How Often Should I change Blades?

Doubleedge safety razors are simply a gift to man. They make shaving a whole lot easy and take you on your journey to become a professional. As amazing as this may sound, many men complain of the cost of some of these blades. Knowing when to change blades not only guarantees you would always have a good shave, it also helps avoid skin infection. There is no defined time or use frequency to change blades but there are some factors to guide you.

How thick is the hair?

Obviously you would have to consider the thickness of the hair to know if and when blade change is needed. If you continuously use a blade through thick hairs, it would work harder than when cutting sparse hair. Depending on the thickness of the hairs, you may have to change blades after every use. Good quality blades have a lifespan of 3 to 5 service use for low level hairs.

How often do you shave?

If you shave daily or more frequently, it means you would exceed the average service life of blades quicker than other irregular shavers. This is why there life span of blades are more specific to individuals and not a general thing.

How old is the blade?

This follows from the frequency of shaving. If you shave once a week or hoping to shave once in a lifetime, you should understand the age of the blade goes a long way to determine its sharpness. Overtime, especially if not properly kept, these blades become dull. Dull blades would not only give poor shaving, you may end up with skin irritations.

Badger Shaving Brush vs Boar Shaving Brush

Shaving has been in existence for centuries but the shaving brush only came into prominence around the eighteenth century. It was invented by the French and has had several adaptations since its inception. Before the shaving brush, history has it than men used sea sponges to make a good lather. One of the differences in today's shaving brushes is the hair type.

Badger Shaving Brush

The badger hair is the most preferred hair for making shaving brushes. This is mainly due to its properties. There are four major grades of the badger brush. This grade is differentiated by the location of the hair on the badger or where it is taken from the badger. These grades may have different names by manufacturer but the hair source remains the same. The grades include pure, best, super, and silver tip. The least expensive hair source type is the pure badger hair. The silver tip is the most expensive of all of the four grades.

Boar Shaving Brush

Unlike the badger hairs, the boar hair is harder and coarser. For someone with high skin sensitivity, the boar hair may not be so comfortable. The more coarse the hair, the better it would form a good lather. For this reason, the boar hair is greatly appreciated by some men because of its lather forming abilities. It doesn't have much color options as it ranges from yellow to white. There are also few with black bands.

Badger Brush vs Synthetic Brush

The shaving brush is unarguably one of the key components for shaving. Yet the brush is yet to get the prominence it so deserves. No matter how good a shaving cream may be, it takes the power of the shaving brush to create that good lather. When it comes to shaving brushes, there are several choices available for shaving men. This variety is as a result of the difference in material, loft, shape, size, and density. The most distinguishing factor of shaving brush will have to be the hair material.

The badger hair is the best type of hair for shaving brushes. This is because the hair’s intrinsic properties make it ideal for all a shaving brush should represent. The badger hair has excellent water retention abilities and this makes it great in lather formation. The badger hair has bristles that are able to hold and evenly spread lather with little pressure.

Synthetic brush has been around for quite a long time. It is usually the choice for individual that do not want 100% natural hair. The synthetic brush was not a preferred choice because it has problems with proper water retention. Over the years, the brush has been improved to give it a better water retention feature. The brush is usually cheaper than the badger but takes a longer time to hydrate. If you are looking for a great shaving brush, then the badger hair has got no equal. If you are on a low budget, then you may want to settle with the synthetic brush.

How to Form Rich Lather

One of the key things you will need to acquaint yourself with if you are a wet shaver is how to make a good, rich lather. It seems a whole lot easy when thinking about it but in practice, many men just waste the shaving cream and may still not arrive at the desired consistency, richness, and quantity.

Soak Your Badger Brush

Get your shaving mug in place or wherever you hope to form the lather in. Fill with hot water and allow your badger brush to sit in it for a few minutes. This will help loosen the bristles a bit and prep them for what lies ahead.

Shake the Brush

Take out the brush and throw away the hot water from the mug. Shake the badger brush to remove water contents lodged between its bristles.

Take Up the Shaving Cream

Using the wet badger brush, take up your cream with the brush tips. You do not need to apply much pressure as this will bend or break the bristles with time. Take up the cream in a circular motion.

Form Lather in the Mug

The mug should be empty of the hot water that once sat in it. Place the brush with cream on its tips into the mug. Swirl in a circular motion and if there is need for it, add few drops of water. Too much water will prevent good lathering and lead to wastage of the shaving cream.

Apply to Your Face

The lather formed should be thick and rich. Using the same badger shaving brush, gently apply the lather to your face. Once again, application should be done in a circular motion. This will help in evenly spreading the cream onto the beards and also aid the exfoliation process.

