, the 92R is recommended by some websites as a good starter or general purpose razor, and I can assure you it is not. A lot of blade is showing here, far more than on a Merkur 34C or Jagger DE89, which are good starter razors, and indeed good for most shavers. The 92 R by comparison is far too aggressive for regular beards shaved daily. If you use this even with a mild blade (like a Derby) you will scrape too much skin off your face even with good technique as the blade gap and weight combine to make this a very harsh shaver. Using this razor with a Derby produced razor burn roughly 2 out of 3 times even in my relatively experienced hands (18 months of wet shaving, own 11 razors). Using a sharper blade like say a Persona Blue or Feather is truly a nightmare and I would not suggest doing so unless you have a really voluminous and / or tough beard.

As the saying goes, your experience may vary. If you have a tough beard and tough face, this may be a great daily shaver. If you shave like 2 or 3 times per week, this may be ideal for you. But for me, and for other guys who shave daily and have faces sensitive to razor burn, this is a bad idea. I am giving this 2 stars because Parker does not advertise this properly as an aggressive razor for experienced users but instead claims it is Everyman's Razor. Quality is not the problem here, but rather the core design elements.

Micro Touch Safety Razor Chrome Review

I guess I shouldn't have expected much for $15. I grew up using double edge safety razors and wanted to get away from using the plastic disposables and shave like a man again. I have seen this advertised all over the web and on TV and thought it might live up to its hype. It doesn't. The shaver feels cheap and poorly weighted in my hand and its almost impossible to open or close the razor when your hands are wet because the chrome finish is smooth and slippery. Even with dry hands, the mechanism feels stiff and uneven. The gate closes down unevenly on the razor blade so that one side is always slightly higher than the other and makes me feel like it would be easy to be cut if you're not careful. It doesn't feel like the razor is held securely on the high side. I try to use the lower side and that side cuts well, but that's a testament to the razor blade and not the shaver that holds it.

Also, the razor does not fit securely onto the stand supplied and falls to one side or the other. It doesn't look like the stand was designed for this particular shaver at all. It shouldn't be such a careful balancing act just to make the thing sit straight.

I can't imagine how this got such good reviews on Amazon from other users. It is a real disappointment for me.

Razor Basics

Shaving is a part of every man’s life, irrespective of how often he engages in it. Generally speaking, shaving is using a blade to remove the top part of hair. There are different types of razors available but they all have their strengths and weaknesses. Even with the more technologically advanced electric razors, the traditional razors still have its place in today’s world.

Electric razors are just simply amazing. Like seriously, they are easy to use and aren’t as rocket science as something safety razors (if we can put it that way). It offers quick and convenient shave but it doesn’t deliver a close and smooth shave as a safety razor would. Safety razors are built to deliver a closer shave on the face. Place at the right angles, the shave delivered make it seem like you have been playing using the electric razor.

When it comes to using safety razors, you have to ensure you use one with a sharp blade. Safety razors like the Vikings Blade are known for their super clean shaves. It even comes with 5 extra blades to ensure you don’t have to use a dull blade. Using the right shaving techniques, shaving with a safety razor has no rival with other razor types.