How to Shave Like Kirby Allison 👨‍💼 - My Morning Routine | Wet Shaving Pro Guide 

So that's what I've doing wrong all these years, I shave before I put on my shirt and tie!!

Kirby, in case you read the comments, thanks for what you do. As someone who grew up without a father, I was never taught things such as shaving, or dressing well as a gentleman. These are things I've had to learn myself, and watching your videos helps greatly. Not only do you explain things well, you also exemplify why these things are important. Thanks for the life lessons

Been shaving for 50 years and I can honestly say I never shaved with a tie on

Well that’s a first,shaving while wearing a shirt and tie I’ve never seen that before!

You also have to be in a pair of $5000 bespoke shoes and a Patek Philippe to properly execute a wet shave.

One more note: wet shaving, along with shoe shining, taking care of ones clothes, enjoying a scotch and a fine cigar. All of these endeavors require time. A person's life / house must be in order to allow one the time to pursue and appreciate these gentlemanly endeavors. It's not about the priceless shoes or suits, but rather the pursuit of happiness. Cheers Kirby. Steve

I thought he was going to use Saphir Renovatour as aftershave 😂😂😂

I use a straight razor. But I’ll start using it with a tux now. James Bond shaving style. Thanks Kirby

Only Kirby Allison could transform shaving into artistry. A new guilty pleasure.

I love how slow these videos are. It's so much more relaxing to watch his content than these other channels like alpham and realmenrealstyle. I feel like Kirby Allison is a much nicer pace.

I find the shirt, tie, and shaving jacket hamper my ability to get a really precise shave of my back. As I'm balding, I like to do a comb up of my back hair over my head and then part on the left side. This necessitates a good split ends trim of my back hair, so I shave in a wife beater tank top and silk paisley boxers.

I bought my first safety razor when I was nearing the end of high school, and I can now say several years later that it was easily one of the greatest hygiene decisions I have ever made.

I stopped shaving while wearing a tie and silk dressing gown back in August of 1914 - life in the trenches just wasn’t conducive that sort of thing. Somehow, I never came back to the habit after the War (I suppose that things were never again as civilized as during the Belle Époque of our youth). I had a surge of nostalgia after watching this; it put me in mind to return to my Edwardian morning routine! Why not? - life is short...

Kirby, I shave in the shower, do I still wear the robe and tie?

You inspired me to find my old safety razor and start using it again. I couldn't agree with you more, the experience was a treat and the shave lasts 2 days rather than 12hrs like with my 5 cartridge razor.

Great tutorial on a proper wet shave! I’m still learning, but it’s getting easier with each shave.

Nice video, lots of good tips. I can add a few to shorten the learning curve for anyone starting out, and I recommend wet shaving for everyone. I have a heavy beard and moderately sensitive skin, so I have to be more careful than many people. Here are a few things that work for me : - I try to shave after a shower. This softens the beard, moisturises the skin, and means you can skip the first step of wetting the beard, hot towels, etc. - I rinse out the razor quite often, as the cut hair clogs to the razor and breaks contact between the blade and the skin. - I prefer creams to hard soaps, i get just as good lather and it takes a lot less time than soaps to work the lather up - I create the lather directly on my face, saves needing a bowl, and it works just as well, especially with a cream if you don't use soap. - I really try to avoid going over any area more than once each pass, using short strokes it's tempting to go over the same place a few times with each pass, but if your really just use short strokes while moving on all the time you'll reduce the damage to your skin, chances of getting nicks, and irritation. Trust the blade and let your next pass do the work. - Finally, really get to know your beard direction, and go sideways to it on your second pass. If this doesn't h^give you a close enough shave, use a third pass, but with a good blade you get incredibly close shaves just on two passes, if you get the direction right. Going upwards or against the grain is really hard on your skin, you should be absolutely sure you need, to, have fresh cream on your face ti do it, and use zero pressure. Good luck and have fun, nothing beats a wet shave with a safety razor or a straight razor! BTW I use Feather blades, but with a feather razor. The combination works great, but i wouldn't use Feather blades in a more aggressive razor as I'd probably slice my face to ribbons. The Feather razor makes it hard t nick yourself, but you have ti get the shaving angle exactly right for it to cut. It's a great way to use a crazy sharp blade with reduced risk. The Feather razor is crazy expensive but like anything else, it is worth the extra coin if the quality is there and it lasts forever. They are based on the old Gilette classic models, but with better balance and tolerances.

