A man and his blade. Part I...

The lost and disappearing art of shaving. 

If you're lucky enough to be genetically inclined to facial hair, then, as a gentleman, you should treat it as a personal style signature, not as a burden to get rid of as soon as possible at every turn.

Therefore, it must be kept neat and treated the same way you approach every aspect of your appearance. Grooming is just as important as finding a suit that fits. For a gentleman, a little grooming goes a long way.

Good grooming does not necessarily equal metro-sexuality, for those fearful of the eyebrow plucking and styling one’s hair for hours in the hopes of getting that just out of bed look.

The basics, a close shave and a sharp haircut, are all a man needs to face the world with confidence.

Proper shaving has become a lost art. Today’s average male is completely in the dark about the fine art of the traditional wet shave their grandfathers and some of their fathers used to enjoy.

Instead, they’re only accustomed to the cheap, disposable, mass-marketed shaving products that line the shelves of today’s drugstores.

It is unclear when or why it happened, but the tradition of passing down the secrets of a clean shave from generation to generation have faded away. Thankfully this glorious male ritual is making a comeback.

The basics:

- Safety razor or straight razor (for the brave)
- Shaving brush and bowl
- Shaving cream/soap (NOT FOAM!)
- After shave

ALL ITEMS FROM THE GOODFORIT BARBERCLUB STORE, TAIPEI

Feel and shave like a warrior using this!

The pimped-out kit every man needs.

After all the fun, a little something extra...

Benefits of the Classic Wet Shave

- Reduced costs. With the cost of today's nano-technology, self-teaching A.I.-enabled disposable razors and foams, shaving has become more of an expensive chore than a relaxing, manly ritual. Safety blades like the ones seen in the razors above are interchangeable between razors, last a long time and cost nothing in comparison. Investing in a good shaving cream or soap also cuts down costs in the long run, as you only need to use very little each time to get a great lather going.

- Reduced environmental impact. Not only do disposable razors have a larger impact on the environment every time the razor or blade cartridge is thrown out, but the chemicals and preservatives in the aerosol cans are definitely not helping the Gaea project along. Good shaving soaps and creams are generally made from natural ingredients, bio-degradable, and come in much eco-friendlier containers. As for the blades, they are much easier recycled or disposed of than their larger, clunkier cousins.

- Better, more consistent shaves. When a man shaves with the modern, disposable, high-tech girly kits, it is easy to tell. The difference in consistency and closeness of the safety or straight razor shave is very apparent. Not only does it look better, but it also feels better and is healthier for your skin, due to not having to run 5 blades over your skin multiple times.

- You’ll feel like a bad-ass. Do I need to explain this? Have you seen the way these things look? Nothing says 'I am a bad-ass, axe-swinging, warrior viking, in control of my own destiny!' than putting these bad boys against your jugular and smiling as you clean the rich lather off your throat.

The art of the classic wet shave

Get your face wet and warm, and the brush too

Prep your beard. If you want a clean shave, you need to prep your beard adequately. The goal during beard prep is to soften your whiskers so shaving is easier and causes less irritation. The best way to soften your beard is to shave right when you get out of the shower. The hot water from the shower should hydrate and soften your beard enough for shaving. If you haven’t showered, at least wet your whiskers with some hot water. A hot towel is also a great way to soften stubble.

Nice round strokes to spread it evenly 

Then even it out with some flat strokes 

Lather up. Take a small dollop (about the size of nickel) of shave cream and place it in a mug. Take your brush that you’ve pre-soaked with water and swirl the cream around until you get a nice thick lather. Apply the lather with your brush in swirling motions. When your face is covered, take a few strokes to smooth everything out. Shave. Unlike shaving with cartridge razors, shaving with a safety razor (or straight razor!) actually requires some skill and technique. Once mastered, though, you should be shaving effectively in no time.

Nice to see you again my old friend 

Closest, most comfortable shave 

For that precision cut 5 blades don't give you 

Post shave. Rinse your face with some cold water to close your pores. Treat your face to a nice aftershave. Aftershave helps reduce any irritation that may have occurred and will leave your skin looking healthy and smelling manly.

The smell, the feel of it... Amazing 

The indispensable duo every man should have 

There you have it, your on your way to being part of a manly tradition that your ancestors took pride in and made men like John Wayne and Teddy Roosevelt who they were. Check in soon for Part II: The straight razor!

A great, big 'THANK YOU!' to the Goodforit Shop for supplying me with my gear and their friendly assistance. Without them, I'd still be looking for a place to find the gear needed to set off on this journey of ruggedness.