WHY MAKE THE SWITCH TO TRADITIONAL WET SHAVING?
So you use a cartridge razor and canned foam from the drug store. You can shave with your eyes closed and it takes you 32 seconds flat to do so. But do you also smell like a 15 year old boy covered in generic body spray (men) or a sugar plum fairy (ladies) because of your canned foam? Do you dread buying another pack of cartridges because you could buy a few meals instead? Do you get razor burn, ingrown hairs or rashes? Do you ever wonder how many plastic cartridges you throw out a year and what that’s doing to the environment? For you, there is The Copper Hat! Here are our top reasons to make the switch:
Do the Math
Modern razor blade cartridges are a waste of money. Currently, a mainstream drugstore charges $20 for 4 cartridges. That’s $5 a blade. At The Copper Hat, most of our double edged blades are $3 for 5, that’s 60 cents a blade. $5 or $0.60; it’s up to you.
What Are You Throwing Out?
Drug store razor cartridges are composed of a number of different plastics and metals that cannot be separated and recycled; disposable razors are even worse. By using a Copper Hat double or single edged razor you ensure that the only thing you ever replace is a single blade; a blade that is one metal and can be recycled (check with your community recycling program on how to recycle sharps). While it is necessary to chuck your cartridge razor handle when styles change and it is no longer compatible with blades, new and vintage double edged razors are standardized and have used the same style of blades for decades; there is no reason to ever throw one away or replace it. And hey, if you get a straight razor, you will never have to worry about blades anyway! Another environmentally unfriendly component of drugstore shaving is the aerosol can of foam. Can you imagine how many of those cans are used up and tossed every year? Use a puck or tube of shave soap instead, your skin and the Earth will thank you!
The Brush makes all the Difference
The most important part of the wet shave is arguably the brush. Canned shave foam can contribute to razor burn because it is composed mainly of air, making it so light that a razor blade can easily shave under, not through it. Traditional shave creams and soaps are formulated to prepare and condition your skin while the shaving brush distributes product evenly and helps raise hairs for a closer shave. A brush exfoliates skin, removing dead cells and leaving skin properly prepared for your shave. Not only does the brush provide essential skin preparation, it also allows you to discover endless shave-specific soaps that don’t smell like generic body spray!
Quantity Does Not Equal Quality
As you draw a 5 blade cartridge over your skin, the first blade acts as a snowplough, dragging your shaving cream with it. Now, multiple blades are shaving unprotected skin – that is like dry shaving over and over again every time you use that razor! The result: irritated skin smeared with a gooey substance deposited by your cartridge to camouflage razor burn. There is no reason for a razor to have more than one blade. If you use a good quality, sharp blade, it will give you a better shave every time. Do it right, do it with one.
Wet Shaving is an Art
Wet shaving is all about slowing down enough to get the best quality shave; a shave that you enjoy rather than rush through. When you begin to wet shave you discover an array of razors, blades, brushes and soaps with which you can customize a shave routine that suits you perfectly. There are so many combinations that half the fun is in finding your next favourite razor or aftershave. Not only does wet shaving give you the ability to personalize your routine, it also allows you to display it. How many people are proud to exhibit their plastic cartridge razor and can of foam on the bathroom counter? I bet you would rather show off a nickel plated twist-to-open double edged razor, mug of bay rum shave soap and custom-turned Olivewood shave brush? Come on, that even sounds impressive!
I have been considering trying a safety razor for some time, but never really knew what to buy. I have asked at a couple of places in Calgary that sell the stuff, but they don’t specialize in shaving and seemed unsure of their advice. What kind of a set-up would be required to start? Don’t want to spend a fortune in case I hate it…., but want quality, because I’m sure that is part of the experience. Let me know what you think, as I’m sure that your advice may come with some experience….!
Regards,
Mike.
I started wet shaving in October 2007, and never looked back ! This is by far the best way to shave and having fun while doing it ! My skin looks much healthier and I have no more razor burns, nor rashes. My wife loves the feel of my skin after I shave. My work requires that I shave every day, hence the importance of quality products to prevent razor burns. The Copper Hat is a cute little store with lots of product options for any budget. Brad and Kate are very nice, and they know their stuff ! They have the best quality products in town, and their prices are very low ! I just discovered their store 2 months ago, and will continue to shop at the Copper Hat FOREVER !
Thank you Brad for your excellent and patient recommendations yesterday : I just tried my brand new safety razor for the first time, and I’m deeeeelighted. As smooth a shave as with my straight blade, but much easier, more precise, and (dare I say) faster. I’m convinced, and converted.
Congrats on the lovely shop and great selection of specialized products – take it from a Belgian who just bought a German razor in western Canada 😛
Thanks so much for the kind words Nicolas! We love what we do and we’re always happy to take as much time as needed for anyone to feel comfortable with their new gear. I’m always happy to hear when new additions to the shave den are thoroughly enjoyed!
Cheers
Brad
I have been using good shave cream and brush for some time. I wanted to use a double edged safety razor for some time but was worried about the cuts etc. I spoke with The Copper Hat guy (in store) and decided to purchase a Parker shaver. I have never looked back. I love experimenting with the right blade.I get a great shave and am pleased by the savings and one less pressure on the environment. I am excited to shave (and after years of shaving, that is surprising – I am 56 years old). Thanks guys, love the 111B Parker.
I was just this morning looking online at safety razors after making the decision this weekend to switch over to one. It has been becoming harder and harder to get replacement cartridges for the razor I’ve used and so was impressed by this eliminating that issue. I was pleasantly surprised to stumble upon The Copper Hat while out on a walk at lunch. They did a great job of helping me to decide which razor felt the most comfortable and how to use it. I will be back soon to get one of the gorgeous brushes that they make.
Hi!
I bought an “hybrid” razor at your place while on vacation in Victoria and I wanted to thank you!
Straight out the gate it shaves 2-3 times closer than my multi blade gilette and I get much less red skin patches in my neck!!! I still use canned foam but I think I’ll switch after this can…
Would you have any recommendation for a good facial soap to wash the skin before shaving (exfoliating, etc…)?
Thanks alot again! I won’t be buying my blades anywhere else! Service there is top notch!
We’re so glad you’re enjoying your new double edge razor Simon! As far as washing and exfoliating your skin before shaving goes, we recommend keeping it simple. Our all-natural shave soap is formulated to gently cleanse your skin while also providing awesome razor glide and helping your hair stand up while you shave. The shaving brush is the ultimate exfoliating tool, so simply using a brush and soap is the perfect way to remove dead skin and gently wash your face. I (Kate) find shaving brushes so effective at cleansing and exfoliating that I wash my entire face with one every day and love it! I hope that helps!