Shave like your grandfather. Safety shave Which safety razor is best

The T-shaped razor is a machine that is known to all men, because it is a classic, time-tested and experienced. Today's classic machines are different from their forefathers, they come in different types and in general look like a real men's accessory. But one thing hasn't changed - the t-shape razor delivers a shave that rivals any modern razor and is completely on par in terms of performance.

To appreciate all the advantages of a classic razor, you can compare it with other razors, find out which characteristics are most important and how to shave correctly so that it is efficient and safe. The safety razor remains as popular among modern men as it was half a century ago.

The main types of t-shaped machines

Not so long ago, a T-shaped razor consisted of a holder, a head into which the blade was inserted, and a lid that closed the structure. The simple system was reliable and easy to maintain, if necessary, the blade could be changed independently. Today, the classic razor has become more functional and suits the various needs and wishes of men.

There are four main types of T-shaped machines:

1. Closed comb razor - Closed comb. The softest and safest option, optimal for those who begin to master machines of this type.
2. The Open Comb Razor is the advanced men's option for a perfectly close shave.
3. The combined version of the Open / Closed comb is a kind of compromise between safety and quality of hair removal. But not all manufacturers offer this option.
4. Razor with an oblique comb Slant bar. The blade of this machine works on the principle of a guillotine, therefore it is suitable only for experienced shaving professionals. It gives the best result.

There is another difference between razors, which is the design of the razor. Some of them consist of two parts: legs with a holder and a top cover, under which the blade is fixed. For others, the holder is a separate part, so the machine is disassembled into 3 components. In addition, there is also a butterfly lock system in which the blade mount does not come off at all.

To understand which option is better to choose, and whether it is worth starting to use a T-shaped razor at all, it is worth learning about the advantages of such machines over other systems and finding out how to use them.

Advantages and differences of T-shaped machines

Modern men, having the opportunity to choose from a great variety of machines and shaving systems, are increasingly returning to the classic version and prefer t-shape razors. This happens for several reasons:

• invariable quality of shaving, smooth and soft skin at the end of each procedure;
• cost-effective maintenance, because buying a blade is much cheaper than a replacement cassette with three or five blades;
• the quality of the machine itself, the reliability of operation, the simplicity of the system;
• adherence to tradition and the desire to look impressive - after all, even modern T-shaped razors carry the "zeitgeist".

An important difference between a classic razor and modern plastic and silicone razors is that a universal blade can be put into a model of any brand and cost. Whereas conventional machines have individual mounting systems and dependence on interchangeable cassettes of a certain company and category. At the same time, the quality of shaving is not inferior to modern machines with floating heads, or even electric razors and trimmers.

How to choose a good T-shaped machine

Having decided to purchase a classic razor, it is important to understand how they differ from each other, which option will be optimal for a particular man, and what characteristics the machine should have in order to last a long time and give a good shaving result. When buying, it is important to pay attention to such nuances:

• material for the manufacture of the handle and head - it is better to take pure metal, stainless steel, it is stronger and will last longer;
• ergonomic handle - it should have corrugations or rubber inserts to help avoid slipping in the hand;
• simplicity of design and ease of blade change - you need to try how the top cover is removed, how easy it is to put a new blade;
• cost - it’s better not to save on a T-shaped razor, especially since in the end this purchase will pay for itself much faster than a conventional modern machine;
• razor brand or company - it is better to buy a good branded razor once and enjoy its quality, convenience, appearance for many years.

T-shaped men's razors can be purchased in regular stores or on the Internet. Knowing their features and characteristics, it will not be difficult to choose the optimal model.

Rating of the best t-shaped machines for men

To date, the number of brands and companies producing classic machines is so large that it can be difficult to choose one option among this variety. Therefore, it is worth considering the rating of the best razors, comparing their parameters and making a final decision. The most popular brands included:

1. Merkur 42C is convenient, simple, reliable and durable. Feels comfortable in the hand and provides an excellent shave.
2. Fatip Piccolo - the razor of the Italian company, after 60 years of its existence, continues to produce high-quality and beautiful products. The machine is known to men for smoothness of sliding on the skin, safety and convenience.
3. Gillette is a leader in the production of machines and shaving systems, does not forget about the classics and gives all men the opportunity to enjoy its benefits. The T-shaped machine is known for its reliability and ease of use.
4. The Weishi 9306-FL is an inexpensive yet stylish machine with good weight and a comfortable fit in the hand. Perfectly shaves all the curves and hollows of the chin, and the quality of the construction ensures long-term use.