Factors You Need to Know About DE Razors

A lot have been said about these double edge razors. As their fame grows, many men are looking to have them. One of the major obstacles they face is being able to know how to select the best double edge razor among the lots of brand out there. Here are few factors to take to heart if you fall into this category.

Weight

When it comes to this category, these razors are divided into two main categories – lightweight and heavyweight. Heavyweight razors are the most preferred because they tend to allow for a closer shave. You don’t need to apply pressure when shaving because the weight of the razor pushes the razor close to the skin.

Handle Length

With this factor comes yet another two categories – classic handle and long handled razor. Both of these have their advantage and are usually chosen with individual preference as a choosing factor. Classic handle is preferable by individuals with small hands while long handle will be ideal for individuals with long hands.

Aggressiveness

This is how sharp the blades are designed. Usually it ranges from mild to intermediate to aggressive. People with sensitive skins are usually advised to settle for the mild or intermediate aggressive razors to avoid getting nicks and cuts while shaving.

Price

Just like any other item you have bought, the price should play a key role in what you should buy. There are cheap, less-expensive, and expensive razors. You just have to get one that fits rightly into your budget. There are some affordable razors that still give quality shave like some of the expensive ones. You just have to do a proper research.

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. 

Getting It Right with Wet Shaving

Most times we try to change the way things were done and rebrand them as modern or advanced. Wet shaving is one shaving principle that has refused to die out. Right from the days of our grandfathers till now, wet shaving is still being practiced. The only difference this time is that most of us are yet to perfect it the way they did back in those days. Wet shaving requires three main tools which when used properly, deliver superb results.

A Good Shaving Razor

What makes a good shaving razor? This is one question that has left many men confused in the search for answers. While there's no one fit-it-all definition, a good razor should be able to function well like it was designed to do effortlessly. It should be sharp and give close shaving. Since you'd be changing blades, it's always smart to go with an inexpensive razor. A product like the Vikings Blade not only comes with extra blades, its blades are relatively cheap to buy.

A Good Brush

No other tool has been given less respect as is due to it like the shaving brush. Nothing beats a badger-hair shaving brush! You'd only understand this if you have ever used your fingers before. When used properly, it is the difference between a comfortable shave and one that isn't. It helps distribute the shaving cream or gel evenly on the stubble.

A Good Shaving Cream

The best types of shaving creams are the glycerin-based ones. Not only do they lather well, they have got the right oils to help feed proteins to your hair. The more protein they have, the more soften they become. Soft hairs in good cream lather meeting with sharp razor equals a good wet shave.

Vikings Blade vs Ikon OSS DLC Safety Razor

The Vikings Blade is all about bringing out the manliness in every man. From its design to its performance, the product is simply just one of a kind. Ikon is not a common name in the double edge razor world but this product is one that can certainly hold its weight effortlessly.

Design

TheVikings Blade is fine precision equipment made from bronze and brass alloy with a beautiful chrome plating finish. The product is a heavyweight razor and allows for easy control and close shave. The product has a length of 3.75” and a weight of 85g. The product comes with an advanced butterfly head and a micro-comb. The Ikon OSS DLC is made from strong materials and has a stainless steel coating to prevent rust. Just looking at the product at it is obvious the manufacturer sure knows how to pay attention to details.

Accessories

Unlike most double edge razors of today, the Vikings Blade comes with a travel case to allow you take the manliness wherever you go. The travel case also has a mirror inside for easy shaving use. The product also comes with 5 extra sharp, unbranded blades. The Ikon OSS DLC does not come with any accessory. Others would have to be purchased separately.

Unique Feature

The Vikings Blade has a micro-comb feature that prevents cuts and injuries during shaving. This feature is located in the product’s butterfly head. The butterfly head allows for easy blade changes. The OSS feature in the Ikon OSS DLC gives the product an aggressive shave and makes it ideal for use on coarse, thick hairs.

Why should I choose Vikings Blade over Others

Julian Vue, home of the legendary Viking's Blade safety razors, is an underground workshop established over 3 decades ago by a group of modern Swedish rooted pirates. Specializing in manufacturing high precision medical, personal and healthcare items for over 20 big brands across the world from high end materials imported from Sweden, Germany and Japan.

Yes, they create amazingly fine works of art and their flagship model is the Viking’s Blade line of razors. Unparalleled and incomparable quality to other big brands. Close, smooth, manly shaves are all we guarantee.


WHY CHOOSE THE SACRED VIKING'S BLADE OVER OTHERS?