Like the tips, I'm an avid wet shaver as well. I add one step to the morning routine: sideburn squaring and grooming, and visible neck-collar hairs. Thanks for the product summaries.

I have incorporated some of these techniques and as a result, shaving has gone from something I loathe to something I enjoy. Thank you so much Kirby!

Shaving while wearing a tie is totally amazing!!!! Your dressing gown is beautiful. You are a master. You are a total gentleman!!!!

Recently started to wet shave. Very happy with the results. Thanks Kirby

I completely agree. I switched to single blade and will never go back. Great tip about the neck area!

I've been shaving this way for about 15 years using the same Merkur I started with. I love every minute if it each morning.

“You can get a pack of 100 for less than 30 dollars” Sells them for 30 dollars.

Just started wet shaving and gotta say it feels good!

For those thinking of getting into wet shaving, might I recommend a synthetic bristle brush as opposed to badger, boar, etc. Natural animal hair brushes tend to smell like wet animal for the first few weeks of use depending on frequency. Synthetic bristles hold water just as well as a good quality badger hair brush and tend to be cheaper without sacrificing quality. Also, most animal hair brushes aren’t the most ethically sourced if you care about that (badger especially where the animal is often killed for the pelt). Or don’t it’s really your choice. Thanks for introducing more people to the world of wet shaving!

Kirby, you are a total champion. I found your channel by trying to learn about finding good shoes at a thrift store. The best part of your production is that you are the epitome of a Gentleman, but clearly Not Gay. I am a 51 year-old dude on a budget, and your videos have helped me present myself in a manner that exudes confidence. Thank you.

Many years ago i used a safty razor, but never really got great results, i believe it was lack of face prep, and correct products, this video was an "eye opener" , i do believe it's time to revisit, and utilizing your products, thank you kirby, great video.!!🙏

Just switched to a safety razor and won't ever go back to the multi blades! Never thought I'd use the same type of instrument to shave, that my Grandfather used back in the day. Excellent video, Kirby!

Good stuff, I converted to the safety razor- much more satisfying and very economical. "Because I'm worth it!"

Since I was in my teens, I've never been able to shave my face with a razor because it would end up being very painful until the hair grew back out a bit. Had to attend an event with some extended family I haven't seen in a long time a few days ago and wanted to look nice. The hot towel, short strokes against the grain, manipulating the skin, and a post-shave cold towel followed by a balm with aloe vera made a world of difference. I was using Barbasol and a cheap disposable Bic razor too. Think now I'll invest in a proper wet shave kit. Thanks for the great videos, Kirby.

Bravo Kirby, the past year I’ve set my DE’s and SE’s aside and focused on rotating through my straight blade collection . . . tomorrow I will be pulling out my collection of DE’s and SE’s. 👍🏼

This is reviewbrah in 25 years

Great video Sir. Once You start shaving with a safety razor, You will never go back, love it!

I started wetshaving 15 years ago. As Mr. Allison said it's now something I look forward to each morning.

You somehow have perfect timing. I recently decided to start wet shaving because I am tired of the occasional razor bumps and burns. This is very helpful.

A good shaving foam is a perfect blend of water and shaving soap. It is an emulsion between the two. In the video the lather is weak, it does not protect well and it shows later you have blood spots. The shaving soaps have voluntarily too much fat to help the razor glide and moisturize the skin against the aggression of the blade. Shaking the razor in a bowl of water is enough to clean it, no need to waste thousands of liters of water to rinse the razor. Words of a man who shaves in 3 passes 7 days a week.

Kudos to you for shaving completely clothed (WITH TIE) and not spilling a drop. Every time I shave I have to shower from the mess I’ve made. 😂

I like the video, and learned a few new tricks! For me, though, I apply cologne sparingly (as you suggest) not to the face but rather to the pulse points behind the knees and wrists. I've found that those areas generate heat during the day which helps to keep the scent active for longer. It also avoids alcohol to the face.

