Shaving Tips: How to Avoid Boils

One of the common skin irritation often faced by many men after shaving is boils. Just like ingrown hairs, if left unattended to, can be very painful. It is embarrassing to be sport swollen boils on the face. If you suffer from this type of skin irritation, you may start to practice these tips.

Treat with Alcohol

These boils are often caused when bacteria gets into the skin from cuts while shaving. Although boils occur naturally, they could also be initiated through this means. Occasionally, depending on the frequency of boils occurrence, place your razor and the blades into alcohol. Alcohol is known to reduce and kill bacteria growth.

Never Share Blades

It is not hygienic to share razors with anyone. The same applies when using razors. If we are to be sincere with ourselves, razors blades are really not that expensive. Since boils are caused by infections on the skin, by sharing blades, you increase your vulnerability to having skin irritations like boils.

Choose Your Razors Carefully

Oftentimes it is said that the quality of the shave depends largely on the quality of the razor. This is not far from the truth as the razor can either make or break a good shave. Razors can be expensive sometimes but there are new brands like Vikings Blade that are offering a cheaper option without compromising on the quality of the razor.

Badger Shaving Brush vs Horsehair Shaving Brushes

Choosing shaving brushes is more about personal preference and understanding of the individual properties of each hair type. Someone who has been using a badger brush for a long time may find a synthetic brush too hard on the face. A good shaving brush should be able to form rich lather and form it easily.

Badger Shaving Brush

This is actually the most expensive of the shaving brushes but has to do largely because of its quality. The badger hair has good water retention abilities by trapping water molecules between its hairs. This makes lathering a whole lot easier. With little swirling and whipping of the shaving cream, the badger brush forms rich lather. Although the silvertip grade is most preferred and has better quality, it actually is more expensive.

Horsehair Shaving Brush

Unlike the boar's hair, the horse hair is finer and softer. This gives it a bit of an edge for people with sensitive skin. In comparison with the badger hair, the horsehair is stiffer. Horsehair shaving brush is a favorite for many Spanish brush manufacturers. This brush comes in lots of colors which gives users several choices to go for.

General Tips for Shaving in the Shower

One of the ways to comfortably enjoy wet shaving is to do it in the shower. Although many men do this only when they are late for an appointment, it helps to prep the hairs better than when rinsing with water – especially if you are not good at it. If you are going to shave in the shower, it is best you do it properly. So here are few tips to take to heart.

• ·To ensure a better service life of the blades, it is far better to rinse the razor in a cup of cold water than in the hot shower water.
• ·While these DE safety razors are designed to be extra sharp, you will get a better shave if you understand how well to grip it. Using just 2 or 3 fingers, firmly hold the end of the razor without necessarily applying any pressure to it.
• ·Taking a shower before shaving helps open pores and softens hair. You would still need to wash your face after shaving. This will help to eliminate all the oils from the shaving cream. You do not want to have oil residue on your face when you are done.
• ·Try not to let the razor move to the sides. This is because the razor usually has its cutting edge on the sides and you could end up cutting your face.

Male Grooming: Products to Get You Started

One of the characteristics of a gentleman is that he takes his grooming seriously. If you want to be a Viking gentleman, then you should have these products in your grooming arsenal.

Double Edge Safety Razor

When looking for quality shave, there is none other like the DE razor. Even professional barbers testify of its sharpness and smooth shaves. The double edge razor is a major technological advancement from the cartridge razor. This is a must-have for any gentleman.

Shaving Cream

Some things may go old and out of fashion but your granddad's wet shaving techniques can only be improved upon. Nothing beats a good old wet shaving with a DE razor. These creams are formulated with rich ingredients to help soften hairs by feeding them with the right proteins.

Shaving Brush

These brushes are used for creating and applying lather. The best shaving brush to have is the one made from badger hair. This is because the badger hair has bristles that are able to retain moisture for good lather formation and can also help in exfoliation of the skin.

After Shave

Once you are done shaving, you will need an After Shave to help prevent skin irritations and keep the skin moisturized. No shaving is truly complete without the use of an After Shave.

Vikings Blade Razor - An Amazing Journey With Me

I got the Vikings Blade as a birthday gift from my girlfriend. Honestly I have never heard of this product before and only lovingly accepted it. Took me almost 2 weeks to try it out because I had thought I was a die-hard Gillette fan. Sadly I forgot to get new blades for the Gillette. I had no choice than to try out the Vikings Blade. I don’t think I have ever used a razor very carefully in my entire life. Occasionally I use to have nicks and cuts with the Gillette and there was no way I was going to let this Vikings Blade take me down that path.

