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Leisureguy's Guide to Gourmet Shaving the Double-Edge Way
It's a perfect gift for Father's Day, Valentine's Day, birthdays, graduations, and bar mitzvahs---and a particularly apt gift for men who shave daily but when asked whether they actually enjoy shaving answer, "No. I hate it!" Give them this book so that they can look forward eagerly to their next shave---and that is not an exaggeration. Men who have just started DE shaving frequently write that they wish they could shave more than once a day and look forward eagerly to the next shave. This is the seventh edition of the complete beginner's guide to traditional wetshaving---brush, shaving cream or soap, and using a safety razor with double-edged blade. It's a major update of the previous longer, with new sections and new information. It covers not only the basics of how to shave with a double-edge safety razor, but also DIY projects and guidelines on collecting. Reviews of new razors and other shaving products are included, and the appendix now includes over 150 on-line vendors as well as forums and reference sites. The book provides excellent guidance for beginners putting together their first shaving kit and discusses tradeoffs in the options for the initial purchases. Traditional shaving is enjoyable and double-edged blades are as low as 7¢ each---a year's worth of shaves for $3.50---compared to the same amount spent for one single disposable multiblade cartridge. The recommended beginner razor, the Parker 24C, can last a lifetime and uses a head that is both very comfortable and also very efficient, when used according to the techniques described in the book. The multiblade cartridge's tug-and-cut action often results in skin irritation, razor bumps, in-grown hairs, and razor burn---thus all the "protective" shaving preparations and "soothing and healing" aftershaves now offered. Most men with these skin problems decide that they have "sensitive skin," never realizing that the problem is their daily use of a multiblade cartridge with its tug-and-cut action, made even worse by the shaver pressing hard to try to extend the life of the (expensive) cartridge. The book also includes a chapter on shaving and skin problems, including information on how DE shaving can help those who have acne as well as how to cure and prevent razor bumps and in-grown whiskers. The book is a complete instruction manual and guide for those just beginning DE shaving, and it also includes links to a host of resources on the Web that complement the book.
233 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 12, 2007
62 people are currently reading
72 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
September 25, 2012
I felt like this was going to prove to be a waste of my money before I bought it. The positive praised flooding every mention of this book on shaving forums convinced me to give it a try. The praise proved accurate. Super helpful and full of great info.
It also doesn't hurt that the author spends a lot of time on these forums giving advice and being as helpful as possible. A lot of his advice is pulled right from the book, and rather than simply answering with "buy my book" he instead gives help for free. Super helpful and friendly guy and his value to the "shaving community" extends way beyond this great book.
It also doesn't hurt that the author spends a lot of time on these forums giving advice and being as helpful as possible. A lot of his advice is pulled right from the book, and rather than simply answering with "buy my book" he instead gives help for free. Super helpful and friendly guy and his value to the "shaving community" extends way beyond this great book.
May 8, 2020
« involved in the particularities of the moment and removed from other worries and concerns that plague us. Our lives indeed consist of these particularities of the present moment. If we can pay attention to them, rather than worrying about the future, obsessing about the past, and measuring ourselves against others, we find ourselves recentered and renewed.»
February 25, 2014
If you're like me, you dread shaving. It's a chore that helps me look "professional" but I don't get any satisfaction from it. I've spent a lot of money on different razors, cartridges, and shaving cream yet none of them seem to make it much better. I think I look best clean shaven but I don't want to drag 6 blades across my face again.
About a year ago, I got really interested in the idea of wet shaving. The Art of Manliness had an article entitled A Man's Guide To Reddit that showed several subreddit's that I'd never seen before, including one that deals with wet shaving called, /r/Wicked_Edge. I read several articles about wet shaving on the forum by Leisureguy and using his recommendation, added a razor, a brush, and some accessories to my Amazon wishlist. Cut to Valentine's day earlier this month and my wife got me the razor, brush, and shaving soap I wanted. It was really unexpected and I couldn't wait to try it out. I knew I needed to do some more reading before I started so I picked up a copy of Leisureguy's Guide to Gourmet Shaving.
