What is a shaving scuttle and why would I use one? Think of a shaving scuttle as nothing more than a fancy, and big, shaving mug. Most often made of ceramic, though they can be made out of just about anything, it is basically a mug inside of a mug. There is space between the two so that hot water can be placed in between the two to warm the inner cup where the lather will be formed. Think of a shaving scuttle as a small “double-boiler.”

For many years I [continue reading…]

I’m often asked, how much shaving oil should I use when I’m shaving my face, head, leg, etc.  That is a great question and there is no ‘one size fits all’ answer, but let me give you some idea of what to expect and how to figure out the right amount of shaving oil to use whether you’re shaving a bikini line, a face or a leg… the photo above is meant to set the context of the answer: drops.

The first thing I should review [continue reading…]

To know how big is a drop of shaving oil is crucial from several aspects.  First, how much should someone use when shaving a particular area? Second, how big should the bottle be that it is distributed in? (i.e. you don’t want someone going to the store every week or two, nor do you want the the shaving oil to go bad before it is consumed)  So it is important to know how big is a drop.

When I was first experimenting with shaving oil many years ago, I wanted to [continue reading…]

The double edge razor blade is a simple piece of steel with two cutting edges, one on each side of the blade. It mounts in a safety razor handle (holder) and used properly, provides a close shave. Despite this simple concept, there remains a lot of confusion about DE razor blades in general.  How do you choose the right [continue reading…]

I know some of you might think it’s a bit early to be thinking of a stocking stuffer as we’ve barely shifted our clocks to standard time and Thanksgiving is still weeks away…

Still, I want to [continue reading…]

As an endurance athlete, you might wonder should an athlete shave their legs? While there are only “two” answers, yes or no, most people would argue that there are numerous variations or reasons along a continuum as to why one would shave.  I don’t know if we can help you with the yes, no or why, but we’ll [continue reading…]

Travelling with a DE Razor can be tricky.  Or at least, airline travel with DE Razor can be tricky. You can always check your DE razor blades in your baggage that goes in the cargo hold.  If you’re not travelling with that much baggage or have none to check, then what do you do? [continue reading…]

Disposing Double Edge Razor Blades is a common question for new Double Edge Razor Blade Shavers. The blades are really thin and really sharp even after they’ve been used to shave your face, legs, underarms, privates… What is the best way to safely dispose of Double Edge Razor Blades? [continue reading…]

Being an engineer by birth, not just by training or education, how anything is made is interesting to me. Making Double Edge Razor blades is no exception. Now that I think about it, I wonder if I have more fun making Almaden Shaving oil, using it or telling others about how wonderful it is and seeing them enjoy it too…

Making Double Edge Razor Blades

The manufacturing process for  [continue reading…]

The Secret to Achieving a Close Shave

Isn’t a close shave what every person that shaves is looking for? I would argue that that isn’t exactly correct. I believe the ideal shave is not only close, but comfortable too. Quick story: my one and only straight razor shave was a disaster. The barber actually did a fine job with the shave itself, I only had one minor nick (I’ve cut myself much worse on many occasions) but my face burned when it was over. It felt like it was on fire. Even after repeated applications of moisturizing lotion it didn’t feel better until the next day. I’ll never do that again. So I submit that in achieving a close shave we judge both baby-butt smoothness and secondly, of nearly equal import, comfort. I believe the two go hand in hand and I personally don’t want a close shave if my skin is irritated, dry or dinged up. So back to our question: how do you achieve a comfortable, close shave? The answer comes [continue reading…]

Simplicity Itself – Safety Razor

I talk to a lot of people about shaving, and they’re often surprised to hear that I use an “old fashioned” double edge safety razor. Please see my discussion here as to why. After I give my oral dissertation on why the DE Razor is my weapon of choice when doing battle with my facial hair the next question they ask is how hard or complex is the razor to use? I tell them that the double edge safety razor I use is simplicity itself. It is basically [continue reading…]

You can do an internet search and find all sorts of pre-shave oils or pre-shaving oils.  I’ve tried and used several pre-shave oils and don’t like them. They are typically thin and don’t lubricate very well at all. Frankly, they are disappointing. To make matters worse, after putting the pre-shave oil on, you’re expected to put a shaving cream or shaving lotion on top of it before shaving. That seems overly time consuming, labor intensive, expensive, complex and all-around unwise.  Why not, instead of using a pre-shave oil, use Almaden Shaving oil? It is a a complete shaving solution, no extra [continue reading…]

I started shaving over 40 years ago…(ulp!) and with the exception of a deployment to the Mediterranean aboard USS Sturgeon (SSN-637) in late 1980, now itself razor blades, I’ve been clean shaven nearly all of my life.  I started shaving with a Gillette Techmatic. Before that, I remember watching my dad shave with a Double Edge razor (also known as a “Safety Razor”) and watching him put the used blades into the slot of medicine cabinet.  I so wanted to crawl under the house and see the pile of blades from my dad and the previous homeowner. How many would there be?, would it someday lift the house off it’s foundation?