With my lather made, I took the first short stroke of the razor and it took the entire stubble on its path. After I was done, my face felt as tender as my palms. In summary, it has been an amazing journey for me and the Vikings Blade. Usually I don’t like to do reviews but I am so impressed with how the Vikings Blade has held out. Went to do further research and found out the razor comes with a lifetime warranty. Well I don’t hope to use a particular razor for that long but hopefully I will give an update every 6 months to give feedback on how well the razor is holding up.

Can I Shave the Groin Area with a Safety Razor?

So you have gotten a good safety razor and it gives you all the cleanest and smoothest of facial shaves. You have got some growing bush down there and would like to do a little man-scape with the safety razor. To answer the question, yes it can be used and yes you could get an injury if you don’t know what you are doing.

The groin area is a very sensitive area of the body. This is understandable because there is no much exposure to this area. For this reason, you would have to be extra careful when using a razor down there – especially a double edge razor. Most cartridge razor users desist from using a DE razor when shaving the groin area. This is because they know the DE razor has a characteristic aggressiveness. Even the most experienced DE razor users know that it is extremely important to use the razor gently and carefully.

When using the DE razor, it is all about the angle. Once you are well acquainted with the angle positioning, you should have no problem using the DE razor in your grain area. If you are a bit drawn back because of the razor’s aggressiveness, then you may want to settle for a razor like the Vikings Blade. It comes with a unique micro-comb feature that helps to prevents accidental nicks and cuts during shaving.

The Vikings Blade vs Concord Double Edge Safety Razor

The difference between good, smooth, clean shave and one with cuts and nicks is most importantly a sharp, sturdy razor. There are several brands of double edgerazors available in the market today. We will be pairing the Vikings Blade with the Concord double edge safety in today’s review.

Design

Unlike some of the other brands with cheap metal construction material, the Vikings Blade is made from heavy duty materials. These materials include bronze and brass alloy. The razor has a finish made from chrome plating. It comes with a classic handle that allows for a close shave.  It is a butterfly razor which allows for easy and quick blade change. The Concord DE razor is made from solid construction materials. It is a 3-piece razor that gives users that traditional feel.

Dimension

TheVikings blade comes with a weight of 85g. This gives users a hefty feel when using the razor. Heavyweight razors have better durability and allows for better shaves. The razor comes with a length of 3.75” which makes it a good classic handle. The Concord DE razor comes with a weight of 54g. This puts it in the lightweight razor category. The razor also comes with a length of 3.6 inches.

Unique feature

The Vikings Blade comes with an advanced butterfly head which allows for quick blade change. The razor comes with a micro-comb feature fitted in its head that helps prevent cuts while shaving. 

Essential Tools to Shave - from the experts at Vikings Blade

The time has come to get it right with shaving. Skin irritations and bumps are not normal or a part of shaving. For many men, shaving is just another painful experience they hope they don't have to deal with. Experts at Vikings Blade are giving tips on how to get quality shave with the right tools.

The best way to get a clean, smooth shave for your stubble is wet shaving. Dry hair is very tough and rigid. This makes it difficult for blades to give an even cut without leaving you with bumps or ingrown hairs. Wet hair has lost about 80% of its toughness. It is essential to get the hair wet with warm water to help open the skin pores. It's advisable to shave after a hot or warm shower.

Vikings Blade Shaving Cream

A shaving cream will further help soften the hair and feed it with the right protein to keep it soft. You would also need a cream that forms really good lather. You should invest in a shaving cream with natural nutrients that would be able to keep your face healthy.

Vikings Blade Shaving Brush

No matter how good a shaving cream is, it would need a quality shaving brush to apply the lather on the face. A good shaving brush is made from badger hair which has both lathering and exfoliation qualities.

Vikings Blade DE Safety Razor

With the right shaving cream and brush to create a good lather, you will need a razor that's sharp enough to give a close, smooth shave. Using short strokes use the razor to remove the stubble with ease.

Vikings Blade Introduces Two New Product Collections

Vikings Blade has just introduced two new, innovative product collections to its DE razor collection. The company has decided to include its shaving cream and shaving brush collection to give a complete grooming experience for men.

