So called ‘retro shaving’ is a growing trend and my guy recently upgraded his wet shaving routine to include a traditional safety razor. If you’re unsure of what I mean by a traditional safety razor, think of the type of razor that your Dad or Grandad uses, they’ve been around for absolutely ‘donkeys’. If that doesn’t do it here’s a picture for you:
The one you’re most likely to come across is called the double-edge razor, where a double-edged blade is placed in between a guard plate and a comb plate, which is then attached to the handle you grip.
The growing popularity of ‘retro shaving’ is in part down to the fact that double-edge blades are far less expensive than their contemporary disposable counterparts, and because one blade (and replaced after every shave) is most certainly kinder & cleaner on your skin than five. So, in short, the benefits are: a closer, cheaper, cleaner, more environmentally friendly, healthier, less irritating shave with better looking skin.
My guy did a lot of research and read a lot of reviews before buying his double edged razor, and finally settled on the R870SR Mühle Kosmo Safety Razor in Olive Wood (Kosmo handles come in a variety of woods and resins, with matching stands and brushes).
It’s from Mühle’s (a German company who have been making razors since 1945) modern range and he chose this one because the Independent newspaper’s review by Louis Dore described it as “quite simply the closest and most comfortable shave we’ve experienced with a safety razor”; certainly a ringing endorsement.
The blade is protected withing a beautiful chrome ‘closed-comb’ (i.e. the ‘comb’ guard plate acts as a barrier between your skin and the blade as you run the razor across your skin) housing. The olive wood handle is sumptuously & perfectly sculpted for the hand. Although the handle is shorter and unconventional compared to a traditional handle, but the grip is fantastic and allows you to quickly and lightly move the blade around the various creases and contours of your face. He got used to it in no time at all, meaning it’s ideally suited to beginners and experienced wet-shavers.
He says it’s a delight to use (it takes a bit longer but he described the whole process as like meditation) and loves it!
What do I think? There is no doubt his face feels far, far smoother and softer as compared to electric or cassette razors, and (but don’t tell him) I no longer get razor burn or bumps on my legs 🙂