How to use a classic razor correctly

For those young people who are just starting to shave, and men who decide to switch from a regular to a classic razor, at first the ritual will be unusual and even uncomfortable. After all, you need to get used to and adapt to the T-shaped razor. In addition to the bar you need to have soap or shaving foam, some men still prefer to use a shaving brush to apply it to the skin.

Before shaving, it is advisable to steam the skin. To do this, use a waffle towel dipped in hot water. Shaving foam is then applied to the skin so that it covers the entire surface that will be shaved. A good layer of foam will act as a kind of buffer between the skin and the blade, protecting the surface from damage. When using a T-razor, it's important to take your time and be gentle, especially the first few times.

In the process of shaving, it is better to hold the machine by the tip, then the pressure will be soft and simple, and the sliding will be unhindered. After each passing the head over the skin, it must be washed from foam and hairs, especially if the length of the hair on the chin was significant. This will help prevent cuts and injuries.

Men who have used t-bars for a long time say that the most comfortable shaving angle is 30 degrees. But in the process of hair removal, each user will understand how it is more convenient and easier to shave the stubble.

After the shaving procedure, the remaining foam must be washed off with water and be sure to apply lotion or cream to the skin to soften the skin, prevent inflammation and protect the epidermis. The tool must be allowed to dry, but for now you can take care of the razor. It is best to disassemble all its components and wash them separately. After that, the parts must be dried and reassembled, then the razor can be placed in a stand or put in a special case.

Thus, T-shaped razors remain relevant to this day, and their variety and types allow each man to purchase the best option for himself. Using a classic machine is different from the usual one, but with practice, you can achieve maximum results and smooth skin.

The traditional safety razor provides a clean shave with minimal skin trauma. This is only true if you have a well-developed technique. In this article, you will learn how to properly shave with a t-bar.

To shave cleanly with a safety razor, you need to work out the technique

Shaving set with safety razor

You will need:

• T-shaped machine.
• Quality blade.
• Shaving cream or soap.
• Shaving brush.
• Hot water.
• Mirror.
• After shave.

You can also use a clean waffle towel to steam the skin, a frothing container, and a cut agent such as alum stone. Some men like to use pre-shave products such as oil, cream, lotion or special soap. In addition, shaving goes better if you have free time and a good mood.

Have you collected everything you need? Start the procedure. It consists of the following steps: preparing the skin and bristles, whipping the foam and applying it to the face, shaving, finishing the skin and cleaning the tools. Please note that in practice some stages are performed simultaneously or overlap each other. But for convenience of perception and preservation of the logic of presentation, they are described sequentially.

How to prepare skin and stubble

At this point, you must prepare the skin and bristles for contact with the blade. For the skin, a meeting with a razor should pass with minimal damage. During preparation, it is necessary to moisturize the epidermis as much as possible. This makes it flexible. It is the elasticity or pliability of the skin that protects it from injury when in contact with a sharp blade.

But the hair should be inelastic. The strength of the hair is provided by the outer layer or cuticle. In the normal state, the cuticle is a layering and tightly adjacent to each other cells. On top they are covered with sebum. Due to this, the hair is protected from mechanical damage and penetration of excess moisture.

By the way, you have probably heard the comparison of the strength of a human hair with the strength of copper wire. A hair is stronger than a wire of the same diameter.

When water penetrates the hair, it becomes heavier and less elastic. Cuticle cells do not adhere as tightly to each other, which makes the outer layer less resistant to mechanical stress, such as cutting with a blade.

How to prepare the skin for shaving in practice? Proceed like this:

• Wash your face with soap. So you degrease the skin. This contributes to the penetration of water into the epidermis and hair. The water should be very warm or slightly hot. But avoid excessively hot water. It dehydrates and even burns the skin.
• Take a warm shower. During washing, you can direct a jet of water on your face for a few seconds. This will moisturize the skin and hair. Also, warm water will expand the pores.
• Do not dry your face after showering. Prepare a lather of shaving cream or soap, apply it to your skin and start shaving.

