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Alright, gents, let's talk about shaving and our secret lack of knowledge on how to do it right.
Chances are you "learned" to shave when you were a teenager. And you likely grabbed the same multi-blade cartridge razor your dad used.
50 years of multi-blade razor use has led to a regression in shaving technique
For some reason, we collectively bought into the concept that more blades are better. We trusted the cartridges to do the work. In doing so, we lost the knowledge of proper shave technique.
Our grandpas had it right: a single, well-supported razor, is the best approach to a clean shave and healthy skin.
Stop reaching for the razor with the most blades (and the biggest sale price) and dragging that thing across your skin. It's the reason you're battling ingrown hairs and ugly red bumps, and your skin is aging faster than it should be.
Instead, let's spend three minutes learning about the science of shaving.
The Science of a Smooth Shave
Believe it or not, there's actual science behind a good shave. But unless someone teaches you it's not just about running blades across your face until the stubble is gone, you won't think to do anything differently.
These are just a few ways that shave technique has regressed since the introduction of the multiblade cartridge.
Too Much Pressure
Ever try to press gently with a cartridge razor? It doesn't work. You instantly feel tugging and pulling. To prevent this discomfort, a cartridge-based razor requires you to press down hard. It makes the shave feel more comfortable in the moment, but leads to irritation afterwards.
This doesn't happen with a quality single-blade safety razor. With a firm clamp on a rigid blade, you can achieve a clean shave, with minimal pressure, and fewer strokes.
Short Strokes
Cartridge razor heads are often wide with top and side bezels (particularly the ones with "moisturizing" or "lubricating" strips). This doesn't match the contours of the human face, so most people end up using "jack rabbit" techniques – really short quick strokes. The result: passing over the same spots repeatedly, each pass potentially creating micro-tears in your skin, causing irritation and redness.
Overused Blades
Because those multi-blade cartridges are so expensive, the temptation is to "get your money's worth" by using them as long as possible. Because multi-blade cartridges lack rigidity, the blades can also dull faster since there's more stress on the blade itself. All of this combined leads to a dull razor and a low-quality shaving experience.
Improve Your Technique On Your Next Shave
The good news is there are some steps you can take that will immediately improve the results of your next shave. Here's what you need to remember:
- Prep Work is Key Soften your hair and skin with warm water. Also, a quality shave cream is crucial. It reduces friction and makes the blades glide smoothly.
- Angle is Everything The optimal blade angle is around 30 degrees. This allows for a clean cut without dragging or irritation.
- Respect Your Skin Use a sharp blade, light pressure, and short strokes. And for the love of all that is smooth, moisturize afterward!
- Fewer Strokes Reduces stress and irritation, improving post-shave glow and overall appearance.
How to Choose The Right Razor
Maybe at this point, you're starting to suspect that the grocery store razor isn't serving you as well as you thought. We do have a suggestion for the best razor to choose, but most importantly, you should understand what makes one razor better than the other.
1. Blade Rigidity
How stiff and resistant to bending your razor blade is makes a huge difference. Think of chopping a carrot. Would you want a blade that flexes and bends as you're slicing through? Of course not.
A rigid blade improves control during your shave, produces consistent results, and reduces the near-inperceivable vibrations as the blade moves across your face, resulting in less irritation.
2. Blade Angle and Contact
The sweet spot for a razor blade to shave stubble is 30 degrees. This cuts hair cleanly without scraping or tugging the skin. Also, look for razors with a "shallow blade gap," meaning less of the blade's edge is exposed.
This reduces the chances of the blade digging into your face and causing irritation or cuts.
3. Reduced Friction and Drag
The combination of blade angle and contact helps you get a clean shave. But, for the love of God, don't use a dull razor. In the multiblade cartridge world, you try to squeeze every last shave out of those because they cost $60 a pack to replace.
You may think you're helping your wallet, but you're hurting your face!
4. Fewer Passes
One of the illusions of a multiblade cartridge is that you take fewer passes because there are more blades shaving your stubble. But, often, because of the cartridge's poor rigidity, inconsistent blade angle, and general dullness, you're going over the same area multiple times.
Fewer passes comes from:
- A sharp blade (with a shallow blade gap)
- A secure blade clamp (prevents uneven cutting)
- A rigid razor (to prevent micro tears of the skin)
A well-designed razor allows for fewer strokes during your shave. This reduces the overall stress on your skin and minimizes the chances of irritation.
The Must-Have Razor
After researching a lot of different brands in the premium shave market, we realized you don't have to pay a premium price for an excellent shave.
Our top recommendation for a lifetime safety razor is made by Henson. Here's why:
One-Time Investment: Their razor is built to last a lifetime. You're making a one-time purchase that eliminates the need for constant replacements.
Affordable Blades: Double-edge blades are incredibly affordable, often costing pennies per blade. This translates to significant savings compared to expensive cartridge refills.
Reduced Waste: By using a long-lasting razor, you're reducing plastic waste and your environmental impact.
Signature Style: There are five different colors. This may seem small, but in the world of safety razors, the styles are pretty conservative. With Henson's razors, you can keep it classy with the aircraft aluminum or tan finishes. Go stealth with jet black. Or go for pizzazz with copper or blue!
In essence, Henson's razors minimize the factors that contribute to skin irritation during shaving. By combining optimal blade angle, rigidity, and a smooth glide, it provides a comfortable and efficient shave that's gentle on your skin.
Shaving Studies
Through two different studies, Henson has proved that their razor is safer for your skin than the cartridges many people are using, thinking they're actually better for your skin.
If you like to do a deep dive on the research check here and here.
If you want the quick version, here's a few highlights:
- Most perceptions of "a good shave" come from good marketing, not good research
- People generally can't identify their own level of skin sensitivity
- Using the Mimosa Pro (handheld imaging tool), research visualized shaving results
- Consistently, irritation was more pronounced because people press too hard during shaves
- Henson is continuing studies to unlock and share the data of proper shaving skill
Through quality, scientific research, Henson is bringing an emperical and objective approach to determine what factors produce a quality shaving experience.
Top Choice
Henson Razor
Henson Shaving
Designed with aerospace grade materials and a timeless style, Henson's razors are a lifetime companion for your shaving routine. By minimizing blade gap, perfecting the shaving angle, and through a rigid design, it offers a premium and consistent shave. With extremely low-cost replacement blades, you'll never suffer through a dull shave again.
The Bottom Line
Let's say you shave three times a week and go through a pack of four disposable cartridges every month. On the cheapest of sale ends, that's roughly $10-$15 per month, or $120-$180 per year!
A quality safety razor is a smart investment that quickly pays for itself
With the Henson razor, you'll only need to replace the blades, which can cost as little as $10-$20 per year, or you can pick up a lifetime blade supply as a one-time fee.
Over time, the Henson Razor pays for itself and continues to save you money while providing a superior shaving experience. It's an investment in your skin and your wallet that makes a lot of good sense.
But it's an investment that most people probably won't even think about, because they've never known another way. For the last five decades, the multi-blade cartridge approach to shaving has dominated, to the point where many people wouldn't even consider seeking out an alternative.
But now, you're armed with a little more knowledge about shaving technique and the knowledge that's been lost through the "convenience" of pricey multi-blade cartridges.
It's time to rethink your shave.