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What Your Father Didn't Teach You About Shaving (And Grooming)

Shaving 101 – The 10 Commandments Of Shaving

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Gérôme,_Jean-Léon_-_Moses_on_Mount_Sinai_Jean-Léon_Gérôme_-1895-1900
For the newly enlightened shaver, it may be desirable to remember the “commandments” of getting a great shave.

1. Thou Shalt Prepare Thyself Properly

Thoroughly anoint thyself with a gentle facial cleanser and warm water, for cleanliness is next to shaveliness.

2. Thou Shalt Use As Few Blades As Necessary

For more shall tempt the demons of irritation.

3. Thou Shalt Use A Sharp Blade

Those same demons of irritation shalt seek another way to tempt those who are overly parsimonious.

4. Remember To Honor Thy Grain

Knoweth the directions thy stubble grow in.  For knowing thyself is the key to happiness.  But neither shall thou be a slave to it’s mercy, by wielding the correct tool and the correct ways.

5. Thou Shalt Reduce Thy Stubble

For the attempt to eliminate it completely and forever shall surely fail.
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6. Thou Shalt Not Overly Stretch Thy Skin

Flattening thy skin shall be rewarded; dramatic stretching is a sign of the disbeliever.

7.  Thou Shalt Use The Lightest Possible Touch

For pressure begets depression, which in-turn begets another temptation of the demons of irritation.

8. Thou Shalt Take Thy Strokes Modestly

Remember to honor thy shave by taking short strokes, for long strokes shall forsaken it.

9. Thou Shalt Take Thy Time

For impatience will surely tempt thee to take the Lord’s name in vain.

10. Thou Shalt Not Use Alcohol In Thou’s After Shave Preparation

For such a shaving mélange will do thou no good in the fullness of time.

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    • Should always be the first of any list.
      And I agree with Rick. Alcohol based products are fine (for me) as I typically mix them with glycerin and always follow them up with a very good moisturizer.

  5. I agree with all but the 10th commandment. I love my alcohol-based splashes. They soothe my skin much better than balms. But I will add one caveat- if you’re going to use an alcohol-based splash, use a quality one. Most of the artisan splashes include good skin food in their recipe. Of course, as with all shaving-related topics, ymmv!