Product test
Are safety razors better than standard plastic ones?
by Lorenz Keller
Top tips from the Community for wet shaving
21.6.2023
Translation: machine translated
Safety razor and shaving cream are ready. Since April I have been sharing my experiences with you and you have let me know what else I need for a perfect wet shave.
I have only recently abandoned the multi-blade razor to switch to the safety razor. The first step was to choose the right razor, the second the soap or shaving cream that is most compatible with the new system.
Now the accessories are missing. And a central element for wet shaving. Thanks to the advice of the community, i.e. yours, I am now well equipped.
Tip #1: an indispensable gadget
A shaving brush is indispensable if you don't use lather from the can. Such a brush costs between 20 and 30 francs, but can cost over 100 francs. I took the 'Mühle Traditional', which so many of you recommended.
Source: Lorenz Keller
The brush is not cheap, but it absorbs a lot of moisture. It is useful for lathering and massaging the product into the skin. It is important to wash and dry the brush well after using it.
Tip #2: small investment with big impact
A product worth its weight in gold: the stiptica pencil! It costs just ten francs and lasts a long time. It is ideal for treating any wound quickly. This is because the crystal causes the tissue to contract when it comes into contact with the wound. So it has an immediate haemostatic effect, but it also burns a little. I almost can't believe I didn't know it until recently...
By the way, alum can also be used as a deodorant, as it slows bacterial growth and thus prevents bad odours. And I could also use it as an aftershave, but I prefer a soothing balm that doesn't burn.
Tip #3: after shaving is before shaving
There are also Community favourites for treating the skin after shaving. From aftershave to lotion and balm, it's all there. Even the comparison shows big differences. Not all products absorb in the same way and some smell quite strong. It is important to avoid both shaving lotion and aftershave balm being heavily perfumed. It is better to use at least a neutral product.
Proraso After Shave: the balm is very liquid, the scent slightly sour, but rather neutral. As the Proraso is absorbed well and moisturises, it is one of my favourites in the test. I also like the classically designed glass bottle.
**Buckthorn Balm: ** the strong, fruity fragrance does not go unnoticed. Sea buckthorn is also called 'lemon of the north', which well describes its fruity and sour flavour. The balm is not absorbed so quickly, but forms a kind of protective film on the skin. Overall, very soothing and pleasant if you don't mind the strong taste. The manufacturer Mühle also offers other fragrances.
Source: Lorenz Keller
Clubman Musk: the mix of lotion and aftershave has two disadvantages: the plastic bottle seems to be of poor quality and the scent of sour musk is strong. In any case, it is recommended to combine Clubman Musk only with a neutral shaving soap, as it needs a certain amount of cologne to achieve a pleasantly soothing and relaxing effect on the entire shaving area.
Captain Fawcett Post Shave: The look is all there. The retro-designed tube is attractive. The cream is rather thick and I have to spread it well so that no visible residue remains. The consistency is reminiscent of wound cream. But the soothing effect is noticeable. The herbal scent is strong and depends on taste. For me personally, it tastes too much like a meat marinade with rosemary.
Davidoff Cool Water: the conditioner smells very much of the well-known brand's fragrance. So one saves on perfume or aftershave. Otherwise, it is thick and does not absorb very well. It takes a little patience - then the skin is completely soothed and pleasant.
My favourite aftershave is Proraso. The smell is pleasantly fresh, but not too strong. This way I can still use a perfume if I want to. The Proraso is absorbed quickly and the skin is well soothed.
Summary: what I learned for shaving with razor, brush and cream
- Preparation: Beard hairs and skin must be well prepared for shaving, so that cuts will be much less frequent. Above all, this means plenty of moisturising and a good massage with the shaving brush. The application of foam alone is not enough.
- Safety razor and blade: although safety razors for beginners look similar, they are different. This also applies to the blades. With the razor from King C. Gillette I can shave difficult areas around the chin and mouth much more easily and cleanly than with the Mühle model.
- Much courage, zero pressure: At first I was very afraid of shaving with the safety razor. But the fear of a bloody face is unfounded. In addition to good preparation (see above), it is important to let the blade glide over the skin almost without pressure. Even less than with a multi-blade razor.
- Be generous: anyone who saves on soap or shaving cream and changes the blade too rarely will not be satisfied with a safety razor. The risk of cutting oneself is too great - and the hairs are not cut cleanly. Blades should be replaced every five to ten shaves, depending on quality and wear and tear.
- **Experiment: ** I don't recommend buying a complete kit right away. It is better to try out several variants first. The differences are sometimes really big - and preferences very different.
Lorenz Keller
Senior Editor
Lorenz.Keller@digitecgalaxus.chGadgets are my passion - whether you need them for the home office, for the household, for sport and pleasure or for the smart home. Or, of course, for the big hobby next to the family, namely fishing.