Please note that applying foam to the face also applies to preparing for shaving. Moreover, it is a very important part of the preparation. Why? First, soap suds are always alkaline. Alkali reduces the strength and reduces the elasticity of the hair cuticle. This makes it easier for the blade to cut hair.

Secondly, almost any shaving cream and soap contains moisturizing ingredients, such as glycerin or oils. When applied, the skin and hair are moisturized, which contributes to a comfortable shave.

Thirdly, the foam makes the razor glide easier and acts as a buffer or cushion between the face and the blade. Due to this, the razor injures the epidermis less.

Finally, when you apply the foam, the shaving brush lifts the bristles, helps to remove dead epidermal cells and massages the skin.

If you do not have enough time to take a shower, use a towel soaked in hot water to prepare. Wash your face with soap and water, dampen a clean washcloth with hot water, wring it out, and place it on your face. Hold the towel for one and a half or two minutes. After that, apply lather and shave. Please note that it is better to apply a towel on the entire face, and not just on the shaving area. This stimulates reflex reactions, due to which the pores expand, and also relaxes the facial muscles.

But what about the so-called preshaves: oils, creams, lotions? If you want, apply them on a steamed face before making a lather. Take a few drops of oil or a small amount of cream, rub between your palms and spread over your cheeks, chin and neck.

Is it necessary to use a preshave? No. Cream or oil quickly moisturize the skin and make it supple. Due to this, the blade injures the epidermis less. But the same problem is easily solved with warm water and well-whipped cream or soap. Moreover, an excess amount of preshave oil prevents the penetration of water into the hair.

Start shaving when the skin is degreased, steamed and lathered. By the way, the latter will be discussed further.

How to lather soap or shaving cream

You will need a shaving brush, warm water, cream or special soap. Foam can be whipped directly on the face, in the palm of your hand or in a special container. It can be a scuttle, a shaving bowl, or even an ordinary cup, bowl or salad bowl.

To whip the foam, proceed as follows:

1. Before going to the shower, soak the shaving brush in warm water. The bristles of the brush should be soaked and absorb moisture.

2. Pour out the water from the bowl, shake the shaving brush several times and squeeze the shaving cream into the bowl. Pay attention to two points. First, if you're using cream, it's easy enough to shake the shaving brush two or three times. Before whipping the foam, water should drip from it. And if you use shaving soap, you need to shake the shaving brush several times with force. When preparing foam from soap, it is better to add water to the bowl gradually.

The second point: to shave, it is enough to squeeze out a strip of cream the length of the phalanx of the thumb. This is about 3 cm. How much soap do you need? Your shaving brush should become heavy and its hairs should stick together.

Helpful Hint: If saving is not your top priority, squeeze out a little more cream than you need. A 4 cm strip or one and a half phalanxes of a finger will allow you to make thick and moist foam at the same time. Please note that the amount required may vary depending on the brand of shaving cream.

3. Beat the foam with a brush in the bowl. Make circular motions, as if you are stirring sugar in tea or beating eggs for an omelette. If you use a cream, it is enough to work for about a minute. Soap will take longer. Experiment with water: add a few drops during whipping and evaluate the density and moisture content of the foam.

How to understand that the foam is ready? For example, try placing a shaving brush without resting on the sides of the bowl. If it doesn't fall off, apply lather to your face. Pay attention to its texture. It should be thick. If there are a lot of large bubbles in the foam, you need to add a little cream and work with a shaving brush. If it seems too viscous and dry to you, add a few drops of water and brush again.

4. Apply the foam to your face with a brush. The bristles of the shaving brush massage the skin, remove excess epidermis and help moisturize the epidermis and hair. Now start shaving.

How to use the T-shaped loom

Take the machine with the blade inserted. Please note that it is better to hold the razor by the end of the so-called leg or handle. This will prevent you from putting too much pressure on your skin while shaving. To prevent the machine from slipping during use, try not to touch the foam with your hands. If soap or cream gets on the handle of the razor, immediately rinse it under running water.

Select the correct blade to skin contact angle. It should be approximately 30°. To ensure this contact angle, you need to hold the machine correctly. Its position depends on the design. For example, for the Muhle R89 and R41 razors, the 30° angle is achieved when the handle is nearly parallel to the floor. The head of the Merkur 37c has a complex geometry. But a suitable contact angle is also achieved when the handle does not look straight down at the floor, but rather obliquely.

