Single-Blade Safety Razor Shaving Tips & Tricks 

This video was made 16 years ago? Still one of the best tutorials out here!

I don't know if you realize, but you're a hero among MANY shaving forums. Almost every one I see mentions to check your videos, and now I see why. I'm just getting into wet shaving with a DE razor, and your videos are the most helpful thing yet. Thank you for your time and effort, it's very much appreciated. CHEERS!

First, the MIB thing scared the crap out of me. Second, thank you for your safety razor vids. I'm 14 but the hair on my face grows fast. Really fast. And I get razor bumps with a regular multi. So, i'm getting one. Thank you.

My first attempt i looked like I just escaped a knife wielding maniac with cuts and nicks everywhere, so carried on with the Hydro 5. I did not give up and after a week tried the Safety razor again. This time I got a better brush, better cream and produced a better lather. I did not put any pressure on the razor and slowly shaved. I made 3 passes and ended up with 1 small nick and a close shave. It felt rewarding. The trick is lathering and no pressure on the razor. Thanks for the great tips.

This was comforting. I'm tempted to watch the whole series and I'm a girl with a smooth face, lol! Really, I was mezmerized by the simplicity and practicality of the demonstraton. You obviously care about people and what happens to them. Bravo!

RU-vid is an amazing place. I knew next to nothing about what a shave brush or safety razor was just a few hours ago, and now I know how to use both (in theory). If I ever shave my beard off, I'm getting these. Excellent videos, Mantic!

Just finished my first shave with my Edwin Jagger classic and the results speak for themselves. I'm a wet shaver and consider myself to have sensitive skin and course hair, I've used cartridge type razors for approximately 15 years with varying results. The Edwin Jagger gave me the closest and best shave I've ever had, no skin irritation and a minimally longer shaving time than a cartridge razor. My wife pretty much dreads kissing me as my fresh shaven stubble should still scratch and irritate her face, tonight I got her to feel my face and she was very happy with the results. I'll never use anything but a safety razor again, thank you so much for the tips. Ps. Apart from giving a far superior shave, there is no comparison for the price difference between razor replacements. 100 for $10. Lol.

You've inspired me to change from an electric razor to a merkur! I'm tired of painful shaves!

I've seen about 5 wet shave videos today, and yours has been the most informative, and the shortest. Thanks a bunch.

I just came home with my first safety razor, and I'm about to test it out. Thanks for all your tips.

Thank you mantic59 for the great videos. As a teen no one tought me how to shave properly and I had to improvise as I shaved. I recently purchased a Merkur saftey razor and will be using your advise. Thank you again!

It's an honor that you allowed me to post a video response on your video... I'm practically gushing right now! Thank you so much! You're my wet-shaving hero!

I just ordered my first safety razor, can't wait to try it! Thank you so much for these videos, I'm sure I'll spend alot of time watching these the next couple of days.

3:19 Best part of video

Thanks for these videos. I've just ordered my first safety razor and I'll be studying your videos closely this weekend to avoid any bloody accidents next week :)

Thank you I have most of these problems so far about 10 or less shaves in and really like it. Thanks just what I was looking for!

Good question. You know, some safety/single blade razors are adjustable so you can decide on the blade depth. They seem more expensive but they might work for you.

My dad had a beard so I never really got shaving instruction, and ended up growing a beard mainly in reaction to the unpleasantness of shaving. I'm stoked to find your series, and to see a general move away from the 10, no 12, no 32 blade... cartridge systems. I'm ordering myself a new razor, should have time to watch a the series before it arrives. Now to see if i can deal with going beardless.

Love your videos. I'm a rookie when it comes to safety razors, so this is a great source for info. Thanks!

Just came here to say thanks to you my first de shave was great. Even did the advance techniques and not one nick. Smooth as a baby's butt! Thanks!

I don't find stretching necessary at all with a straight razor, but working around the chin is still a bit of a trick. Make your first reduction with the direction of the growth, then make the second pass against the grain. I use a shave oil for the second pass as the additional lubrication prevents blade grab for the shorter strokes you will use. Finish with blade buffing or J hooking the remaining patches. (J-Hooking may be tricky with a straight razor)

Thanks for reposting the comment.. I have a heck of a time shaving the cleft with those big disposable 5 blades.. I never get all the hairs.. usually pluck what I can't get.. and that hurts! lol

Thanks for the video buddy, it was simple and easy to follow. Truly appreciate it!