The company is known for its superior quality shaving razor. The company’s products have received a lot of attention and ratings since their release. After careful survey and research, the company decided to go for the badger hair shaving brush. The badger brush is the top shaving brush because of its properties in retaining moisture and forming good lather.

The shaving cream is made from sandalwood and cedar which are two of the best ingredients needed in shaving creams. To this end, the company sourced the sandalwood from Western Australia and the cedar from as a far away as the Amazon rainforest. These are the areas known for having a lustrous supply of these key ingredients.

Among other benefits, the sandalwood is known for its characteristic smell – spicy, woodsy or piney. This is one of the reasons why it is used in the manufacture of shaving creams. It tends to leave a long lasting smell on your face. Sandalwood also provides excellent lubrication for the protection of the skin.

Cedar oil has several benefits to the skin which is one of the reasons it is often chosen to be a base ingredient in quality shaving creams. It has a good anti-inflammatory property which prevents skin irritations after a shave, especially for those with sensitive skins.

According to the company, the shaving cream and shaving brush became necessary with the growing request and demand for shaving products. The company hopes the shaving cream, brush, and its DE razors would give all Viking men out there an amazing shaving experience. 

Common Mistakes in Wet Shaving

If you're new to wet shaving, there is a high chance you will be caught making some of these common mistakes. If you have been wet shaving for a while and wondering why you haven't been getting the best of shaves, then you too may probably have been making some of these mistakes.

Lousy Shaving Prep

If you are new to shaving generally, you may not fully understand the reason why much attention is paid in the prep stage. There's more to cleaning your face with warm water than just splashing water on it. If you don't get this stage right, you may end up with skin irritations from shaving semi-dry hair.

Using Low Quality Creams

In trying to save some extra bucks, you will be amazed at the level some people will go. They use inferior shaving creams with ingredients that are not even needed. These creams will have preservatives and stabilizers as ingredients. People with sensitive skins will suffer all kinds of reactions and keep changing and blaming the innocent razors.

No-Direction Shaving

It has been overemphasized that for the best of shaves, people should always shave with the grain. It's shocking to see the number of people who totally disregard this and do the entire opposite. This is mainly due to the fact that they have no idea about the direction of their hair growth. Spend time out to know your hair's growth direction.

Blade Angle

These DE razors are designed with blade angles of between 30°to 40°. Your razor's blade is not just fixed in there without careful consideration on the best angle for a cleaner cut. Probably this is the reason you have struggled to get consistently get smoother and clean shaves. You need to understand the concept of the blade angles.

A Beginner's Guide to Wet Shaving

There are some men who still don't believe in the effectiveness of wet shaving. It's funny they categorize it as traditional and 'grandpa's' way of shaving. Until wet shaving is tried, one can never fully comprehend its blessings. If you want to get the perfect wet shaving, then you should follow these steps.

Use Warm Water

The basic element needed to get a perfect wet shave is using warm water. When we say 'use', we mean lots of warm water. Warm water will help soften the bristles and open up the pores before shaving. Since lots of warm water is needed, it is advisable that you take a shower before shaving.

Massage Your Lather Properly

When wet shaving is being discussed, shaving creams and soaps are the next important items. Forming lather in your shaving cup is one thing’ being able to properly massage it on the face is another. This is why a good shaving badger brush is always recommended. The properties of the badger brush make it easy to form good lather, even for beginners.

Shave Slowly

Shaving is not an art to be rushed. Taking your time on each stroke and shave goes a long way in determining the quality of the shave. Ensure you shave with the grain to avoid causing ingrown hairs. This means you should know the direction your hair grows. Shave slowly and in short strokes.

Rinse Your Razor

As you proceed with the wet shaving, ensure you rinse your razor in hot water, as much as possible. This helps in delivering a better and cleaner shave.

Rinse Face with Cold Water

When you're done with the shave, rinse your face thoroughly with cold water. This helps to close the skin pores.

Do Men and Women Razor Differ?

This is one of the many questions about razors that gets asked a lot. The question became necessary since razor companies sometimes present both men and women models of products. In most cases, the women products are more expensive than their male counterpart. If this is done, then probably there’s really a difference in men and women’s product, right?

