Facts about shaving
In the old days men removed facial hair in order to avoid lice, infections and getting food caught in the beard. The first razor, made from flint stone, appeared in the stone age. As time went by, iron, bronze, gold and even flames were used to remove facial hair. In 1901 the American King Camp Gillette patented the first razor, and in 1915 the first razor for women, Gillette Milady Décolleté, followed.

Source: Aftenposten, Kvinner & Klær

How to shave with a cut-throat razor

1.
Wash face thoroughly leaving the face damp before you commence lathering.

2.
Lather face with a pure badger shaving brush and Taylor's shaving soap or Aveda’s shaving cream (the cream will give maximum moisturising to the skin) producing a fine creamy lather which softens the beard.

3.
Hang the leather strap on a secure hook or towel rail and pull taut. Use the leather side of the strap first. Apply the razor with the blade side facing downwards and push upwards using firm pressure towards the top end of the strap. Rotate the blade with the sharp side now facing upwards and pull down towards the end of the strap. Always keep the blade flat. Repeat action for approximately 10 times and repeat using the reverse side of the strap.

4.
Place the blade on the face very flat and pull skin taut at the side of the neck, slide razor down face without pressure: repeat this action on all areas of the face. Only slide the razor in the same direction as the hair grows.

5.
Rinse face with cool water, if you should nick your skin, use an Alum Block.

6.
Towel dry your face and apply an after-shave cream or gel not containing alcohol - Aveda products have a very soothing effect.

7.
Dry your razor thoroughly using a towel on the back of the blade to avoid cutting yourself. Lubrication of the blade and between the handle and blade areas will prolong life of the razor and help to prevent any rust forming.

8.
Rinse out your badger shaving brush, shake well and place upside down on a stand.