The Black Straight Razor by The Art of Shaving is ideal for beginners and experts alike. The carbon steel 5/8" blade is half hollow ground with single stabilizing piece, laser etching on the blade to deliver a more comfortable shave and provide the sharpest edge. The handle is made from black resin. Features & Benefits: Double-edged, round nose blade Hollow ground blade imprinted with The Art of Shaving logo Hollow ground blade allows for a sharp, thin blade edge in turn producing a clean, close cut of the beard hair Double edge allows for use on both sides of the blade How to Use: PREPARE: It is recommended to shave after a hot shower, letting steam heat help soften beard hair. Continue to prepare skin by applying The Art of Shaving Pre-Shave Oil & then Lather Up! using warm water, a Shaving Brush & The Art of Shaving Shaving Cream THE HOLD: Hold razor at an approximate angle of 30˚ to face. If held too flat, it will tear the stubble, too steep & it will cut the skin. Adjust hold on straight razor as you change sides of face & into areas such as chin & upper lip. Pull skin slightly taut with your hand in opposite direction of blade's movement to avoid cutting your fingers THE FIRST STROKE: Begin on one side of the face, starting at sideburn & take first stroke at a downward slant from top of cheek near ear. The stroke should be short & even & move from point to heel in a scythe-like movement without jerks or chopping. The razor must not be pulled or dragged & skin must always be held taut with free hand to ensure a smooth glide THE CHIN & UPPER LIP: As chin is approached, lift razor slightly. Use middle of blade for going over chin. Never begin a fresh stroke on a prominent part of the face, such as chin or jawbone. Begin a little away from such places & work over with steady strokes. Treat two sides of upper lip as part of the face, remembering to pull opposite side of the lip to smooth out skin. Leave center of lip to be done separately by holding nose up slightly to tighten skin THE LOWER LIP & NECK: For lower lip, adjust mouth so skin of lower lip is tightened. The first strokes should be taken across from corner of mouth to center of chin. Remove remaining hairs on upward stroke, beginning from chin & allowing razor to follow contour under lip. Be careful to follow grain of hair in neck area to avoid irritation. This pattern will differ from person to person dependent on hair REPEAT: Having gone over whole face once, it's usually necessary to go over a second time against/across the grain to ensure a clean shave. It's very important to re-lather face & never take a stroke without shaving cream to cushion & protect skin. The skin should be held taut in front of razor & this time the strokes taken as far as possible, against grain of hair MOISTURIZE: After shaving, splash face with cool water. Apply The Art of Shaving After-Shave Balm or Lotion to face & neck to replenish moisture & soothe skin. Pat skin, do not rub or massage as this can cause irritation! You may also use an alum block or pen to tighten skin as needed prior to applying After-Shave
