SHAVE TIME Q & A | TIPS AND ADVICE TO IMPROVE YOUR SHAVING EXPERIENCE

[@mrwhitespaleking5190]

Good information. Unfortunately in modern times we’ve lost these basic skills. I used disposable razors until I was 45. Had terrible time with them. I then discovered safety razors, proraso and Taylor of Old Bond Street. Never looked back.

[@Year_Of_The_Cat]

I liked what you said at 33:53, it reminded me of something… “Always use an aftershave with little to no alcohol, because alcohol dry’s your face out and makes you look older.” Patrick Bateman, American Psycho

[@kevinhoughton9134]

The Nivea post shave balm is the very best I've tried, and I've tried some very expensive brands.

[@markwalsh6714]

Nothing can beat a wet shave with a razor blade and followed by a splash of Aramis aftershave. Total bliss. Great shave and great video. Thanks Ash.

[@stuartgeorge2324]

After years of hating cartridge wet shaving the last 3 years IV become to love it and look forward to it I find it therapeutic and it's my zen time , I now use a De razor and it's changed my shave routine entirely , my favourite razor is the Rockwell 6 s razor 🪒 works wonders

[@viclucyzia]

I remember when you had only 2000 subscribers. Your chanel really bounced off. Congratulations.

[@TheChapsGuide]

There are a lot of us chaps out there and it's great to have an opportunity to bring us all together. Thanks for staying with the channel over the last few years.

[@Spongelebob]

I switched to shaving with a safety razor fairly recently and it's so much more enjoyable now. Can't believe I used to shave electric for all these years

[@ronaldpoppe3774]

Very informative I do shave under my chin I do sport a beard. My house I'm living in is the house I grew up in and in the medicine cabinet in our bathrooms there is a small slot in the back for used razor blades disposal. I have seen a couple of these where they have pulled the cabinet out and their are hundreds of blades between the cabinet and the wall. My dad always used the safety razor believe he got in the habit from being in the military. Cheers Ron

[@jasonmoore3557]

Ash, I've only just spotted this now 4 months later 🤦🏻 Thanks for answering my question 😀 I've since switched to feathers blades and it has improved my shaving experience. However, I'm still trying to find the perfect razor head for me 👍 Always very informative content from yourself! Thank you 🙏🍻

[@TheChapsGuide]

Any time!

[@ianf3536]

Another excellent tutorial! You really don’t need a shaving bowl - just scoop a pea sized bit of your cream into the palm of your “non brush” hand and whip up the lather in your palm with the brush. Works a treat for me.

[@guitarplayer5611]

Great advice!

[@Fush1234]

I use Feather brand blades. Made in Japan, they are incredibly sharp and give an amazingly close baby’s bottom shave. Amazing for you tho. I only get 2 shaves from a blade then I refresh it.

[@djrudog1158]

Hi Ash, I am a big fan of yours . Love the videos even though to my shame I am not a smart dressing chap. Have you thought about doing a video about the most important of all topics ....namely ironing. I know the importance you hold in this.....I have trouble ironing.....yours ,crumpled shirts.....DJ ru dog

[@TheChapsGuide]

I have one in the pipeline for the autumn - shirts and trousers I think are a good place to start.

[@9er..]

Hey! Thanks for answering my question🥃

[@steveboyd3455]

A small suggestion - you can keep water out of the store soap container, if you take a scoop of it out and put it in the lather bowl and then add water to that (to let it bloom). It will help the soap last longer without altering it. Works with softer soaps better, of course, and some hard soaps do need to be bloomed directly as they are not 'scoopable' in the same way. Thanks Ash.

[@theart8039]

Shaving soap dries out a bit after time that way

[@markbrailsford2849]

I love my Merkur 2000 razor with Kent badger brush, prorazo cream and feather blade. I actually tried recently to advise my bro to change from expensive 4 blade razors and use razor blades. I pay just £18 for 100 blades. It's a no brainer.

[@hunterluxton5976]

Great stuff. Ive never used a traditional razor. This video reminded me of my father who used to use one and scoffed at disposable razors. Some great tips of caring for ones skin and great products to consider. Back in 2003 whilst in Japan had a haircut and shave at a barbershop. It took about 45 mins and made me feel like a king. There is something fulfilling and deeply sooththing about the tactile experience of being shaved. Why don't you consider this as a video? Thanks for your time in making this excellent video. 👍

[@Chinosandbrouges]

Proper gent , this guy .