If this is your first time using a classic safety razor, experiment with the angle of attack. You act like this:

• Gently touch the guard of the machine to the skin of the face. In this position, the handle will look directly at the floor.
• Slowly move the handle up and out of the way until you feel blade-to-skin contact.
• Make a few short strokes with a razor.

Most likely, during the experiment, the blade was in contact with the skin at an obtuse angle. In this case, the blade does not shave, but scrapes the hair. It is possible to shave with this contact angle, but you will need several passes to achieve an acceptable shave. And extra passes can cause skin irritation. So keep experimenting:

• Touch the skin of the face with the lid of the machine. In this position, the handle looks to the side strictly parallel to the floor.
• Slowly lower the handle down until you feel the contact of the blade with your skin.
• Gently and without pressure, make a few very short strokes with a razor.

In this part of the experiment, you used an aggressive sharp corner. It was probably less than 30°. In this position, the razor injures the skin, causes irritation and ingrown hairs.

Now you need to find a happy medium. Note that this is not 45°. This angle is too obtuse. Take your machine with a blade and try to determine by eye in which position contact is achieved at an angle of 30 °. Try to maintain this position while shaving.

If you're new to the traditional t-bar, shave with your hair growth. For most men, this direction is from top to bottom. When you feel ready, experiment. Try to make strokes with a razor perpendicular to the direction of hair growth. Don't shave against the grain. In this case, the skin is severely injured, and you pay for a clean shave with irritation and ingrown hairs.

Please note that it is better to start experimenting with the direction of shaving a few weeks or months after you start using the classic razor.

• How many passes with a razor? Focus on two passes. At first, a clean shave may not suit you. However, after a few months of using a traditional razor, you will be shaving in two passes.
• Do I need to reapply the foam before each pass? Necessarily.
• How about a pre-shave? If we are talking about a cream or oil, it is enough to apply them once before the first pass.
• What part of your face should you start shaving on? It's a matter of personal preference. It may be convenient for you to first shave the cheeks and cheekbones, then the skin above the upper lip, then the chin and neck.
• With what force to press on the machine? If you have a metal razor, you do not need to put pressure on it at all. The machine with the blade should move along the skin under its own weight.

After removing the bristles, proceed to the final procedures.

What to do after shaving

Take care of your skin first. Then pay attention to shaving accessories.

During shaving, the skin is injured. Due to the removal of the upper layer of the epidermis, it loses moisture. Add to that stress from the harshness of alkaline soap or shaving cream. Is it clear why the skin needs help? Proceed like this:

• Rinse off any remaining shaving cream from your face with warm water.
• If you see bleeding cuts, use a hemostatic and disinfectant. It can be alunite or alum stone. Wet it with cold water and rub over the cut. Take a break for a few minutes. For example, while the alum is working on the skin, you can rinse the shaving brush.
• Wash the alum off your skin after three or four minutes. Use cool or cold water. Cold helps close pores and constrict capillaries.
• Pat your face dry with a clean towel. Please note that the skin needs to be wetted, not rubbed. It is better to use a cotton waffle towel that does not have lint.
• Apply an aftershave to your face. Use a balm, cream or gel without alcohol. Squeeze out a small amount of the product, rub it between the palms and apply to the face.

Now your skin is recovering and looking forward to your next shave. It's time to take care of your shaving accessories. First, spin the machine, wash its parts. Between procedures, the blade is best stored separately from the razor. Therefore, do not throw away the paper envelope in which it comes. All metal parts must dry before assembly.

Second, thoroughly rinse the shaving brush under running water. Shake the brush several times to remove water. Store your shaving brush with the bristles down. Third, wash and dry your shaving bowl. Don't forget to close and put your shaving and aftershave products on the shelf.

Shaving with a traditional razor is easy

For shaving to be enjoyable and effective, several conditions must be met. Pay attention to the preparation of the skin and hair. Learn how to properly hold the machine and choose the angle of attack of the blade. Shave in short strokes without pressure. After shaving, wash your face, use alunite if necessary, and apply aftershave. If everything is done correctly, a great mood is guaranteed.