Thank you for your tips and tricks! They worked very well! I use oneway blades, they give the best results and are the cheapest. Unfortunately not good for environment. Electric shaving stresses my skin, wet is relaxing.

Hi, just wanted to say thanks, you've made some really good videos, and i've begun to spend more time and effort on shaving since watching them. Any chance of a video or even just advice on how to shave skin with imperfections (spots/scars/moles etc)? Also, shaving balm/aftershave... what is that actually for? I presume its more than a fragrance? I think traditional shaving techniques are slowly being lost :( my dad did'nt even teach me how to shave at all.

those are some good tips, i found it hard to shave my chin at first with a safty razor.

thanks man, some good advice.. i might need to start shaving soon..

Your videos gave me the confidence to buy and use a DE. I even went on to start using a straight razor. The things i've learned from watching... awesome. OH and as much as i HATE your SuperLather intro i can't help but hear it in my head every damn time i use the technique you taught me LOL. "Its a bird, its a plane..."

I did my first shave today with a Model T (Rockwell) safety razor. I found it pretty weird that it didnt shave as good as a normal Gilette fusion (as example). Then i watched this vid. Hope it will go better next time :) Thx for the info

Since I started shaving with an older Gillette safety razor about two months ago, I've had one very minor nick but otherwise the best shave of my life. Safety razor blades seem to last a lot longer too.

Sir I'm 26, but I lern how to shave just now! Thank you! Have been doing it wrong all along ;/

I find your videos very informative and makes me want to get a Safety Razor. The only thing that is stopping me are the reviews for The Merkur 34 and 38. What do you think I should get? I know the 38 has a longer handle than the 34 with the same type of shaving head. I use a Gilette Sensor Excel and I thought that the Merkur 38 would be easier to switch b/c of the handle. What do you think?

Supposedly a double edged razor and the same shaving methods, using a brush and a shave cream do a very good job on legs as well. It would seem to me as a guy to be pretty simple since legs are long and fairly flat.

I use Noxzema shave cream for my shaves. Is that a good cream for the safety razor? It seems to work better than all the other creams I have used in the past.

I'm just starting out with one of these things. I've figured out there's an easy tool for both stretching *and* flattening your face, to exactly the amount you really need to do it and no further: It's called your jaw. Open your mouth all the way to stretch and flatten the skin on your face. Close your mouth tight, and tilt your head up, to stretch and flatten the neck surfaces.

I just got a Merkur safety razor set for christmas. My wife bought me 30 Merkur razor blades and some Col. Conk shaving soap. What can you tell me about the quality of the lather Col Conk shaving soap pucks provide?

Clean the blade with water after each stroke, and clean it very thoroughly when ur done. Use an aftershave lotion to cleanse the face afterwards. If ur still getting razorbumbs you can try using disposable one time razorz since they dont cut as close to the skinand you avoid some skinirritation by that.

Have you ever seen the TV show "How it's made?" Because you sound just like the narrator of that show. The similarity is kinda creepy lol.

How long does a de razor usually last? I have a 1960 something gillette de razor and it just started to have some rusting on the inside, i've had it for about 2 years. I haven't tried to get it off but is this rust probably from the blades or the handle itself? Is there any specific things that you have to do to prolong the life of a razor? Thanks

I have a goatee... do you have any training video on how to maintain and shave around a goatee... i always end up with some asymmetry and in the process of making it even sometimes end up with nothing

for razor bumps you have to shave it everyday to stop the hair from growin back into the skin

Hello Mantic59. In your oppinion is it really necessary to use a pre-shave oil to lubricate the skin before applying shaving cream?

Ever try it with cold water? I found cold water to be better with disposable razors (closer shaves with less irritation), but I don't know if it transfers over to safety and straight.

after shave is also to disinfect/close the pores of the skin(thats why it slightly stings) not only to give a nice fragrance after

Hi, I've just recently started DE shaving (I dove in with a Feather Stainless Razor and couldn't be happier!) I do want to try other razors and would like to know what you suggest. I'm thinking of a Merkur or even the Pils. Your suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

I forgot to ask, what would you suggest as a decent NON-COMEDOGENIC after shave lotion? I can't use heavily scented products or my face will break out, but I currently use Cetaphil facial moisturizer.

I would recommend getting an ointment called Shave Secret. Apply it to a wet face or on your razor blade in wich it reduces nicks and cuts. I bought this at Wal-Mart.

