1) A Better Shave

I discovered wet-shaving while looking for a way to deal with a tough and troublesome beard. Wet-shaving is not about being snobbish, but about a better shave with less irritation and fewer ingrown hairs. An old style double-edge razor, like Merkur HD, won't pull the hairs and cut them bellow the skin level as is the case with multi-blade cartridges, taking better care of your skin and your beard. Also, with an old style razor you have the luxury of choosing the sharpness of the blade; so you can find one that fits you best.

2) A Morning Ritual

Shaving used to be a hated task for me. I couldn't wait for the weekend to skip a couple of days. Now I look forward to this little routine. And why? I've replaced aerosol cans and disposable razors with a double edge razor, a good shaving soap (several of them actually and some creams as well) and a pure badger shaving brush. Three simple elements that are not only able to give me a better shave, but that put together create a moment to unwind and do something for myself that I can enjoy and feel good about.

3) Elements of a Great Shave

The secret to wet-shaving is getting yourself a good double-edge razor, shaving soap or cream and a shaving brush. Different people prefer different razors and with time you'll find the one that works best for you. For starters a medium size, moderately priced, new razor will do the job. Buy shaving soap or cream form a reputable seller. When you buy from an old English or US barbershop with 100 years of experience there's no way to go wrong. As you develop your preferences you can start to experiment with new brands. I prefer shaving soaps over creams because they have fewer preservatives and last longer. The shaving brush is the pivotal element of wet-shaving. So, if you get to pick only one outstanding shaving prop, this has got to be it. The brush massage and exfoliate your skin and the motion required to apply the soap will also lift your hair, preparing it for the shave. For a scrubbier feeling try a brush made of pure badger, for a soft touch super-badger/silver-tip will to the trick.

4) Good for You and the Environment Too

Wet-shaving also means less waste. Just think about all the non-recycleable plastic that goes into multi-blade cartridges and handles, and the aerosol cans that release harmful by-products into the environment. Switching to old-style shaving props won't gain you entry into Green Peace by itself, but it's a good start.