Well let’s narrow it down the products to just razors. When the subject of razor comes up under this question, there the truth is that there is no much difference in both razors – unless in terms of quality. As a matter of fact, these razor companies do not even hide this known fact. The same blade technology is used for both men and women razors.

Some in terms of quality, if women’s is allowed to cost more than those of men, then there must be a huge difference in quality – right? When it comes to the use of blades, women have a larger shaving area than men. Since this is undisputable. Razor companies make women razors with more rounded head and feature that can include guide bar. This allows for easy cutting and prevention of accidental cuts. Since the blades are required on a larger surface area, it is only fair to say they are made with a little more quality to ensure it serves a little while before becoming dull.

How to Shave Your Legs

Razors are not only used for the face. Well maybe for most men, the face is the area that sees more action from the razor. With women however, the legs are a common area to get shaved. So probably this is your first time or you just want to get it right with shaving your legs. Just follow these little steps.

Choose a Good DE Razor

How well the shave will turn out depend largely on the quality of DE razor you choose to use. Some people will run from DE blades and say the cartridge razor is ideal for such shaves. If we are to be honest with ourselves, the DE razor gives a sharper and smoother cut. Your legs is one area of the body you don’t want to get your shaving wrong.

Use a Good Shaving Cream, Soap, or Gel

This is so not the place to argue which of these is ideal. Just go with the one that you are used to or prefer. The function of any of them is basically the same. Want you intend to get is a wet, softened hair for easy passage and cut.

Wet Legs before You Begin

Hey ladies, the skin on your legs are more sensitive than some other areas of your body. Wet the legs before you run any blades on it. This is why it is best to shave the legs during a shower.

Shave with the Grain

 Same principle applies with any shaving process. Start off by shaving above the ankle and shave upwards towards the knee. 

One of My Best Shaves Ever!

I am one of the most skeptical individuals I have ever met. I like to keep things traditional and the Vikings Blade was the last razor I would have settled for. As a proud Gillette man, I don’t think I have ever used any razor outside Gillette. So when I got the Vikings Blade as a gift from a co-worker, I just felt he was trying to pull my legs. It was when I used the Vikings Blade on Sunday morning I realized there is so much more to my Gillette life. I love the fact that the razor comes with a classic handle. I am surprised people are complaining about that aspect.

Like any good razor, the VB if quite hefty and gives the right confidence that the handle will break during shaves. It gives an amazingly smooth shave. When I felt my face after the shave, it was as clean and tender like that of a child. I am usually very careful when I shave but I have not had any cut from the VB. With the sharpness of the blade, I was afraid it would be too aggressive for my face. I do not have a sensitive skin but I just like to be extra careful with blades. Like I said, I am yet to have any cuts. I highly recommend the VB to anyone in search for a new kind of quality! Thanks Vikings Blade.

Grey Market Menace: What Copycat Brands Don’t Know

There are basically three kinds of markets in the business world – the real market (original), the grey markets, and the black markets. Unlike the black markets, the grey market is very legal and well recognized. As a matter of fact, the grey market is a multi-billion dollar market of its own. When we say multi-billion, we are not just referring to single digit billion. This doesn’t stop the fact that the players in the grey market are just copycat living off the glory of the real market. There’s just no simpler way to put it.

In the double edge safety razor world, there seems to be a whole lot of copycat brands. A good example is what has been done with the Vikings Blade original design and artistry. Vikings Blade is one of the top manufacturers of today’s double edge safety razors. A quick search on Amazon will see it has hundreds of positive reviews and ratings from satisfied customers. With the success of this brand, other copycat brands have started capitalizing on the fame and glory of the Vikings Blade.

A good example of these copycat companies suing the design of the Vikings Blade are Smoothere, eBetter, Bigfoot shave, and Jtrim. If not for the change in name of the brand, they look like an exact replica of the Vikings Blade. What these copycat brands fail to realize is that you can only fool some people some of the time. A true Viking that has used the Vikings Blade would easily spot the difference. Vikings Blade offers a lifetime warranty because of the quality of materials used in its construction as well as the sharpness of the blades. It’s not surprising that these brands do not offer any impressive warranty on any of their products.

Shaving Ritual: Things You Need for a Clean Shave

So you suddenly realize you have grown a beard without any clue as to how it came about. It’s probably a Sunday night and you have an appointment the next day. You know too well it wouldn’t be best if you go out looking the way you are. So it’s now or never and you decide it is now – time for a good old shave. Here are the basic things you would need to perform the ritual.