The book is very thorough and provides a lot of examples and links to websites that show videos and images of everything he explains. I enjoyed the author comparing wet shaving to a Japanese tea ceremony. Both are rituals that might seem simple but by doing them daily with care, you will get a lot of satisfaction from the process.
For each item needed in wet shaving, he gives plenty of recommendations and provides links on where to buy them. He also has several step-by-step processes for different shaving techniques. He is also honest in that you CAN save money by switching from a cartridge shave to wet shaving, but that if you are like most people you will enjoy the process and end up buying several razors and brushes.
If you want to enjoy shaving, I recommend you first read this book and then start wet shaving.
Favorite quotes:
1. "The basic idea is that a person who views his capabilities (intelligence, skill, whatever) as fixed and having definite limits will see a failure as a sign he has hit one of those limits; in contrast, a person who views his capabilities as essentially unlimited will view a failure as a sign he's found an area in which he can improve - and the worse the failure, the greater the possible improvement."
2. "Your second razor should be a Slant Bar."
About a year ago, I got really interested in the idea of wet shaving. The Art of Manliness had an article entitled A Man's Guide To Reddit that showed several subreddit's that I'd never seen before, including one that deals with wet shaving called, /r/Wicked_Edge. I read several articles about wet shaving on the forum by Leisureguy and using his recommendation, added a razor, a brush, and some accessories to my Amazon wishlist. Cut to Valentine's day earlier this month and my wife got me the razor, brush, and shaving soap I wanted. It was really unexpected and I couldn't wait to try it out. I knew I needed to do some more reading before I started so I picked up a copy of Leisureguy's Guide to Gourmet Shaving.
The book is very thorough and provides a lot of examples and links to websites that show videos and images of everything he explains. I enjoyed the author comparing wet shaving to a Japanese tea ceremony. Both are rituals that might seem simple but by doing them daily with care, you will get a lot of satisfaction from the process.
For each item needed in wet shaving, he gives plenty of recommendations and provides links on where to buy them. He also has several step-by-step processes for different shaving techniques. He is also honest in that you CAN save money by switching from a cartridge shave to wet shaving, but that if you are like most people you will enjoy the process and end up buying several razors and brushes.
If you want to enjoy shaving, I recommend you first read this book and then start wet shaving.
Favorite quotes:
1. "The basic idea is that a person who views his capabilities (intelligence, skill, whatever) as fixed and having definite limits will see a failure as a sign he has hit one of those limits; in contrast, a person who views his capabilities as essentially unlimited will view a failure as a sign he's found an area in which he can improve - and the worse the failure, the greater the possible improvement."
2. "Your second razor should be a Slant Bar."
December 27, 2012
This book was a Christmas present from my wife along with a beginners kit for DE shaving. My job requires me to shave daily and I have never enjoyed shaving and it tears my face up no matter what style of disposable razor I have used. This book is a great guide to prepare the new DE shaver to the art and proper use of the tools of the trade. Once I completed the book I made my first attempt at DE shaving and despite a few nicks as I learn this new style, it was by far the best and most comfortable shave I have ever had. If you are interested in DE shaving, read the book or work with someone who does it to ensure you are shaving properly.
July 28, 2016
Learn to shave anew and save your face
Great introduction to traditional wet shaving. The book primarily covers using a double edge (DE) safety razor but does offer some tips if you're thinking you'd like to branch out to the straight razor too. I never knew there were so many options for shaving, or that switching from disposable cartridges could do so much more for me than just save money. I initially picked up a display copy of an earlier edition of this book while browsing through a local shop that sells their own soaps. After reading the introduction I bought my own copy. Well worth the time to read.
Great introduction to traditional wet shaving. The book primarily covers using a double edge (DE) safety razor but does offer some tips if you're thinking you'd like to branch out to the straight razor too. I never knew there were so many options for shaving, or that switching from disposable cartridges could do so much more for me than just save money. I initially picked up a display copy of an earlier edition of this book while browsing through a local shop that sells their own soaps. After reading the introduction I bought my own copy. Well worth the time to read.
January 7, 2014
My brother gave me this a few years ago and it changed the way I shave. I have saved heaps by not buying those over engineered triple blade things any more. I shave the way I guess my grandfathers did -shave soap, brush and safety razor all the time now. Still on my fist box of 100 blades after nearly two years.