Friend got me into wet shaving a few years ago, vintage stuff is really good for this sort of thing, as before the modern era safety razor's did not cost hundreds of dollars to get a good one. Picked up a 50s era Gillette safety razor that works brilliantly and an Old Spice shaving cup to build a good lather. Both for under $30. Another item some people I've seen use (and I may get one myself one of these days) is a scuttle, its like a kettle for your shaving cream to keep it hot.

Hi Kirby, I love these lifestyle related videos. I would love it if you could do more.

I would crawl over shards of broken glass, uphill for that bathrobe.

Excellent video! Really making me try a safety razor after almost 30 yrs of using a Gilette multiblade razor.

Like to shave right after a hot shower also use a alum bar before my after shave balm to get feed back about my shaving. Lastly I store my brush on a stand to dry knot down. Your a gentleman of many wonderful interstates. Thanks Kirby

I've shaved in the shower for years - lots of hot water and my face is already soaking wet and soft. Plus I'm totally cleaned up when I'm done. And no watery mess on the vanity counter.

Guys, I think that shirt and tie is actually tattooed on his body

Wonderful guide. Personally I found the Merkur Futur to be the perfect razor for me, with a Derby blade and Proraso soap. A family hand me down shaving mug, and for when I have that extra few minutes at the weekend, my grandfather's old straight edge razor. Occasionally, I'll switch in a Tobacco scented soap.

Great Video. Love your products!

i gotta be half naked to shave comfortably and my guy here is full suit & tie lol

You are right: there's no point in getting an expensive badger brush while continuing to use cartridge razors. Quite on the contrary: If you don't feel ready to go all in with your investment: get a good safety razor first (like the Mühle or Merkur that Kirby uses). That's the thing that really wins people over to traditional shaving. Great video, Kirby! Love your dressing gown - may I ask about the brand/tailor? Greetings from Germany

Switched to DE & ASTRAS in 2014 after reading on shaving forums. While I've tried almost every other brand out there, Astra is hands down #1 for me.

I hadn’t really considered it and nobody had mentioned it in their tutorials but thanks for showing how to shave the adam’s apple. Saved me some pain

That gown 🤩😍 Mr Allison; I wouldn’t expect nothing but the best from you! Very informative video, 🙏

I tend to shave with my balls hanging out of my skid marked boxer shorts, but I do try to have a windsor knot in my silk tie just to keep up appearances

i came back to this video - because 2 years ago i stumbled upon it by accident (I am now a subscriber since) but after watching this video i dumped my Mach 3 cartridge razor i dumped the gels and foams i bought myself a Merkur 34c razor and a pack of 100 astra Green blades and a badger brush, got myself some TOBS soaps/creams and some proraso soaps and creams and some witch hazel and an Alum Block - i now absolutely love shaving and dont look upon it as the chore it used to be - Thanks Kirby

A very nice tutorial. Those of us who have migrated from multi blade razors to our father’s razor have found that each routine is a set of individual choices depending on such factors as skin sensitivity, beard strength and beard orientation. There are plenty of choices and methods to deal with our particular anatomy and skin. I use the Astra and Parker blades, a Mercury 34C and a slant razor and pig bristle brushes (I alternate all the above.). It does take technique and practice, but once you get it down, it takes only a little more time than a slap and dash can of foam and multi-blade razor with a much better outcome. I will never go back to the inadequate shave I had with the multi blade razors. There are plenty of videos and other assets on the net if you are interested.

I quit shaving years ago and bought a beard trimmer. I use it every couple weeks. I also use said beard trimmer to shave my cat's ass when dingleberries start sticking to him.

For the first time I see a guy dressed like that for shaving. A dirty razor contrasts very much with this gentleman's outfit.

definitely helped!! i just started wet shaving but have made it my sunday ritual to start the week. i would really like to see your daily routine. What time you wake up, morning routine, and some of your rituals. Been a subscriber for a long time and each video seems to get better and better man. keep it up

Thank you so much for this! I bought an expensive straight razor a couple of months ago and had a terrible time with it, but your video helped me to do a proper shave with it this morning! Got some nicks but oh well. My technique needs work around my chin especially and I need to get a better angle but it’s much more comfortable now. Your sideways recommendation was brilliant. Thank you! ❤️

Kirby - I had no idea how luxurious the shaving experience could be until I watched your video and followed your advice. Thanks for taking the time to disseminate this information so elegantly. We are waiting for the "Shave Like Kirby" tee shirts to come out.

