Smooth strokes: choosing the right blade for a close shave

Jet, May 17, 2004

Did you know the word barbarian referred to men with facial hair that was "un-barbered?"

For many millennia, men have been in constant conflict with their stubborn stubble. They've employed sharpened bones, flint, clamshells and jagged stones in their efforts to scrape their hair away. Later, they experimented with bronze, copper and iron razors.

Craftsmen used carbon steel to make razor blades in small workshops. It was a slow process that produced a blade that, while giving a remarkably smooth shave, tended to corrode in the humid environment of the bathroom. This tended to make shaving a bit precarious.

Thankfully, modern man no longer has to take his life into his own hands when he wants the look ladies love: a smooth, silky, shave.

BLADE RUNNERS

The average man will spend about 3,000 hours of his life shaving, so it's best to get the right tool for the job.

Choosing between a blade razor or electric razor really depends on the type of shave you want, the type of shaver you are, and the type of blade you feel gives the least skin irritation, according to www.malegroomingtips4me.com.

Non-electric razor, used for lighter or closer shaves-cuts hair closer to the surface of the skin to leave behind smoother stubble.

Disposable razors are convenient, economic, and ideal tour companions. Straight razors are fantastic for a surgically smooth shave, but these blades are a strict no-no for first time users as a slight slip could lead to serious injury. Barbers mainly use these and those trained to handle them.

Double-edge razors are a popular option for home shaving, and can last for over 10 shaves or longer depending on the thickness of your facial hair.

Electric razors come in two types-rotary head and the foil head.

A foil head is the thin, flexible screen with blades rapidly moving back and forth underneath. With rotary, the cutting blades spin behind guards that have slots and/or holes cut in them for the whiskers to stick through. They also come in waterproof versions that dispense moisturizer to help with sensitive skin.