A Good DE Razor

You would need a DE razor that is heavy and with sharp blades. If you have big hands, you should probably settle for a long handled razor. To save up some cash, use quality, affordable DE razors like the Vikings Blade.

Badger Hair Brush

Here comes the badger once again! They are considered one of the best (if not the best) brushes in the shaving world. This is because they know hold to hold moisture and make really good lather. Of course you would need a good lather to soften your beard.

A Good Shave Mug

This is where you would create your lather. If you didn’t know this, then one cannot help but wonder where you think the lather would be held.

Shaving Creams or Soap

This is what creates the lather, with the help of the badger brush of course. The shaving cream will help soften your stubble and give it the needed nutrients it needs to allow for easy shaving of the beard.

After Shave

After shaving you would need a cream or gel to help prevent skin irritation. This is what after shaves was designed for.

How to Shave an Oily and Acne-Prone Skin

Oily skins may have their advantages but when you're dealing with an intending acne breakout, you wouldn't talk about advantages. There are different skin types but all have facial hairs growing in them. Since shaving must be done, it is best to do it well, especially as it relates to your oily skin.

Wash and Hydrate

Wet shaving is a long age practice but it won't be going away any time soon. Before you embark on shaving, ensure your wash and hydrate your face and neck. Wash with warm water to remove excess oils on the skin. You can apply a bit of soap if the oil layer seems too much for plain water to remove. This should be done for a while to keep the hairs softened too.

Gel it Out

Shaving gels are more recent shaving products. While its use has been doubted, especially because of the use of shaving creams and soaps, the gel also has its place in men shaving world. Use a good gel with natural ingredients to remove the dirt and oil.

Shave Gently

Shaving gently will imply using gentle, light strokes on your face. This can only be successfully achieved with the aid of a good razor. When using a good razor like Vikings Blade, you do not have labor to get a clean shave. Just let the razor do the job while you use light, gently strokes on the face.

After Shave Moisturizer

A moisturizer is ideal for use after shaving. This is because you have removed most of the oils on the surface of the skin. The skin, in trying to combat dryness, may start producing oils again. A moisturizer stands in the gap by providing the right moisture, softness, and proteins.

Vikings Blade Review - A Quality DE Razor At Affordable Price

It has been 10 months since I started using the Vikings Blade. My major reason for ditching my Gillette was because of the price. The Gillette served me well among other things and I found it hard to let go or find a good replacement. As I searched online for something remotely as good as the Gillette, the Vikings Blade kept coming up with excellent reviews. Since it didn’t cost much, I decided to give it a try. I just loved the design of the VB when I opened the packaging; it was love at first sight! I was probably too carried away with my research, that I didn’t know the VB came in a classic handle. I love the weight of the razor as it allows for a firm grip.

For me, the selling point or advantage it has over other razors is the quality of the razor when in comparison with the prize. I believe the Vikings Blade is the answer to the question; can a good, quality DE razor be affordable? The thing I didn’t like about the VB at first was the handle. It took me a while to get used to it. I am hoping the company would make a similar model but with a long handle, especially for people with large hands like myself. All in all, I have finally bid farewell to my Gillette about 7 months ago. I highly recommend the Vikings Blade to anyone looking for a good, affordable DE razor. 

Vikings Blade Break Sales Expectations with Its Premium Safety Razor

Vikings Blade is one of the top double edge safety razors in the market today. Since the company launched its first razor, the Chieftain, the company has enjoyed incredible success in sales and ratings. With the release of its second razor, the Godfather, sales projections have exceeded expectations.

The Chieftain is a brilliant butterfly safety razor fitted with features that make every day shaving a delight for users. The company was able to win its way into double edge user's heart by manufacturing products with superior materials. The Chieftain, since its launch, has had 5-star ratings from users from all over the world.

The Godfather is a traditional 3-piece razor that provides shavers with the best shaves while giving them the traditional 3-piece razor feel. The company had sales volumes in excess of 100,000 as at last year when the Chieftain was released. The company is optimistic that this year's sales volume will exceed that of last year.

Using a Badger Brush for the First Time

The best quality badger brushes are manufactured from the finest grade of badger hair. It is this kind of grade that form good lather with shaving creams and soaps. When it comes to shaving brushes, badger hair is the preferred choice because it is able to absorb moisture. So if this is your first time of using a badger, or you've used one before and want to know if you made any mistake, or you're about to use one, here are the steps to take.