I converted to a Double Edge razor, also known as a safety razor, about a year ago and have never looked back.  I bought the razor and an assortment of different blades.  I took lots of notes and even did comparison shaving.  I would shave one side of my face with a modern multi-blade razor and the other side with my new found friend, my “big iron”. Immediately after shaving I would ask my wife to feel the two side of my face to see if she could tell the difference between the two sides. The results were about 65 / 35 where she would say the DE razor side felt smoother. After bragging to my adult Son, he politely informed me he had been using the “big iron” for several years… [continue reading…]

Shaving Oil suggestions and shaving suggestions, tips and hints presented in a Q&A format (mostly).

Is it OK to electric shave?

Certainly electric shaving can be faster than wet shaving. However, electric shaving is harsher on the skin as it strips away natural oils and usually requires the hairs to be dry and brittle to get a close shave. For a closer and more comfortable shave, our advice is to shift to wet shaving. That said, it’s all up to you,  so if you wish to continue with the electric razor, here’s what  we suggest: apply two or three drops of Almaden Shaving premium shaving oil to your face before starting.  It will prepare your skin and beard helping leave you feeling moisturized (not roughed up)

Additional tips: Unlike all Almaden Shaving premium shave oil products, most pre-shave lotions or electric pre-shaves contain alcohol and/or other astringent (drying) agents. Please read the label and check the ingredients before you purchase.

Are moisturizers only for girls/wimps etc.?

Certainly not! It’s important to care for your skin, regardless of your sex, it is the larges organ of your entire body.   The daily routine of life can damage your skin. Women have been wise to this for years – men have taken longer to catch up in their understanding. Shaving can be very drying on your skin and coupled with weather and lifestyle conditions (yes, hanging out in smoke filled bars or pool halls will negatively affect your skin) you need to protect it. Products that claim to be able to replace moisture are pretty much nonsense, – once the moisture is gone, it’s gone.  By using Almaden Shaving premium shave oil to shave you are using an amazing moisturizing product to start with. When you’re done shaving, simply allow your face to air dry or pat it dry. If you want additional moisturizing, massage another 2 or 3 drops into your face.

The key is to lock moisture into the skin rather than try and replace it later. The simplest way to do this is to apply a moisturizer to the skin as soon after shaving as possible, but definitely within eight to ten minutes of shaving. Almaden Shaving oil itself is an excellent moisturizer.  All of the main ingredients castor oil, hemp seed oil, olive oil and grape seed oil, are known for their emollient (moisturizing) properties.

Myth: Shaving causes your hair to grow back thicker, darker or faster.
Truth: No way. Hair regrowth is determined by what’s on the inside—your genetics and hormones. So why does fallacy continue to be perpetuated? As hair grows back, the blunt ends make it seem/feel thicker. Most hair grows about a half-inch per month and is a sign that your body is healthy and doing just what it’s supposed to do. According to a 2005 study published in the international Journal of Dermatology, hair growth rate varies substantially by race. On average an African’s hair grows slowest at about 4 inches per year; caucasian ‘s hair grows about 5 inches per year and Asian hair grows about 6 inches per year. Growth rates for men and women are essentially the same. As the hair is above the skins surface, it begins to rub on things, clothing, other people, a washcloth, towel drying etc. the end is rounded, giving it a “smooth” feel.

Myth: A new blade causes nicks and cuts.
Truth: In reality, it’s the exact opposite! Shaving with an old, dull blade typically causes more nicks and cuts. A new blade being sharper, is safer. By using a light touch with Almaden shaving oil and it’s super lubricating qualities, your razor will glide easily over your skin avoiding those painful nicks and cuts.

My Multi-blade razor clogs way too easily and often!
The best solution I’ve found is to NOT use a multi-blade razor. I switched to a Double edged safety razor over a year ago and haven’t looked back. The shave is is as close, is less irritating and much, much less expensive.
OK Bozo, I said it clogs too much. I have a small fortune invested in these blades and I need a solution for these razors.
Right! The key is to rinse your razor in warm  or hot water more often and to tap the blades inside the sink to dislodge the particles. So, basically, rinse the razor on every stroke or every other stroke.
My sales manager isn’t going to like me revealing this secret: Use LESS shaving oil during your shave. For men, shaving their beard, we recommend starting with between three and five drops. Most people start at the upper end just because they’re used to using more conventional shaving software. Back off on the amount you use for your shave.  If you’ve properly wetted your beard, three or four drops should be sufficient.
If you do that, you’re a little more likely to want an extra drop or two afterwards for extra skin conditioning.

If you have shaving oil suggestions, send them our way and we’ll give them a look.  If we use your suggestion, we’ll send you a coupon for a shaving oil.  If our readers vote it most useful, we’ll send you some shaving oil on us!