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New to Wet Shaving?
What do I need to know?
If this is your first time wet shaving, we at the Razor Emporium know that it can be difficult figuring out where to start. The world of wet shaving is filled with hundreds of different products and brands, so making the best of your first purchase is important. Our main intention is to make certain that anyone who is new to wet shaving has everything that they need when they start. The first choice that must be made is deciding between a straight razor or a safety razor.
The essentials:
Can I just buy these in a set?
Razor Emporium has several kits and sets available for those who don't want to spend time searching through dozens of options on razors, shaving soaps and brushes. We have a wonderful introduction set for both double edge and straight razor users that is affordable and of the highest quality. These sets make an exceptional first purchase in wet shaving, or a terrific gift for someone you know who is looking to try wet shaving.
For those with absolutely no experience with wet shaving, we recommend starting out with a double edge safety razor. It is a safe and cost-effective way to become familiar with the world of wet shaving.
So what double edge should I buy?
We have several double edge razors that make great introductions to wet shaving. Razors such as the Edwin Jagger DE89 or the Merkur 42C are great introduction razors. They are high quality, light razors. The heft of either of these razors makes them easy to maneuver across the skin, and loading them with replacement blades can be done with ease.
What about replacement blades?
Replacement blades are essential for any purchase of a double edge razor. They are cheap and typically last between 4 and 7 shaves, as long as the razor is dried and cleaned after use. It is important that you store the razor in a clean, dry area, as dampness will cause the blades to rust faster. Our beginner blade sample pack is a great place to start, and you can find more sample packs in Travel & Samples.
How do I choose a shaving soap?
There are dozens of soaps out there for wet shaving. Most often our selections of soaps and creams showcase a unique scent or texture, however there are a few things to ask yourself before making a purchase.
Do you have sensitive skin?
If your skin is especially prone to rashes or irritation, it is important to select a shaving soap with a minimal amount of ingredients, or ingredients that are meant to be easy on the skin. Here at Razor Emporium, we recommend our Unscented Small Batch Shave Soap, which leaves out fragrance entirely, or Mitchell's Wool Fat Shaving Soap, which drastically minimizes razor burn.
For those with more resilient skin, there are many more options, ranging from the classically scented Tabac Original Shaving Soap to Essence of Scotland's Mountain Yew Shaving Soap. If you are not sure you want to commit to a single soap, try the Proraso travel shaving soap. It is a perfect introduction for new wet shavers and conveniently sized for shaving on the go.
Do I need a brush?
It is possible to get by without a brush while shaving, however we would not recommend it. Most of the shaving soaps that we sell are suited for use with a brush. We recommend using both a brush and a shaving bowl, as it makes it much easier to minimize mess and get the most out of your shaving experience. There is a full range of brushes available, but for beginners we recommend starting out with an affordable badger hair brush. The Omega 614 Black Badger travel brush is a wonderful introductory choice for new wet shavers. It is comfortable and finely crafted.