October 1, 2020
As I started research to get into wet shaving, I kept seeing recommendations for this book pop up. I have no doubt it is the best book out there on this topic; it is simply packed with good information. However, I found it a bit tedious to read. It is pretty repetitive in parts, so I found myself skimming sections to avoid the repetition while making sure I wasn't missing anything new. It also didn't seem helpful to list sooo many products when there's no way a person just getting into wet shaving could possibly try them all. He also could use the help of a good editor to fix the grammar and spelling mistakes throughout. From that perspective, it's a little hard to believe this is the seventh edition and those issues persist. Still, I learned a lot and will hopefully have a smoother start on my wet shaving journey.
December 14, 2024
I've been DE shaving for 12 years or so and have been considering putting together a dopp kit with some shaving gear as a gift for my nephew when he gets a bit older. I realized that there's quite a bit of knowledge and skill to develop with this style of shaving and so I found this book as a resource to include for him.
As I read through it I was able pick up some good tips and learn reasons behind techniques I'd learned the hard way. I took the opportunity to highlight and put post-it flags on useful passages & sections for a beginner, occasionally wondering about my mental health while doing so. I don't know how much use a young man will get out of it right away but it will be nice to have it at hand.
As I read through it I was able pick up some good tips and learn reasons behind techniques I'd learned the hard way. I took the opportunity to highlight and put post-it flags on useful passages & sections for a beginner, occasionally wondering about my mental health while doing so. I don't know how much use a young man will get out of it right away but it will be nice to have it at hand.
January 15, 2019
This was a fun little book to read—definitely a “beginner’s guide.” Having been wet shaving for nearly 10 years now and pouring through multiple blogs, articles, and YouTube videos, I did not learn anything new this time around. Not all of the advice given in this book will work for everyone, but, as the author repeats multiple times throughout the book, when it comes to shaving, “Your Mileage May Vary (YMMV).” I was hoping for some colored pictures and more history. As a beginner’s guide, it serves its purpose.
May 30, 2023
Practical and helpful
An excellent introduction to wet shaving that provides detailed instructions with an object perspective without being dull to read. Quite the contrary — if you began mildly interested to double-edge razor shaving, you are likely to be excited to explore by the time you are done reading this (maybe with a few nicks on the chin already ;)) One minor drawback is that some might find it a bit verbose on some points, but I find the repetition helpful to put more emphasis on key takeaways.
An excellent introduction to wet shaving that provides detailed instructions with an object perspective without being dull to read. Quite the contrary — if you began mildly interested to double-edge razor shaving, you are likely to be excited to explore by the time you are done reading this (maybe with a few nicks on the chin already ;)) One minor drawback is that some might find it a bit verbose on some points, but I find the repetition helpful to put more emphasis on key takeaways.
December 13, 2021
Excelent book on wet shaving. Michael provides many tips and crucial info on how to get smooth, irritation-free shave and enjoy the process in the way! Also full of references to external resources. I really like authors writing style as well. Highly recommended.
April 7, 2018
While a lot of useful advice is in this book, it’s badly written and repetitive. Good for skim reading but don’t expect great literature.
June 30, 2018
Good book if you're new to wetshaving
March 18, 2019
Excellent book.
January 23, 2012
Michael Ham has created an accessible and enthusiastic guide to the world of wet shaving with a double-edged safety razor.
The guide combines and easy, friendly tone with a wealth of information to create an easy-to-read text. The information is dense but clear. Shaving, like any multifaceted activity, is highly interconnected. Mr. Ham deals with this wrinkle well, by mentioning information that's coming up, and by referring back to earlier descriptions.
In addition to Leisureguy's own considerable experience, the book also presents a wealth of online resources for the aspiring traditional shaver. Links are made available to instructional videos, forums, retailers and articles. In the Kindle version, these links are clickable inline.
I did find one editorial goof, but it wasn't a critical one - in the soap stick section, the pictures' descriptions are reversed. There are also some sections where the information comes a bit *too* fast, full of names and models that the novice reader is probably not familiar with. Those sections might have been clarified a bit by the use of a table, or perhaps bulleted lists.