Choose a Good Badger Brush

When buying your badger brush, it is important that you buy one that fits into your needs and budget. There are different kinds of badger brushes gotten from different parts of the badger. When it comes to price, different brand offer different prices. The first step is identifying the kind of brush you want and then comparing prices from available brands.

Wash Before Use

Most people do not do this and start using the badger brush almost immediately. Wash the brush in warm soapy water to remove smell and dirt. While you do this, you'll notice some hairs falling off. There's absolutely nothing wrong with your brush. It is just shorter hairs that probably did not get to the glue base.

Keep it Dry

After washing, it is important to keep the brush dry as much as possible. Leaving it wet is worse an act that using without washing. When left wet, it affects the brush bristles. Place the brush in its holder but upside down. This will make it easier for the water to drain out of the hair.

You May Begin...

When this is done and done properly, you can begin using your badger brush to foam up some lather.

Vikings Blade Safety Razor Review

I have been a good old cartridge razor user for about 20 years. I started out with the vintage Gillette OC of the 1920's. I've been hearing about DE razors for some time but wasn't just ready to leave my cartridge razors. So when my daughter bought the Vikings Blade as a birthday gift for me, I was wondering if she did it on purpose. I had thought my cartridge razors were sharp until the first morning I tried the Vikings Blade.

With one stroke, the area was clean from all stubble. I wasn't thinking the blades were probably too aggressive and I was extremely careful with the razor. It's been over 3 weeks I've been using and I haven't cut myself once! This butterfly feature of the Vikings Blade is simply amazing. I never thought I could change blades as quickly as I did. Having being used to multiple blades with the cartridge, it's as if I was ripping myself off all those years. A single blade from VB gets the job done and smoother. If you're a cartridge lover like I once was, before you go about comparing, I advise you give theVikings Blade DE razor a try and see the glaring difference.

Life as a Vikings Blade Pirate

Ever since I could remember, my dad has always shaved with a Gillette Slim Adjustable DE. I have so much longed to be like him and couldn't wait to start growing beards. I can say I inherited his razor after he passed away and started using it from my first shave to about three years after. I loved the razor but not the shave. It felt like part of family but left me with cuts and bumps. I had tried almost everything but it gradually became normal to have cuts after every shave. After few years I had a friend who usually had the smoothest shave I had seen at the time. He was the one that introduced me to Vikings Blade.

Took me a while to agree to use it then I agreed it wasn't cheating since VB wasn't a popular brand back then. Ran the Vikings Blade through my face and almost didn't feel like I had a blade in contact with my face. The razor was hefty and came with a classic handle. Pushing the blade closer to my face was even easier. It took me several hours to realize I didn't have any cuts this time around. Don't know about others but the VB is just simply amazing. So if you're having cuts and looking to switch brands, I recommend you give the VB a try. You may just be as lucky as I am!

WEISHI 9306-f New Double Edge Safety Razor Review

This was my first safety razor. I was looking for something inexpensive to start off with so that if I didn't like it, I wouldn't be out a chunk of money. This razor fit the bill, but barely. I received the razor in early March, and here it is late June, and the razor is broken. 

The internal shaft appears to be plastic. For the last few weeks or so, the razor has been stiff to open and close. Once it starts to open, everything works fine. I open it up every day and rinse everything off before putting it away. It finally reached the point that I wasn't able to open it by hand and would have to use a towel to hold both ends of the razor in order to get a tight enough grip. 

After a couple days of that, the shaft in the center finally broke off. If the razor had been made to last, I would be giving it 4 or 5 stars. Since it only lasted 3 months, it cost me just about as much as what I would have spent on disposable razors at the grocery store. It did allow me to explore a few different types of blades, so it wasn't a waste of money. I will be replacing it with something better.

Merkur Classic Straight Safety Razor

In my intro to wet shaving, i am one of those who loves to research and learn as much as i can to make hopefully the best decision i can. (of course along the way you learn things that help you make better decisions after your initial decisions, and realize some things you didnt know to factor in in your original decision).

If you read around the internet, you will hear a lot about these 1 razors (Merkur 34c/Safety Razor vs Edwin Jagger de89). Many will claim one or the other is better for different reasons (with seemingly the Merkur being the "old school" choice and established choice while the EJ the "flashier" of the two and seemingly the "newcomer".

