When I was first pregnant I had to nix my partner's use of canned shaving creams- the perfumes they contained made me ill, so we bought him a nice bar of unscented shaving soap and a lather brush. The shaving soap has been great. We love that it lasts forever and has no can to throw away. Another natural option would be to make our own shaving soap, which is definitely on the horizon. However, he continued to use disposable razors for several years until recently, when he researched non-disposable options.
A few months ago he switched to using straight razors. I think they take a bit of time to maintain, including being honed on a leather strop before each use, but he only shaves every two or three days, so it's not too big of a deal. They also require occasional sharpening with a whetstone.
I love that the sustainable solutions for the future are often to be found in how we used to do things. This is definitely the low-tech shaving option!
I don't think this was too much of a learning curve to get started. There is definitely a skill to any blade sharpening, and a razor has to be much more finely honed than a kitchen knife. Razors can be taken in to a knife sharpening service, where they will be professionally sharpened for a small fee. When we first bought Nik's razors, we did have them professionally sharpened.
The shaving itself is pretty straightforward. If I shaved my legs, I would certainly give the straight razor a try. I don't think it would work very well for armpits though, so I'm sticking with disposables for now.
Nik's shaving kit includes two razors, a leather strop, and a sharpening stone, as well as the cup with soap & shaving brush, pictured above. The small green dish contains coconut oil, which he used to soften the leather strop when he first bought it. He was able to find both the strop and razors used on ebay.
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Sustainable Shaving Options
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Write commentsVery effective and educative post.I just loved this sustainable shaving option. I think it's great solution for everybody. Thanks
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These remind me of my grandfather. I have vivid memories of him sharpening his cut-throat razer on a leather strap and then shaving...
ReplyI'm a bit scared of sharp things myself...so credit to you for saying that you would give it a go too...
The good old days.
Deb
I bet my husband would love to shave like that, he thinks they did things better the old ways frequently.
ReplyThank you for the fantastic article. The place else could anyone get that kind of info in such a perfect means of writing? I have a presentation next week, and I am at the search for such information.
ReplyThank you! Glad I could help.
ReplyMy hubby who ironically could pass as your fellas brother, has incredibly sensitive skin so he uses shave bar soap and mug to shave as well as a new but very old school razor blade using razor . You pop the blade on top and turn the handle and it closes tight. I like that it is all metal so it's easy to clean if he gets a skin infection. In a pinch once I used it to shave my armpits/ legs . Closest shave I've ever had and I forgot to change the blade but it didn't even nik him. The old blades get used as scapers in the garage after he's done. We buy maybe 1-2 pks of blades a yr. which is around 1.99 a pk and a bit less scary than a straight razor/strop. If anyone else wants the straight/strop look on civil war reenactor websites. Most encampments encourage their use over modern razors.
ReplyThat type of razor sounds interesting! I'll have to check it out.
ReplyI do use disposable razors, but I learned a trick that has allowed me to use the same razor for the last 1 1/2 years. When your done shaving, rinse the blade well to make sure there's no hair caught in it. Open a regular bottle of alcohol and pour a little on the razor, making sure to wet the entire head. Put it blade side up to dry. If ever it starts to feel just a little scratchy, I simply rub the head THE WRONG WAY over my arm or leg (opposite the direction you'd use it to shave with it). It seems to knock any burrs off of it.
ReplyI think this would work with any type of blade you use. I was told that it's the little bits of rust that get started that dull the blade. Using alcohol on it causes the water to be displaced. It all evaporates quickly, so there's no time for rust to build up.
One of these days, I'm going to get an old-fashioned razor. I think it's probably an even closer shave with one, plus it can deal with the longer hair for those whom don't shave as often.
That sounds like a great trick!
ReplyLots of Good information in your post, I favorited your blog post so I can visit again in the future, Thanks.
ReplyLots of Good information in your post, I favorited your blog post so I can visit again in the future, Thanks.
ReplyThat's dedication and I appreciate it! He's a handsome fella. :)
ReplyI remember watching my Grandpa shave with a razor like that. I love that some are going back to the basics.
Replyhttp://theapels.blogspot.com/2012/07/digging-potatoes.html
Could you tell me what kind of soap he uses, and where you get it. My hubby has been looking for shaving soap for quite a while with no luck. Thanks!!
ReplyAbout 8 years ago we bought him two bars of shaving soap from The Soap Box. I think he's halfway through his second one- they last a long time! I'm sure you could order them online. I've also seen recipes for homemade shaving soap. Nik says, with a straight razor, it's more about having water on your face than soap, but the soap helps hold the water on his skin.
ReplyI like to read your blog , Keep Posting…
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ReplyLots of Good information in your post,
I favorited your blog post
so I can visit again in the future, Thanks.
thanks for sharing at Wildcrafting Wednesday.
ReplyMy partner really wants to get into mug soap and a straight blade. I'm thinking that it may be his anniversary present this year.
ReplyMy name is Katie and I host Inspired Weekends, open from Thursday to Thursday. I would love to have you link up!
Wow, found your blog through the fluster buster party...you have some pretty interesting posts for natural alternatives that I will have to come back to read. Got anything natural to repel or get rid of big black ants? I do not want to spray with toxic chemicals....
ReplyLinda
mysewwhatblog.blogspot.com
Thanks Katie, I'll check it out. Your blog looks cool!
ReplyDiatomaceous earth (DE) will kill insects, without harming animals or people (though we should avoid breathing the dust). I lay a dusting of it in areas where I notice ants entering under our house. When Nik did some work on the house, we also took the opportunity to sprinkle DE under the door frame and inside nooks and crannies that normally only ants can get to. With the hot weather recently, we were noticing the large ants creeping all over, and we killed them by hand. The weather's cooled and they've disappeared. Anyway, rather than killing with a chemical, DE causes micro abbrasions that kill the insect, without harming larger critters. It's safe to feed animals for parasites, even. It should be used carefully, though, because it will harm beneficial insects as well, like our soil fauna.
ReplyVery cool! Thanks for sharing at Eco-Kids Tuesday. Hope you stop by again today! http://likemamalikedaughter.blogspot.com/2013/06/eco-kids-tuesday_11.html
ReplyI'm always on the look-out for ways to do things low-tech. This is very informative. Thank you so much!!
ReplyNeighbors About Town Blog
When my husband switched from a throw-away razor to a straight razor, all the redness and irritation from his face was gone. His face felt smoother, softer, and a lot of people noticed the difference. Thanks for all the helpful information on up-keeping it so it stays in good use for a long while.
ReplyAlana Lynne | http://www.vintagebladesllc.com/shop/Straight-Razor-Sets/