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Wet Shave

Wet Shave

Sometimes I write a random post, not expecting anyone will even read it, but then I am positively surprised on the interest. My last post on shaving is one such post. I got a decent set of engagement based on a personal experience. So I thought maybe I should come back with a post on what exactly is Wet Shaving or Traditional Shaving.

In my mind, Wet Shaving is the classic, multi-step ritual using a single blade (Double-Edge Safety Razor, Single-Edge, or Straight Razor) paired with a shaving brush and water-activated shave soap/cream worked into a rich, slick lather.

I did a bit of research, and found about 130 million adult men in the United States shaves regularly, and only about 3% of them use traditional wet shaving tools. Majority uses some kind of gel/foam with cartridge disposable razors (about 65%). The rest uses Electric razors, or other forms of dry shaving (about 32%). The rest, a small minority are people like me!

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Delta Echo Razor, now a closed business

I try to make a table below for common misconceptions and reality. The only item I think I can understand as an argument against is the TSA ban on DE blades (open blades). I travel a lot, and during travel, I use a Harry's Plastic Razor, $13 at Amazon, or at my grocery store Kroger. I even use it also at home when I am not traveling, when I am in a rush.

Barrier Misconception Reality
Fear of Cuts Exposed single blades are dangerous and hard to control. Closed-comb razors are forgiving; letting the razor's weight work prevents nicks.
Time Needed Lathering and shaving takes too long for busy mornings. Once learned, a 2-pass shave takes under 5 minutes and feels far less rushed.
Upfront Cost 50–50–70 initial hardware feels too expensive. Blades cost 0.15vs.0.15 vs.4 per cartridge, breaking even in 6–8 months.
Travel Rules Harder to travel with than disposables. TSA bans loose DE blades in carry-ons; you must check bags or buy blades locally.
Multi-Blade Myth More blades guarantee a closer, better shave. Cartridges pull and cut below skin causing ingrowns; a single blade cuts cleanly without irritation.
Over-Complexity Requires an expensive hobby setup with endless products. A single 3-piece razor, synthetic brush, and soap tub last for years.

I have my razors, most purchased or restored 10 years back, and still functioning perfectly. A Stirling Soap 5.8 Oz Tub, like this one called The Cool Blue, that I am using this summer cost $14, and will last me a year for sure. Likely I will still be using that tub next summer. So I thought I make a table for a minimalist set up. Here it is:

Traditional DE Wet Shaving Setup cost (year)

Component Minimalist Choice / Example Approx. Cost (USD)
Razor Maggard MR11 w/ V3 Head (3-piece DE) 28-28 -32
Brush Synthetic Brush (22mm - 24mm knot) 12-12 -15
Soap Quality Shave Soap Tub (e.g., Stirling, Proraso, Arko) 10-10 -14
Blades DE Blade Sampler Pack (100 blades) 8-8 -12
Total Initial Cost Minimalist Starter Setup 58-58 -73

This setup will last years. The soap will likely run out if you are a daily shaver like me in about 8 months, but the rest will last tens of years. The 100 blade pack that I currently use is $8, and will last me 2-3 years. So cost can not be the argument.

Here is the Cartridge set up cost (year):

Component Example Product / Setup Upfront Cost (USD) Annual Replacement / Refill Cost
Razor Handle Mass-market Cartridge Handle (e.g., Gillette Fusion5 or Schick Hydro) 10.00–10.00 –15.00 $0.00 (Reusable handle)
Blade Cartridges Multi-Blade Refills (Changing weekly: 52 cartridges/year at 3.50–3.50 –4.50 each) — 180.00–180.00 –230.00
Canned Gel / Foam Pressurized Aerosol Shave Gel (4–6 cans/year at 4.50–4.50 –6.00 each) — 20.00–20.00 –35.00
Total Cost Cartridge & Gel Setup 10.00–10.00 –15.00 200.00–200.00 –265.00 / year

The joy of Wet Shaving

That picture below is a scuttle. You do not need it. You can use any bowl from your kitchen if you so choose, or none at all. You can create a lather on your face directly. However, it is better quality in a bowl.

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This is the part I like the most. Any good tallow based soap will create this thick yogurt like hydrating lather, with a slight sheen. It done right, it should hold its shape on its own and will create this 'peaks'. That blue Maggard Brushis $18 and I have for 10 plus years now. It is serving me well, and very likely will outlast me. Soft synthetic fibers whip up dense, protective lather from hard soaps or creams instantly, without requiring the soak time or break-in period of boar hair. Synthetics dry rapidly, don't shed bristles easily, and won't rot or degrade over time. They cost a fraction of high-end silvertip badger knots while performing as well or better.

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When you use this lather on your face or head, it hydrates your skin and stays. It does not bubble out mid-shave and disappears. It provides incredible cushion and glide for your blade and it is all out joy to use it. I like to contrast this to canned aerosol goo which dries out skin with propellants and chemical lathers. If anyone give this a try, I argue, it will be hard to get back to the can or gel.

If you are still using multi-blade plastic cartridges and canned aerosol gel, you are paying premium prices for a subpar shave. The modern shaving industry has spent decades convincing us that adding a fifth or sixth blade and slathering on chemical foam leads to a better experience. In reality, it causes razor burn, ingrown hairs, plastic waste, and a steady drain on your wallet.

The Joy of the Ritual

Beyond the cost savings and healthier skin, traditional wet shaving brings intentionality back to your morning routine. The warmth of the water, the rich aroma of real shave soap, and the tactile feedback of a well-balanced metal tool elevate a routine obligation into a grounding, sensory experience.

Stop paying for overpriced plastic. Pick up a 3-piece safety razor, a synthetic brush, and a blade sampler, and reclaim your daily shave.

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