• Advanced butterfly head for a SUPER QUICK 5 second blade change during tough shaving battles 
• All materials from Sweden 
• ZERO cuts and resistance with our patented micro-comb system 
• Hand-crafted from a manly mix of brass and bronze alloy, coated with shiny holy chrome of the gods 
• OPTIMAL heavy weight 
• BONUS travel case and a mirror for the nomadic Vikings 
• Comes with 5 RAW, UNBRANDED, UNPOLISHED super sharp platinum-coated blades made from Swedish steel. As a real man, do you need all that BS branding fluff? 
• Instead of focusing on marketing and jacking up the price, we bring you the same quality weapon of the big boys for a fraction of the cost! 

Check out the product on Amazon or Website.

Superiority Always Wins: The Vikings Blade vs Other Design Copycat

There are quite a number of brands in today’s double edge razor industry. While some are manufacturers, others are just copycat brand that make use of refurbished or discarded products from others. A quick searchover the internet will show several brands that have similar designs as some top double edge brands like the Vikings Blade.

Some of such brands like eBetter, Bigfoot, Smoothere, JTrim, and others usually have a perfect resemblance like the Vikings Blade. Usually in the production of products like the Vikings Blade, several quality tests are carried out to ensure they meet all requirements and standards of the industry. If and when they do not pass these quality checks, the manufacturers often discard them. As is common to items like this, they often find their way into the grey markets.

If one is quite conversant with the dealing of the grey market, it would be easy to understand how these copycat brands can manufacture products from these discarded materials. Some with a level of creativity would go to China to purchase cheaper materials to redesignor reframe such products. Since not much is done to manufactures these, the final products are usually offered at a far cheaper price than the originals.

They look in every way like original products like the Vikings Blade but are of a lower quality. These copycat brands are more interested in sales volume than they are in quality. Usually these brands do not offer warranty or offer a short time warranty. This is because they are quite aware that the product would not be able to stand the test of time.

You can check out the product on Amazon and Julian Vue Website

The Vikings Razor is Terrific!

Finally a razor that's a cut above the competition! Previously I owned the Parker 99R that never tightened the blade snug and kept slipping loose while shaving. If that blade isn't held firmly in place, you're gonna get cut. I have a cut on my face from 3 weeks ago using that razor. Tried contacting Parker thinking it was a defect, but could never get in touch. So I bought the Viking Blade. This razor is the perfect size and the blade actually locks into place and stays locked while you're shaving.

 I didn't use the blades that came with my Viking razor, preferring instead to use Derby. Since switching from the Gillette 5/6 blade razors to the double edge razors I haven't had a truly close shave until now. I used my Viking Blade razor last night, leaving my face baby bottom smooth, and this morning just a hint of rough. I usually have to approach certain spots on my neck and face from different angles in order to get a close shave so having a razor and blade that doesn't drag is a plus. 

 My new Viking Blade Razor came boxed in a plastic case that has a recessed area for spare blades, and a small mirror for the more adventurous. The Razor has a shiny metallic exterior which is easily gripped by the ridges carved into the metal. The razor looks expensive and operates most efficiently. Overall this is a pleasant tool to combat the daily stubble, providing a comfortable and satisfying shave. Some have mentioned that the handle is a little short and while it is shorter than my worthless Parker and much lighter, it fits. I have average size hands, wish my fingers were longer especially while playing guitar, making this razor a good fit for me. A Viking Blade Odin would be proud to wield.

Get The Product here: Amazon and Website

The Vikings Blade vs Other Copycat Design Safety Razors

The truth is that there are just too many copycat brands in the shaving stick manufacturing business these days. Like the short service life is not enough to deal with, one has to hope they don't cut themselves while shaving. The reality of it all is that as long as original products are being produced, there would always be room for substandard products to be manufactured also.

Unless you have some experience with these double edge razors, it may be hard to tell the difference. Usually these copycat companies make appearance their selling point. They often go and buy cheap and substandard materials from China and make the razors super attractive. Obviously, using cheap materials would automatically mean they get to reduce their price. Be very weary of double edge razor products that are just too priced good to be true. Good examples of such companies include: Smoothere, Bigfoot, JTrim, eBetter, etc. Products like Vikings Blade are naturally low priced and even offer lifetime warranty to that effect.

A good double edge razor should be hefty and firm to grip. All of these copycat brands, especially because they use cheap materials end up producing lightweight products. A hefty weighted product like the Vikings Blade can withstand any grip and wouldn't break when in use.

The blade quality also determines, not just the cleanness of the shave, but also eliminates bumps and cuts. Even at an affordable price, the Viking Blade by comes with a micro-comb attached in its advanced butterfly head to minimize cuts.

Usually these top brands include several accessories to help ease the shaving process. You can always search for top rated brands on Amazon; they are usually the ones with lots of positive reviews like the Vikings Blade. A product like the Viking Blade comes with a travel case with a mirror and 5 unbranded platinum stainless steel blades.