[@stevieguinness]

So, after a couple of months research, including watching several of your videos, I have started my wet shave journey. A Bulldog face scrub, Proraso pre-shave, a Yaqi 24mm Black Marble brush, TOBS St James Luxury Cream, a King C Gillette DE safety razor with matching Gillette blade, Proraso alum block and Jaxon Lane moisturiser have been a revelation. Thanks so much for all of the helpful tips!

[@TheChapsGuide]

Good luck sir, your facial future looks bright.

[@kents.2866]

I love Pinaude Clubman after shave. Can't beat the old barber shop smell.

[@kevin-jg5nq]

I also use a Merkur 34. It delivers a smooth, consistent shave.

[@hassannawaz2437]

thanks for answering my question ash. cheers

[@Agerskiold]

I’ve been using my DE razor for 10 years now. I use a Mühle R89 with Astra blades that is very close to the Feather but 1/4 of the price. I’m still using my Mühle fibre brush on 10th year. I’ve saved at lot of money over the years and it has become a pleasant everyday ritual.

[@nealefrancis9094]

Thanks for the shout out on the reuzel mousse ash , I’m glad your using it I’m on my second bottle it’s absolutely amazing, glad I paid a part in your journey 👍

[@TheChapsGuide]

I love it, thanks for introducing me to this great brand!!

[@RaoulKunz1]

Always a nice topic! I personally have been using a safety razor for almost two decades by now but started and stuck with it through school and early university with an abysmal triple blade cartridge razor. It's a crappy (pardon the expression) shave but if you don't know anything else... well... then it's normal. It's especially abysmal if you *don't* shave completely but would like to have a proper trimmed beard and even if you succeed (and I didn't often, but as student it's not much of a problem - "yeah, a clean shave is *so* establishment, bah!" 😅) you need to repeat so often near the edges as to risk a loverly razor burn. My regular round beard requires no complicated modelling, but if one trims a beard it's important to remember to shorten the hair before if necessary or intended, I do this in the lame-most way possible with a regular boring electric hair clipper before showering and shaving. A rather more rare thing includes the use of a spiffy Solingen-steel straight edge razor *if* I need to correct the edges (happens on occasion...😅) - requires a ton more attention than the safety (hence the designator 😉) razor but with a proper ~30-40° work angle it's *awesome* , requires even less repeats than a fresh bladed safety razor... but time.. it requires *time* ... oh and attention- hence I also don't do it when I arrive late to prepare for the normal shave on the morrow because I did it once and had profuse amounts of blood in the bathroom sink - a haemostatic pen has it's limits... use the Ash-approved solution: potassium alum stone, I by now do so myself. Otherwise... I by now use many of the products, or German equivalents available here (there's a lovely, slightly hipster, drug-store chain here in Germany that has a ton of owned brand shaving products, classical stuff too, love em, not everything great, but they *do* have a lovely selection fan beyond and above cartridge razors), so nothing to truly add - if you're German and start out, check out *DM* . Thanks for your continued visits of the topic Mr. Jones! Best regards Raoul G. Kunz Addendum: the safety razor and it's edges are not only the overall best solution, they're also to most *environmentally friendly* on top of being dapper!

[@simonhodgetts6530]

You’ll probably cringe, but I love the Wilkinson Sword protector razor - the Keneth Grange design - the metal one. I have several. I’ve used one for years. The blade cartridges are starting to get difficult to find, but I find the handle such a delight to use!

[@georgelush1998]

Good point about the “aggressiveness” of different DE safety razors. My whiskers are relatively fine so I use a less aggressive razor. I believe it is a Vikings Blade JR315. Only about $25 - 30 US. I also agree about the quality of different razor blades. I find Parker blades work well for me. I too shave in two directions, first with the grain and secondly perpendicular to the grain, but never against the grain. A splash of witch hazel, an unscented moisturizer, two spritzes of cologne and voilà!