I have an extremely noticable cleft chin.. any tips on conquering that?

@mantic59 - Cool. What kind of straight razor did you end up getting, mantic?

lol...thanks it really help alot.... by the way..i haven't started shaving yet, i'm gonna try

For a close shave buy this pre-shave lotion called Lectric Shave. Apply to a dry clean face and allow a few minutes. It will make the hairs on your face stand up. Apply shaving cream and shave as normal with your razor. Youll get a close shave!.

I use the cetaphil cream and it does the job for me

it's 2am and I'm learning how to shave...

Where do you get safety razors from?

Mantic, I have something to run by you for and what you think... I used my dad's DE razor a couple of times under his guidance and still ended up getting mad irritation for over a month... I was wondering if it's because my face is too sensitive or if I used the wrong techinique even though I had my dad there and he has the same problem with sensitive skin... Please help. Thanks

hello sir, can i ask, what age do i shave i'm 16 going to 17 after jan09 and i'm a hairy guy, but its too soft i never shave it when its come so can i shave now, i ask my family but none sense (LOL) please reply...

I am new to wet shaving/wet shaving. I am using merkur 180 and merkur blades. The blade only seemed to cut the hair when i started from the bottom on my neck up. Again this was my first shave but i couldnt get it really close and had to finish touching up with regular shaver. Any tips? Thanks!!

how often do you change your blades

thanks a lot for these tips. I am learning.

What is the brand of shave Soap or Stick you have used in the video?

Thanks for all your great videos

@ mantic59 im trying to learn about the history of the non electric razor can you help me out. all i got so far is first the straight razor, then the safety, then disposable razors and i think theres what you call cartrige and then theres the whole thing is disposeble

Any pointers to a good razor blade for a sensitive skinned person?

holding the swallow works great thanks

does this count for pubes too???? my friend wants to know...do you have a post for it?

where could i get a safety razor?

1:23 LOL! Great video, thanks!

@mantic59 Thanks Very much for this reply and all the videos. Your channel answered most of my shaving question boiling in my mind.

Nice video. However, as soon as I tried a single-blade razor for the first time, I became a huge fan of Mach3.

@f0ckt you can build a good kit for under 150.

Haha :P I like his blank face though, after that MiB fragment :P

Amen brother!

Was that really your O-face, Mantic?

I’m Lost here I got this with the Bigfoot shaver and I can’t cut my hair with it why is that

wat if a person had pimples? (me) would it be safe to shave with these kinda razors? lol

when he moves his nose aside its funny lol not in a bad way of course lol

Thanks for your videos sir.

A brand new Edgar suit. lol

How long replace razor blade safety razors shave

Do u face need to be wet to use this because I’m trying to dry shave

Mantic...what is J hooking?

Thank you, Sir!

Such a true comment.

Huge fan of the "Gillette Slide" I coullnt shave my neck without it. wow 12 year old vid still getting comments. :-)

@sleezybz me 2, and he sounds like the "clear eyes" guy

😂😂😂over stretch skin clip!!!!!

If you get a cut, tear up little pieces of toilette paper and put them on the cut. The longer its on the cut the less of a scab youll get. :)

@cubeface21 You can use electric razors and it's easy as fuck.

its kinda interesting that here we all are... grown men, seeking shaving advice from other grown men on shaving. to quote Fight Club: "I see all this potential, and I see squandering. God damn it, an entire generation pumping gas, waiting tables; slaves with white collars. Advertising has us chasing cars and clothes, working jobs we hate so we can buy shit we don't need (like 5 bladed razors that vibrate). We're the middle children of history, man." Now we must teach ourselves to survive/shave!

sir thank you so much, damn I'm glad i chose you... thanks again (^^

Wow.. All these people worrying about whether or not they're shaving correctly.. It doesn't matter, aslong as you cut the hair and don't cut YOURSELF, then why worry? :S It's a pretty simple thing to do..

4:56 is this a mistake? Otherwise, 5 star video...

So why'd you watch it..?

thiz tutorial smash ballz... hahaha btw, this safety razor You show is Merkur??? some like 150$?? lawl....

I'm the nine hundredth and eleventh person to like this.

頑張れ！にっぽん！頑張れ！東北！

Fortunately I have a goatee so I don't have to deal with those hard-to-shave places.

Shit, I'm not too excited about starting to shave.

wow

Hi from the future