I originally chose the ej de89 b/c of how "smooth" and forgiving everybody said it was, while yet giving an exceptional smooth shave *(thus satisfying for both the beginner and pro). It definitely delievered. But unfortunately my iKon Bulldog handle for it (to add some weight and grip) one day broke the securing screw on my EJ DE89. I was devastated.

However that gave me a chance to then try the Merkur 34c (albeit I ordered the classic safety razor (3-piece instead of 2-piece razor) so I could use my iKon Bulldog handle to basically "frankenrazor" it to be just like a 34c. I had foudn some obscure personal review where a similar shaver like me (thick coarse hair, sensitive skin) claimed the Merkur provided a "closer shave" due to it being slightly more aggressive than the EJ.

So that is the backstory and setup for this review, In a nutshell, if you are deciding between the Merkur 34c/33c or similar vs the EJ de89 series as a starter.. the Merkur is definitely sturdier, better grip, and a moderately more aggressive shave. That has been IMMEDIATELY clear in my results after only a 2-3 shaves with the Merkur after a month with the EJ.

For me, however, the "moderately aggressive' shave meant more irritation.. MUCH MORE and not nearly as close of a shave. (My girlfriend absolutely complies with me on how the extreme difference in closeness/smoothness to the tough post-shave). This is also in testing the top top blades Ive come down to in myh testing as well - the Astras and the Feathers.

The clear hands-down winner for me is the EJ de89 series. So much smoother, and forgiving, and the shave is much closer to boot - MUCH. I believe it is because the EJ's head design somehow hits the sweet spot on how to hold razors (be it angles, flexing, something) that it just cuts a lot cleaner and with far less irritation.

With the EJ i was having a lot of difficulties narrowing down my blade of choice between Astra and Feathers (although Wilkinson and Personna also performed very well and provided very close shaves). Now I know why. For some reason it just makes many razors perform SUPERBLY that you could pick a few (mild or super sharp) blades and still get that great same smooth shave.

With the Merkur unfortunately, its been nothing but trouble and worse irritatin than i ever got with an EJ even in my first week. Even with an industry recognized "mild" razor such as Astra. And this is after over a month of technique development and practice!!

Should You Buy Grey Market Products?

While so much negativity has been said about grey markets, it's important we understand that the market is not illegal. As a matter of fact, the market is a multi-billion dollar market - not many markets can boast of this. The market is better called a parallel market because that's exactly what it is. This doesn't mean the products sold have approval from the manufacturers. Such goods are usually sold by distributors not authorized by the manufacturer.

For instance, a product that is not being sold in a country can be brought in through gray markets and sold at a cheaper price. Such goods are not illegal to be sold in the country; they just happen to be available through a channel not recognized by the manufacturer of the product. This is where grey markets differ from black markets.

While these grey market products usually come at a cheaper price, it is important to know that they do not share same quality as the original products. By buying these inferior products, you don’t only encourage grey market activities, you are aiding in ripping off profits from the original manufacturer. This is because they do not make any profit from any sales in the grey markets. Grey market products are easy to identify. A good example is copycat brands like eBetter, Jtrim, Smoothere, etc. trying to copy the VikingsBlade.

How to Prevent Ingrown Hairs

Medically, ingrown hairs are referred to as Pseudofolliculitis barbae or commonly as razor bumps. Ingrown hairs are a common skin irritation for most men after shaving. While it has turned to a thorn in the flesh for most men, it can be effectively prevented if the right techniques are used.

Prep the Hair

The natural texture of hair is dry and needs lubrication for easy shaving. This is the reason wet shaving is better than dry shaving. Try to take a shower or rinse the face first before using a safety razor. You can also use shaving creams and lubrication oils to help moisturize the face.

Use a Good Razor

Too often, people tend to take this for granted. There's no substitute for a good razor. There are even cheap quality razors these days in the market. Vikings Blade can be purchased below $100 alongside its additional blades. A good razor does close shave and cuts the root of hairs properly.

Shave with the Grain

To avoid ingrown hairs, you have to shave with the grain. This means shaving in the direction of the growing hair. A major cause of ingrown hairs is as a result of shaving against the grain. Understand your hair growth process to avoid causing bumps.

Treat Skin after Shaving

Generally treatment is used with after shave products. There are different brands of the products. Always go with the one that features natural ingredients. It's safer and healthier that way.