I am a novice wet shaver myself, and found the guide quite useful.
The guide combines and easy, friendly tone with a wealth of information to create an easy-to-read text. The information is dense but clear. Shaving, like any multifaceted activity, is highly interconnected. Mr. Ham deals with this wrinkle well, by mentioning information that's coming up, and by referring back to earlier descriptions.
In addition to Leisureguy's own considerable experience, the book also presents a wealth of online resources for the aspiring traditional shaver. Links are made available to instructional videos, forums, retailers and articles. In the Kindle version, these links are clickable inline.
I did find one editorial goof, but it wasn't a critical one - in the soap stick section, the pictures' descriptions are reversed. There are also some sections where the information comes a bit *too* fast, full of names and models that the novice reader is probably not familiar with. Those sections might have been clarified a bit by the use of a table, or perhaps bulleted lists.
I am a novice wet shaver myself, and found the guide quite useful.
January 1, 2015
Great Introduction to Wet Shaving
I really enjoyed reading this book. I am a member of a forum and have looked up many of the topics introduced in this book. It is not the "go to" advice book to answer all your questions. Michael Ham never proposes to me that source. He has included numerous links and sources to get additional information. I really found this book to be a really great introduction to a new hobby. Leisureguy is a real Renaissance man. You you don't believe me? Look at his blog, it is chock full of interesting topics. Thanks Michael
I really enjoyed reading this book. I am a member of a forum and have looked up many of the topics introduced in this book. It is not the "go to" advice book to answer all your questions. Michael Ham never proposes to me that source. He has included numerous links and sources to get additional information. I really found this book to be a really great introduction to a new hobby. Leisureguy is a real Renaissance man. You you don't believe me? Look at his blog, it is chock full of interesting topics. Thanks Michael
October 10, 2012
Honestly, I pulled a lot of information out of this book. But, I also had to hack through the jungle of useless information to find it. Michael Ham could have really summed up the important parts in a blog or two, but he spends most of his time giving his thoughts and feelings on a list of products (as if I am going to spend a grand to buy the best of everything, in triplicate). His advice is solid and can pretty much be summed up as: experiment with everything and find what works for you.
January 9, 2014
Got into wet shaving after a series of related gifts, and I wanted to know how to do it better. Hounded the forums, but found it difficult to amalgamate the disparate information myself. The $8 unpaid for this ebook was well worth it - it reads surprisingly well, it's wonderfully thorough, and I've already noticed improved shave quality. I'll certainly be referencing this book - and the included link set - many times in the months to come.
February 10, 2014
Covers everything about wet shaving (throw away those cartridge razors fella' s). However when it starts going on about having a quiet bathroom to hear the razor over your whiskers, it's time to say too much detail......
May 20, 2014
Great book for those who have not used DE razors before. Good reference to have on hand once you are more experienced. Highly recommended if you are interested to make the jump back to (cheaper) traditional wet shaving.
July 25, 2010
Useful book to those undertaking wet shaving. This book and The Blade and Badger web site helped me transition to wet shaving in 2009.
January 2, 2012
Lots of detailed info on a daily routine most men do and few know how to enjoy doing it. Thanks to my wife for the Christmas gift!
January 8, 2013
Great intro to wetshaving for a beginner - and makes a fantastic single point of reference, as opposed to digging through the various articles and threads in the forums.
May 12, 2013
Great information.
Too wordy.
Too wordy.
November 17, 2013
A good read that re introduced me to the way I used to shave.I dumped the throw away and went back to the DE razor for a better shave more comfort and at a lower cost for blades.
April 26, 2015
Educational
A very good read for anyone who wants to learn more about wet shaving. The author in very informed and is able relay information in an easy to understand manner.
A very good read for anyone who wants to learn more about wet shaving. The author in very informed and is able relay information in an easy to understand manner.
November 7, 2017
Best shaving book evet
If you are a new or intermediate DE shaver, this is the book you want. I frequently reread it and get something new out of it each time.
If you are a new or intermediate DE shaver, this is the book you want. I frequently reread it and get something new out of it each time.
April 13, 2017
Civilize yourself.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews