5/8" Blade Grenadille Dark Wood Straight Razor

• Double edged, round nose blade 

• 5/8" carbon steel, 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 

• Carbon Steel blade is pliable, yet durable, enabling the edge of the blade to be maintained more easily versus the much more rigid stainless steel

• Straight razors cannot be exchanged or returned

Prepare: It's recommended to shave after a hot shower to let the heat help soften the beard hair. Continue to prepare your skin by applying The Art of Shaving Pre-Shave Oil and then lather using warm water, a Shaving Brush and Shaving Cream. You are now ready to begin your shave. 

Hold: Hold the razor at an approximate angle of 30˚ to your face. If you hold the razor too flat it will tear the stubble, too steep and it will cut the skin. You will adjust your hold on the straight razor as you change sides of your face and into areas such as the chin and upper lip. Pull skin slightly taut with your hand in the opposite direction of the blade’s movement to avoid cutting your fingers. 

First stroke: Begin on one side of the face, starting at the sideburn and take the first stroke at a downward slant from the top of the cheek near the ear. The stroke should be short and even and move from point to heel in a scythe-like movement without jerks or chopping. The razor must not be pulled or dragged and the skin must always be held taut with the free hand to ensure a smooth glide. 

Chin and upper lip: As the chin is approached, lift the razor slightly. Use the middle of the blade for going over the chin. Never begin a fresh stroke on a prominent part of the face, such as the chin or jawbone. Begin a little away from such places and work over with steady strokes. Treat the two sides of the upper lip as part of the face remembering to pull the opposite side of the lip to smooth out the skin. Leave the center of the lip to be done separately by holding the nose up slightly to tighten the skin. 

Lower lip and neck: For the lower lip, adjust your mouth so the skin of your lower lip is tightened. The first strokes should be taken across from the corner of your mouth to the center of your chin. Remove the remaining hairs on the upward stroke, beginning from the chin and allowing the razor to follow the contour under the lip. Be careful to follow the grain of the hair in the neck area to avoid irritation. This pattern will differ from person to person dependent on hair. 

Moisturize: After shaving, splash the face with cool water. Apply The Art of Shaving 2in1 After-Shave Balm & Daily Moisturizer to the face and neck to replenish moisture and soothe the skin.