Vikings Blade - Customer Review

I started using the Vikings Blade few months ago and I have to admit it has been an interesting experience. I have used most of the top brands you can think of - Gillette, Merkur, and the Edwin Jagger's of this world. Some of these products have their best features which I loved but the Vikings Blade redefined shaving for me. I have had shaving cuts almost every time I shave; it became a normal thing in my life. So when I read about the product's micro-comb feature claiming to prevent cuts, I decided to give it a try. I don't know much about the other specs but it did live up to its reputation. I have not had a cuts ever since!

For the rest of the product, I can only describe what I received. The product came with a travel case and 5 extra blades. The travel case has a mirror inside of it. The blade is beautiful, especially with its chrome-like plating. Anyways I'm not much of a reviewer but Vikings Blade has definitely changed my world of shaving. 

Shaving Creams: Using Low Quality Creams

Most of us know what shaving creams are and what they are used for. A fewer percentage of men can actually identify quality shaving creams from low quality ones. For these men that are unable to spot the difference, it's usually as a result of a bad habit that was allowed to go on for far too long. Do you remember the first time you shaved with a cream? This of course, is assuming you practice wet shaving. As unique as our DNAs, so also is the experience of our first shave.

The naivety that accompanies the first shave usually initiates - if one is not careful - the use of these low quality creams. These creams often bring along with them shave burns and rashes. Many people stay stuck with the same brand of creams and push the blames on safety razors. If you are using a good razor like the Vikings Blade, it would be easy to know you probably are reacting to the cream. Otherwise, you'll spend time and money changing safetyrazors like your life depends on it. Shave burns, rashes, ingrown hairs, acne and all other types of skin reactions are not normal. Look at the products you apply to your skin. Skins have different level of sensitivity, so you shouldn't go with a cream because others are using it.

A Good Safety Razor Can Help Prevent Razor Burn

If you have never had a razor or seen one, you would not easily relate to how painful or more so, how embarrassing it can be. So to start off let’s give a little definition of what razor burn is all about. A razor burn is simply a skin irritation gotten while shaving. The major cause of razor burns is when shaving is done against the grain. The best way to shave is to shave in the same direction of hair growth. These, with a good safety razor like the Vikings Blade safety Razor, you would be sure to completely eliminate the possibility of a razor burn.

This is the advantage that safety blades have over the cartridge razor types. Safety razors are super sharp and clean. Not only are they sharp, the razor is not susceptible to clogging. It is the clogging of the razor that gives way for bacteria build up. When such a blade is used on your skin, razor burn is likely to occur. A safety razor is not magically designed to eliminate razor burns but its working principle ensures that the possibilities of razor burns are drastically reduced. This is because they come with different ultra-sharp blades.

Basic Facts to Know About Shaving

While shaving cannot be seen as complicated as rocket science, it is still considered an art and should be given the due respect it deserves. For many men, shaving is just picking up a razor and gliding it across the face to remove the stubble. This is no doubt true but a more detailed and professional approach will require you careful know-how and efforts.

Even if you consider yourself a professional, there's always something new that you can learn every once in a while. So the experts at Vikings Blade decided to share some of these amazing shaving facts most people don't know.

It's All About the Timing

Most men rush through shaving and later wonder why they have skin related issues. Take time to prepare your face for a cut. You should begin by washing your face. Avoid using harsh soaps as they tend to remove natural oils that soften hair. Use a good face cleanser as they are manufactured to supply good proteins needed for hair softening.

Shaving Cream

Apply a shaving gel or cream and allow the lather to sit for about 2 minutes. Do something else to kill time - maybe brush your teeth or polish a shoe. This wait will allow the stubble to soften even more and allow for one passage of the razor.

Use a Brush

Many people use their fingers to try and spread the lather on their face. A brush will be more effective in evenly distributing the lather from the shaving cream.

Sharp Blades

It is important to always use sharp blades when shaving. It makes the entire shaving process easy and enjoyable. How long you should use a blade before discarding it depends on several factors. If this is an issue for you, use less expensive razors like the Vikings Blade Safety razor.

Move with the Grain

To avoid cuts and bruises, shave in the direction your hair grows. Shaving against it may give a closer shave but may leave you with cuts. Use wet shaving and razors like Vikings Blade with anti-cut features.