Wet shave

Merkur 34C

I tend to shave once, maybe twice a week. So it's not uncommon to catch me with a 5 o'clock shadow that's three days old. But when the temperature dips below my comfort zone, shaving takes a backseat to warmth and I start looking like a cowboy reminiscent of the western classic Pale Rider. Which is not necessarily a bad thing in the grand scheme it things. The cold wind whipping across the open range burning your cheeks on contact. Rubbing the coarse hair on your chin between your fingers. Trying to activate the circulation in your face. Then you ride up to this podunk town thirsting for a drink and a hot meal. Even in the grittiest westerns it wasn't unusual to see them slung back in the barber chair getting a shave because nothing is quite as invigorating as a wet shave. 

The hairs on my neck grow in three different direction. Although I change catridges around once every few weeks I was still getting ingrown hairs. Shaving was becoming more of a chore. Any man with ingrown hairs knows all to well the pain of razor burn. Not to mention the cost of cartridge razors. I could have easily joined one of the many shave clubs out there. But shaving to me is as much about how you feel as how you look. I did my research on shaving tools. Having already tried an electric razor with no success I decided to go old school. I visited a few shaving supply stores and the answer was always the same, try a safety razor. I first purchased an alum block to sooth the skin after you shave. It worked great but didn't resolve my ingrown hair problems. I then started shopping for safety razors but before I was able to decide which one to buy my wonderful fiancée gifted me the Merkur 34C for Christmas. 

I have been using the safety razor for almost a month now. The shave is noticeably closer. The ingrown hairs are all but gone. But what I enjoy most about wet shaving is slowing down and going through the steps. From using a hot towel, to lathering up with the badger shaving brush and shave soap. I get the barber shop feel without leaving the house and I'm always ready for a night out with my better half.