A quick guide to wet shaving

Are you about to embark on the traditional wet shaving journey? In that case you'll find the following couple of tips very useful. We have divided them into individual categories to make this article easy to navigate.

Safety Razors

Get a closed comb razor. It is much easier to work with and won't get you looking like a war veteran in case you don't have a perfect technique yet.
Open comb razors are perfect for longer and thicker beards.
Getting the best razor available doesn't get you the closest and most comfortable shave. Not on its own that is, because it's the technique that's the most important part.
Go easy on the trigger. The blade's angle when touching the skin should be about 30 degrees. Always shave in the direction of beard growth.
Be patient when trying out new razor blades. It is fairly useful to come back to some of them after a while, your technique might evolve and your preference might change as a result.

Mühle R89 Closed Comb Chrome Plated Safety Razor

Creams & Soaps

Shaving cream is a better choice if you're just starting out, because it is easier to work with. Shaving soap on the other hand requires more skills and some patience, but will reward you with even better results.
Use a shaving bowl to whip up the lather when using a soap. You can whip up the cream directly on your face, but you'll use up more of it.
If you've accidentally left the cream opened for some time and it has dried out a little, don't throw it away! It will still work quite fine.

Cyril R. Salter Shaving Cream - Lemon

Shaving Brushes

Should you get a badger, boar or synthetic shaving brush? Well that depends. Badger is the best of the lot and will create the best lather. Boar is much coarser. You can read more about shaving brushes in this article.
When using a boar shaving brush always remember to properly rinse it in warm water, it takes more time for it to soak up the water.
If your brush is shedding its bristle, you should pay some attention to it. Rinse it in warm water and use a small amount of shampoo. Then shake it to get rid of the water and let it dry. Afterwards brush it gently to get rid of the loose bristles.

Taylor of Old Bond Street Pure Badger Black Shaving Brush

After Shaving

Aftershave Lotion usually contains alcohol. It helps to disinfect the skin and closes up the pores. It usually has some sort of a fragrance. Don't mistake it with an eau de cologne, because the sole purpose of a cologne is to smell nice.
After Shave Balm doesn't contain any alcohol. It nourishes and calms the skin, which makes it a better choice for those with a more sensitive and rash-prone skin. Its fragrance also isn't quite as sharp.
You might nick yourself from time to time. It can't be avoided and it's nothing to be ashamed of, especially in the beginnings. Don't give up, just use an alum bar. First dip it in cold water and then apply it to the affected area. It is antiseptic and will close up the wound and stop the bleeding almost immediately.
Hydrate and nourish your skin regularly, preferably both in the mornings and in the evenings.

Proraso Red Nourishing After Shave with Sandalwood

To wrap it up, let us offer a final tip. If the whole affair doesn't go as planned, always change one thing at a time only. You'll easily identify the problem that way. And most importantly: don't be afraid to experiment, compare and ask. Good luck!