How to Shave Like A Barber (featuring the Humble Shavette Razor)

Whatever you do, just don’t think of that Johnny Depp movie about psycho barbers. Image: Adrian Autencio

Yeah, yeah, we get it.

It was only a couple weeks ago when we were teaching you how to keep a handsome beard.

But, then again, what would we be if we ignored guys who shave? Out of business, that’s what.

If anything, “Shaving” is in our name, and we figured it was time you learned how to do it the best way—with a shavette. And if you’re asking yourself, “Isn’t that a straight razor, does it take time, and can I just have my barber do that?” No, only without practice, and yes, you can.

In fact, we say go and get a straight razor shave if you haven’t. There’s no therapy quite like it.

But let’s face it, most of you lead busy lives, and most of the time, you shave at home.

Still, that doesn’t mean you should waste your cash on disposable blades that’ll pile up in some landfill. Two years ago, the U.S.’ Environmental Protection Agency reported that at least 2 billion disposable razors wind up in the dump. That’s outrageous.

So, what’s the best way to save time, change habits, and get your granddad’s closest wet shave?

Again, switch to a shavette. Unlike a straight razor, which is one piece, these allow you to use replaceable blades. And while those technically can’t be recycled, it’s way better than helping make mountains of plastic every year.

Here’s how to use one of those without filleting your face (with special thanks to Giancarlo Fagundes, friend, owner and head barber at Blank Canvas in Woodbridge).

Some Things You’ll Need.

1. A Damn Good Shavette: “Truth be told, shavette’s are the best way to mimic a straight shave,” says Fagundes. “Plus, sharpening blades with a strop takes time to learn; this is user-friendly.”

All kinds of brands make these, but we like Dovo the most. They won’t break the bank, and they’re made well. A shavette blade comes pre-sharpened, too.

“This way you can pop it out, grab another one, then pop it in. Easy.”

If you didn’t know, some of the best blades are made in good old Germany. Image: Dovo

2. Some Premium Shave Cream: Like the one we made for Farzad the Barber, Vancouver’s straight shave legend. It’s got a rich tobacco scent that’ll give your routine some balls.

3. A Shaving Bowl (Or A Scuttle Mug, Same Thing): These come in ceramic, stainless steel and wooden styles, all of which are good. We use them to keep a rich, warm, and well-lathered cream.

4. A Brush With Synthetic Badger Hair: Not one with real badger hair. And if you want to know why, go and look up what they do to those little guys to make them. We don’t support that garbage.

5. Patience. The learning curve here’s not as steep as it is with straight razor shaving, though, make no mistake, you will nick yourself at first.

Good thing you laughs at nicks, Leonidas.

Let’s get to it.

1. “Always prep your skin with a product that’ll lubricate it,” stresses Fagundes. “We use a good one that loosens hair up for a closer shave. Rub on a good amount, but don’t go overboard.”

And if you shave in the shower, do this part first.

2. Grab your shaving cream and crack it open.

3. Wet your brush a little, then dab the bottom of your bowl to get it wet, too.

4. “Dip that brush into your cream, dab your bowl with it again, then stir it until you’ve worked up a soapy consistency,” says Fagundes.

5. A hot shower can do a hot towel’s job well, so don’t worry about that part. Both the water and its steam will open your pores while softening your hair. Remember—the softer your hair, the closer the shave.

6. “Using your brush, apply some cream everywhere that needs shaving,” says Fagundes. “And at the same time, massage it in a circular motion to loosen the hairs even more.” Let the cream settle for about one minute.

7. “Take slow, short strokes, and don’t go against the grain. Always go with the pattern of hair growth.” Start with your cheeks, then move on to your chin, then to your neck before finishing up under your nose. If you nick yourself, laugh heartily.

8. Re-apply some cream, and go for run number two. But, “if you have sensitive skin, ditch the second pass altogether,” says Fagundes. “Otherwise, you’ll irritate your face.”

9. Wash up with a splash of cold water; it’ll help close up all those nicks and pores.

10. Slather on some after shave lotion that’ll baby your skin. You’ve just removed a whole layer of dead cells and microscopic debris (in other words, you exfoliated), so the replenishing qualities of vitamin E play a key role here. Don’t skip this part.

11. A little aftershave tonic won’t just close those pores, it’ll keep bacteria at bay, too. Plus, the glycerin and neem oil therein make for solid moisturizers.

12. You’re all done, tough guy.

Here’s a bonus tip: Aftershave lotion can leave an unwanted sheen on your mug, so if you don’t want it to glisten like a Fabergé egg, slap on a little talcum powder at the very end.

Next time, we’ll show you how to use a cut-throat razor.

Don’t worry, gentlemen, that’s just another term for “straight razor.”