[@macrocosmicorbit3982]

Great video, I think the most important thing is to get an adjustable razor, I have Merkur Futur and Yaqi final cut ..both allow you to dial it down for the 3rd pass which is against the grain..I dont think soaps are that important, a stick of arko is fine, invest the saved money in a better razor, for blades Feathers and Astra sp are fine Voskhod are great as well ..I usually go 3 passes , then alum , washed off after 30 seconds, then witch hazel, then AS Balm.. and finally an aftershave ..keep up the great content Ash and if you want to see great shaving vids , check out Sinatra Lennon, Ken Surfs , Mantic59 and Michael Freedberg

[@haourss]

Splendid mate.

[@chrishoyt7548]

Nice one Ash. Thank you for answering my question.

[@TheChapsGuide]

Pleasure

[@MikeB071]

Thanks for including my question, Ash! I agree about Taylor's Cedarwood shaving cream; I use it during the cooler, chillier months of the year. I'll definitely have to try D.R. Harris' products, too!

[@MrJpb2000]

When I was in my mid-20’s I used to use a safety razor on totally dry skin! No products whatsoever and going only with the grain. I trained my skin to get used to this method for a number of years before reverting to electric. Now I’m in my 50’s I think if I tried doing what I used to do back then, I’d cut my face to shreads! 😅

[@verykeen2please]

Ash nice tips Not sure the mrs would like my whiskers in her cereal bowl haha I moved away from throw away plastic "Not the best a man can get" 10 years ago Saved a fortune, much more enjoyable process and better results Having a pre shave shower, i just seem to steam the bathroom and cant see a blooming thing For different blades having an adjustable head on your razor, can assist we you finding the best reveal for each blade Your tip of Witch Hazel was top

[@antonytwyman9090]

I was told by a barber friend of the family. He said it's about muscle awareness. It's the handle that does the cutting. Not the blade. Perseverance & prep is important. If you have a tender spot, use a disposable to begin with, then switch to Double Edge for the rest of the shave. Until you have the skill to use the Double Edged all of the time. Use a face wash first of all. Then apply shaving oil Then shaving foam. Pat the face dry irrespective whether you use Double Edged or Disposable.

[@TheChapsGuide]

Great advice

[@thenicklas615]

Good morning Ash. Good tutorial man.

[@thewolfman6854]

For me I've tried everything and settled on the following. Kiehl’s facial fuel face scrub followed by Proraso Crema Pre Barba (pre shave). Cella Crema Da Barba (shaving soap). Shave with Rockwell razor and Feather blades. Finish with cold water, alum block and Floris aftershave balm. Works a treat. Occasionally use cartridges if I am in a rush or away from home but really ..... there is no competition. DE shaving far superior 👍

[@strengthandsuccess4372]

Great video, thanks. A tutorial on razors and blades would be useful. It’s a minefield!

[@stylishoversixty9459]

Ash as always another very helpful and informative video this time particularly on wet shaving with a double edge razor which is a true passion of mine I have been using this process now for about six years and thoroughly enjoy it I appreciate the tips you offer when it comes to preparation both pre-shave and post-shave which simply makes it even fun to shave as well as some of the shaving products you highlighted, by the way, I'm now sporting a full face beard nonetheless I still use the wet shave method thanks for sharing

[@1971irvin]

I use the the good old Gillette mach 3 razors, I find that they are easy and fast...😉

[@healthyandwealthy5844]

yes , no need to compicate things imho. works in seconds, minute most

[@michaelhill7415]

Hi Ash, thanks for answering my question, I am currently using proraso pre shave and ruezel super slick, I appreciate all you comments, and will redirect my efforts and have another go at it, as you say it's an acquired skill and so few people are brought up to shave you might say properly, it's hard to switch over, I was horrified recently to see a part in a tv series where the character was shaving under a running shower with some awful multi bladed turbo nonsense razor and was moving so fast around the face I thought how are the next generation going to learn when all they see is this! Anyway, am looking to get the astringent foam, looks good, also have been slowing down the movement to get better control, hopefully things will get better, I'll let you know how I get on, thanks for featuring my question, excellent content as always, any more ration packs on the horizon?

[@TheChapsGuide]

Spanish ration pack - already purchased and ready for an autumn visit to Oak Lodge.

[@michaelhill7415]

Look forward to it, a fascinating subject and insight into a world many of us will never experience, always enjoyable to watch, meanwhile I'll be researching and practicing my de shaving to get that little bit further down the road towards chap nirvana!

