FAQ's

 Q: I want to buy a shaving set for a special occasion but I don’t know where to start. can you advise?  Q: What is the difference between shaving cream and shaving soap?  Q: Which shaving brush should I choose; what’s the difference?  Q: Why should I change to a DE razor?  Q: What’s the best way to clean my shaving brush?  Q: There is a build-up of shaving soap in my shaving brush. How can I clean my brush properly?

Q: I want to buy a shaving set for a special occasion but I don’t know where to start. can you advise?

A: When deciding which set to buy you need to consider what type of razor blade is required, which shaving brush quality is preferred, what colour handles – generally black, imitation ivory or horn or one of the chrome/metal finishes. Once you have made these decisions you just need to decide how much you want to spend. If you need any help you can always call us or use our on-line chat function on the website.

Q: What is the difference between shaving cream and shaving soap?

A: Shaving cream is generally softer and can be applied and lathered using a brush or fingers. Shaving soap is firm/hard and is used with a bowl, water and a shaving brush to create a rich lather which is applied to the beard area using the shaving brush. Both are equally popular it is just personal preference. Best to choose a product that does not contain parabens or mineral oils.

Q: Which shaving brush should I choose; what’s the difference?

A: Most shaving brushes are made using badger hair. The badger hair, hot water and soap combination creates a rich lather to improve the shaving experience and result. There are various grades of badger hair: pure, black or best, super and silver tip badger hair. Pure tends to be grey in colour, is the least expensive and often used in mass produced shaving brushes. Best is slightly softer, super badger is much softer with lighter colours ends and silver tip is the softest and most luxurious/expensive with silvery tips to the hairs. The choice is personal but the most commonly purchased is best badger.

Q: Why should I change to a DE razor?

A: The DE or double edge razor is experiencing a significant comeback. This may be due to the fact that the DE razor blades are very inexpensive compared to replacement cartridges for branded 3, 4 or 5 bladed razors. Shaving effectively with DE razor takes a little practice but the results are excellent – a close, clean shave. The key difference is you are using a single, very sharp blade but with no built in lubrication. It’s the closest thing to shaving with a straight (cutthroat) razor. We would always advise using a pre- shave lotion before your chosen shaving lather, to enhance razor glide and prevent shaving nicks. Various replacement blades are available and are universal and very inexpensive.

Q: What’s the best way to clean my shaving brush?

A: Shaving brushes don’t require anything more than thorough rinsing under hand-hot water after each use to prevent build-up of shaving soap. After rinsing shake the excess water out and hang the shaving brush in a stand to dry between uses. Do not store a damp shaving brush in a sealed environment. If you wish you can use a solution of borax substitute every six months to give you brush a good clean.

Q: There is a build-up of shaving soap in my shaving brush. How can I clean my brush properly?

A: Ask your local pharmacy or hardware shop to get you some borax/borax substitute powder. Mix one tablespoonful of powder with warm water until the solution is pure white and beginning to thicken. If too much water is added, just add more powder. To give you an idea, the perfect constituency for the borax solution should be similar to that of pouring cream. Pour the thick solution into the badger hairs so that it settles in the head covering the soap build up. (Do not allow the solution to run down over the handle as it could damage any printed branding.) Leave the brush to stand overnight so that the borax solution can dissolve the soap residue. Next day rinse thoroughly. If residue still remains repeat the process. The borax will not damage the badger hair.