Camera, accidently cuts away to a run down council house in Birmingham.

Kirby - great video! A few other benefits of shaving this way. One is it helps prevent razor bumps. I'm a military physician and these are a huge deal. Skin prep is key as you said - I love the Taylor of Old Bond St sandlewood. Swirl that brush to lift the hair and exfoliate. I point guys toward Feather or Derby blades - they have to be sharp. A non-aggressive safety razor. One pass with the grain. The goal is a clean cut, and not too close. You want to feel some stuble. This is the best way to beat razor bumps. I haven't prescribed medications for almost 10 years to treat razor bumps - it's all proper shaving. Spot on! Once you use a good cream and brush - nothing else will replace it. For guys about to start, on Amazon they have a variety pack. Honestly, Astra, Derby or Feather are the top. But this is a great way to get the best blade. And most important, stick with it! You are going to knick like crazy until you get use to a razor without a floating head. It really is a treat to shave.

You know it's first world when he leaves the water running like there's no tomorrow

You may want to consider a vintage razor. I am fortunate in that I use the the same razor my father was issued in the Navy during the Korean War. It is 70 years old and going strong.

I like shaving with hard pine soap. I stuff it into my great-grandfather's shaving mug and build a lather in there. I have only shaved with my other great-grandfather's straight razor a couple times. I usually use a vibrating cartridge razor because it makes the strokes super short and quick. Mach 3 cartridges only have 3 blades and cost maybe 50 cents each. Didn't care when I tried a safety razor, but I was using feather blades. Also- where did you get a paisley bathrobe? I love paisley, and that silk material looks comfortable

I love shaving with a safety razor. Very relaxing. Kirby is the king!!!

A well weight balanced razor and a sharp blade make all the difference in wet shaving. I have been using and Edwin Jagger DE89 for 9 years and love it. The chrome on the razor is the same chrome Rolls Royce uses on their vehicles. Very handsome razor and shaves like a dream. I recommend it.

I’m betting this video is gonna be one of those videos that RU-vid recommends 5 years down the line.

I would never take that much time to shave...But love when my barber does! Thanks for sharing. Haters gonna hate...screw them! Keep it Kirby....

I loved watching this, great video. I find wet shaving to be one of the more enjoyable parts of my day along with my daily drink. I start with a hot shower to soften my beard before shaving and I prefer aggressive safety razors like the FaTip Piccolo. Adjustables are also good. My favorite soaps tend to be anything mentholated. Right now I'm using Proraso Green and Arko in my rotation. A glacial offering from Stirling every now and then.

Very educational introduction to the art of shaving. Thanks Kirby

Dear Mr.Allison I would like you to make a video about good hair product and your hair styles.

Wow never thought to pull the skin to the side of my adam's apple...genius

Awesome Kirby! I learn a lot with you. Thank you!

I love the Astra SP blades in my adjustable razors, but I go thru a comprehensive process of finding the best blade for each of my different razors.

Hell yeah Kirby I do this everyday and it's highly enjoyable. I use alot of products from Truefitt and Hill and the Holy Black. I will be purchasing brushes from the Hanger Project

Love the adams apple technique. Never thought of that. That's the only place I occasionally nick. Thanks.

Enjoy watching the shaving and different steps it takes. Reminds me of different hair products for dry or frizzy, lack of moisture. I use herbal or seasonings and stimulate the brain at same time. Plus inexpensive to use.🙏📖😇

I don't agree with much of what Kirby does in this video for his shave, BUT to each their own. Everyone enjoys shaving in their own way and if he enjoys this then great for him. Also, I may need to start wearing a tie when I shave.

Would like to add that shaving does also require detail on the hygiene side. Always wash your hands before shaving to avoid bacteria on a freshly shaved skin.

What a wonderful video on shaving wet. I have been doing it since I was 12 years old. As I mentioned in my last comment, I learned this art from my Father who was a tonsorial artist. I enjoyed this video immensely. Long live this artful tradition. Thank You Kirby.