[@djmorris103]

Great video thanks Ash. What do you do with the jar of blades when you want to get rid of that?

[@TheChapsGuide]

Dispose responsibility, but it takes years to fill, so no big issues.

[@vincentmartin5046]

Good morning sirs.

[@Medomsley]

Know I keep nagging Ash but still wanting you to try a moustache, grey or not! Would look really stylish.

[@TheChapsGuide]

I have a video on facial hair coming up very soon - you will see me sporting a proper mexican bandito 'tache from a few years ago. It's not a pretty sight - more porn star than chap!!

[@Medomsley]

@@TheChapsGuide Look forward to seeing it Ash but was thinking that a neat lined up moustache really would look smart now, can't you be persuaded? Will only take 5 weeks to grow enough to look good 🙏

[@andudan5717]

Soaps make a great difference. For me, it's 80% soap and 20% blade. At least that's what goes down for me.

[@antonylaing2499]

It's remarkable how this video is for the most part one continuous 40 minute presentation with only some discreet editing to show images and what appears to be a second camera for the profile shot of the face - the audio is both seemless and continous and hence, the whole thing feels like one take, unscripted with no mistakes. I'm sure that a lot of thought and preparation went into this including the notes off camera and it shows. Most KZbinrs edit their videos heavily and they appear to bounce about on screen, where footage has been taken out. I might have a beard these days and so not need the advice, but I nonetheless appreciate a job well done.

[@TheChapsGuide]

Thank you sir, your compliments are very much appreciated. I always endeavour to make my videos appear as we are having a chat amongst friends - hence no scripting and false representations of the situation, I am so glad you enjoy the shows.

[@glennet9613]

Apparently silver tip badger is taken from badgers that are reared and slaughtered in inhumane conditions in China (badgers must be killed to harvest the silver tip). As a result I have changed to synthetic fibre (I use Muhle silver tip fibre) which I find far softer, gives a better foam and a clearer conscience.

[@Fush1234]

That’s a great, comment about Badger hair, however I don’t think that we can accept “ apparently “ without real first hand research and knowledge. Mr Google is not really that a credible source

[@glennet9613]

@@Fush1234 There is a lot of information from credible sources. I tried to post a link to a CNBC report that Proctor and Gamble stopped using badger hair because of the conditions but you could search for that.

[@j.burgess4459]

The answer to all of Ash's shaving needs: join the brotherhood of the beard 😀

[@RaoulKunz1]

🤣 trust me though - things get even *way more complicated* then - though maybe it`s just me😂. Best regards Raoul G. Kunz

[@1971irvin]

Gentlemen don't have a beard, if you have a beard and lots of tattoos, then Sir you are a hipster...🤔

[@RaoulKunz1]

@@1971irvin I find it doubtful that the true classic gentlemen of the antebellum and not even those of the golden age of menswear would agree - the association of shaved=gent, beard=hipster/hippie/malcontent is a result of the World Wars and the need to fit a gas mask cleanly over the face. I'm a civilian, I don't operate under this requirement. Granted, there's a ton of those people around today that come to the wrong conclusion that "beard means no shaving" - that's the source of both the "beard of the non-conformist" *and* the "beard of the religious nutcase". I won't hold the the statement that "gentlemen don't have a beard" against you, might be irony or a dig at hipsters (deservedly in that case) but I resent it in the *strongest possible terms* if generalized - though I would agree that "gentlemen don't have an untrimmed beard". 🤣 I also have *no* tattoos!😉 Best regards nevertheless Raoul G. Kunz

[@1971irvin]

@@RaoulKunz1 Yes you are right, it was irony, but I am not a huge fan of hipsters. 😂

[@RaoulKunz1]

@@1971irvin No offence taken, heck I even only *resented* the statement if unironic to begin with... and trust me when I say: I'm really annoyed by hipsters myself... heck, back in university I just got out when it became "the thing"... so I associate "hipster" with "I'm a rich kid with no plan and no intention of ever getting anything done because daddy pays but I'm *so* much better than *you* because I eat *vegan!* " - I'm certain there are nice people who fit the bill, but.. well.. yeah.. ahem...🤣 Nothing against vegetarians (note the slight but *key* difference). ... .. . 🥩 though. Best regards Raoul G. Kunz