Lovely explanation. I would enjoy learning about your hair products like your hair gel or wax.

I was waiting for the Saphir Renovateur at the end. (Or is it at the beginning??)

I have 3 comments to make. This video will inspire men to get into the world of wet shaving. For deep diving in the subject, there are many videos available on RU-vid. Even our style icon James Bond does not shave with his suite on. This is a bit too much. Being a gentleman is not only about looking good but also about being responsible towards the use of limited resources we have; water in this case. When many of our fellow human beings are dying without drinking water, it seemed almost a crime when you left the tap water running. I am into wet shaving for 20+ years now and I get good results with 1 mug of hot/warm water. I am not criticising you but I am trying to say that when we are in a position of influencing people, we need to be extra cautious to cover all these aspects. Thanks for your videos. Keep inspiring people.

I prefer a straight razor myself but yes, wet shaving truly is a life changer!

Nice Suit! Thanks for the tutorial Kirby!

my man Kirby i use gillette mach 5 and let me tell you never had a bloody face and forget about the wet towel lose the tie and shave in the shower !!! But i love every video ,keep the good work !!!

Great shave! But he left the water running almost for the whole time :(

I’m on the same TOBS shave cream and 100 pack of Astras I received as a 2020 Xmas gift, though I only shave maybe twice a week. I recently moved away from safety razors as I’ve started shaving my head along with my face, just a bit too scared of nicking some parts of my scalp. Inspired to give try it again though after watching this video.

Thank you! This was very helpful.

Mr. Allison, you are a man of class. Keep the tips coming. I will admit, I thought you'd be a cut-throat razor kind of guy.

9:48 "Normally I have my man here to help catch any shave cream that might get on my robe, but I gave him the day off." 😂 I love the dry humor. Thanks for the Adam's apple trick. I'd never thought of pulling the skin to the sides to avoid actually going right over it.

I understand the consideration to the audience in wearing a shirt and tie to shave but... I'd make a mess of the collar if doing the same so hats off to you sir for pulling it off. A really good demonstration of wet shaving. Picked up a few tips such as the holding the shaving cream container upside down when putting it on the brush. Thank you.

Never mind the shaving - that gown is spectacular! Tell us more about it, Kirby!

Dear Mr.Kirby,shaving like a Boss whilst giving a wonderful tutorial! .. also shaving in a shirt and tie or smoking attire is like a high wire act without a net! .. we are all never too old or smart to learn something new everyday .. please keep up with these very informative and relaxing videos:-) - Slangé fray Montreal

I am disturbed by how much I enjoy watching a man shave.

Thank you, Kirby.

I’ve been Traditional WetShaving for about 10 months now and I love it! 💈😁✌️💈 I have a1964 Gillette Slim Adjustable 1949 SuperSpeed a Shavette a Muhle R-41 and a Merkur Future Adjustable. Only one brush though a synthetic tuxedo knot 🤵🏼 soaps I have Proraso Sandlewood Stirling barbershop ,spice, and bayrum. Also have micky lees drunken goat and razorock American barber, then I have an ARKO shave stick and 3 barrister and Mann samples AfterShave I have OldSpice and a matching drunken goat splash and also have the Proraso Pre/Post cream !!! 💈🤵🏼👌💈 🧐 almost forgot about the Feather DE Blades also love the Gillette Silver Blue & PolSilver blades

Recently switched to wet shaving - brush, soap, DE razor, etc. - and getting the best shaves of my life. One thing I'd like to mention. When I occasionally nick myself, the vast majority of the time I simply don't feel it. I only realize it when a tiny spot of blood appears. I say this because the single thing that always put me off about shaving with a DE razor was the fear factor - fear of nicking and cutting myself and the pain associated with it. In hindsight I realize now how unnecessary and overblown that fear was. The nicks are tiny and painless. The only time I feel a tinge of "sting" is when I apply a styptic pencil or alum block to the nick, and even that is such a minor and fleeting thing. So, if you're viewing this video and stuck by a similar fear, I encourage you to get over it. Just watch a bunch of RU-vid videos (so many great ones) and take the plunge. Remember, no pressure, just let the weight of the razor itself do the cutting.