Cut-Throat Razor - The "Samurai Sword" of Personal Grooming

Before safety, electric, and disposable razors became widely available, there was a time when men used nothing but a cut-throat razor and some shaving cream for manual shaving. Some men were confident enough to shave by themselves, while others preferred barber shops and professionals who had years of experience. Cut-throat razors are far superior to modern multi-blade razors, because of their larger blades and full size handles which give greater control.

In terms of numbers, cut-throat blades cannot compete with millions of mass produced disposable razors around the world. However, straight razors still hold a respectable market share. Hundreds of thousands of devoted customers around the world, who view them as works of art and demand first class shaving experience certainly contribute to that.

SHAVING
Using a cut-throat razor takes some skill and practice. However, once you master the art of cut-throat razor shaving, the results will be far superior to any modern multi-blade razor. It is very important that you use the razor slowly and carefully (in order to avoid cutting yourself). A perfect straight razor shave requires two things: a perfectly sharp razor and a consistent angle of 30 degrees. The results will be even better on soft facial hair/skin. The best way to soften your skin is to shower (or wrap your face in a warm wet towel) before you're about to shave.

You will need:

• A perfectly sharp cut-throat razor
• Some shaving cream
• A shaving brush
• A bowl of hot water
• A towel

First of all, fill the bowl with some hot water and soak the shaving brush. The brush needs to be flexible and soft before applying the shaving cream. Now, drain the excess water from the brush (not all) and throw away the water from the bowl. Your face needs to be wet before using the shaving cream. Make a lather in the bowl and lather up your face with the brush. Cover your facial hair with a thick layer of cream and let it sit for 5 minutes (if you notice any excess cream use the towel to remove it).

When you start shaving, make sure to stretch your skin as you shave (this will enable the razor to remove more hair and protect you from unwanted cuts). This is very important - make sure that you keep the blade at around 30 degrees and to use hardly ANY pressure. A cut-throat razor is not a toy, and can be dangerous not handled properly. Experiences show that most men use 3 passes for a perfectly smooth face. Also, make sure to lather up in-between the passes.

The best way to shave is to use short strokes at the beginning and finish off with longer ones.

Short instructions:

1. The first pass
Follow the direction of hair growth and shave with the grain. Once you're done, lather up once again.

2. The second pass
This pass is usually done sideways to the direction of hair growth.

3. The third pass
The last pass is done against the grain. Remember, most men cut themselves during this last step, so be extra careful. The best way to do the last pass is to use water ONLY. This way you will see both your skin and the razor all the time.

CARING

Caring for your cut throat razor is a must if you want to use it for years to come and keep your face perfectly smooth. First of all, take some toilet paper and dry your cut-throat razor after shaving (if you don't it might rust). Next, use a leather strop to strop the razor and some blade oil to protect the razor from rust. Depending on the condition of your razor blade, you might want to use a honing stone from time to time (n.b requires experience).

The cut-throat razor is a beautiful tool with some interesting background. Actually, the cut-throat razor wouldn't even exist without rivalry between England and France in the 1740s. An Englishman, Benjamin Huntsman invented the straight razor, but the razors weren't adopted so well until the British realised that the French are using Mr. Huntsman's process to produce their own version of cut-throat razors. So, it seems that one doesn't appreciate what he has until someone else shows interest.


Written by Rob Yates, of www.malevintagegrooming.com the place to buy traditional shaving and male grooming products.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robert_A_Yates

A Peek Into the History of the Cut Throat Razor

Cut-throat razors, also popularly known as straight or open razors are traditional fold-able razors with one single blade held in place by a pivot. There is a slot in the handle of the razor to safely tuck in the blade after its use. Although, they have been replaced by electric razors and safety razors now, the straight razors are still a rage among men who prefer this method of manual shaving.

North America, Europe and Asia, particularly Japan have manufacturers who still produce cut-throat razors. Using straight razors require considerable expertise to hone and strop. You need to be careful while using straight razors as one wrong stroke can result in several cuts while shaving, hence, the name cut-throat!

Let's go back in time, and take a look at the history of the cut throat razor and what has changed since the time they were invented.

Back in the day, in the 1500 and 1600's, these cut-throat razors were very simple without any manufacturers' names or any sort of branding. In fact, they almost resembled small hatchets and were possibly made by local blacksmiths. The straight razors made during that period were the precursor of the straight razors we see today.

In 1680, a manufacturer in Sheffield, England became the first one to list the narrow-bladed, folding cut-throat razors. Both the handle and the blade were wedge-shaped, with the blade being narrower at the pivot than the hinge. Materials used to make the handles were wood, horn, ivory, bone and tortoiseshell.

The manufacturing process of these blades evolved considerably by 1740, when Benjamin Hunstman created cut-throat razors with decorated handles. The hollow-ground blades were produced from cast steel making use of a process he himself had invented. The French and the European manufacturers adopted this same process much later. Some of the razors that were produced until 1830 had the words 'cast steel' or 'warranted' on them to show that they were made using the material that was invented by Benjamin Hunstman.

The Sheffield silver steel or the Sheffield steel is still used by the French manufacturer, Thiers Issard. It's a steel that is highly polished and is well-known for its deep, glossy finish. Although, the cut-throat razors from those days look a bit crude as compared to the razors today, they were certainly an innovative product in their time.

Post 1800, although minor, there were noticeable changes in the way the cut-throat razor looked. The overall size of the blades were smaller and the handles were slightly curved as opposed to the totally straight ones. Decorated handles were made of pressed horn.

Between 1820 and 1830, the discovery of silver steel by Michael Faraday changed the way the metal looked. About 0.02% of silver was added to the 99.98% of steel used in manufacturing the blade. Around this time, in 1825, hollow grinding was introduced as well. The razors manufactured by the English during this period had a sign of the monarch.

The cut-throat razors saw further improvements in the blade and the metal that was held while shaving or 'tang' between 1830 and 1840. The tang got an identity and a shape of its own. The blades were etched and notched, with cast steel being replaced by silver steel. The blades and horn handles were inscribed with slogans, like 'The Celebrated Razor' and 'Old English' on the blades.

A lot has changed since the cut-throat razors first came into existence, but the machoism associated with shaving using a cut-throat razor still remains intact.


Written by Rob Yates, of www.malevintagegrooming.com stockists of traditional shaving and male grooming products.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robert_A_Yates

How to Get Rid of Cellulite Naturally - 3 Proven Treatments

Did you know that 9 in every 10 women want to get rid of cellulite? Indeed, 90% of the female population has this problem. You can select from a wide range of treatments some of which have been proclaimed as cures. Before you hurry to the nearest department store or pharmacy, you may want to check out some natural treatments which have been tested and proven to work.

Understanding Cellulite

If you want to get rid of cellulite, you have to know the enemy. The reality is that it is not a medical condition and it is not dangerous in any way. It is just fat which pushes connective tissue and the skin above this tissue creases. The resulting skin dimpling is clearly visible and typically difficult to mask.

It is important to note that even though this problem is caused by fat deposits, it is often not resolved with weight loss. In fact, many women get it when they lose weight. The good news is that you can get rid of it with the right treatment.

Dry Brush

By using a natural bristle brush for massaging the affected areas, you will improve blood circulation and stimulate the lymph glands while providing gentle exfoliation to the skin. You will get quick improvement in the appearance of the skin and get rid of cellulite eventually.

It is best to brush the affected areas three times a week for 5 minutes right before taking a shower. It is essential for you to use circular motion and to rub the skin gently. For even faster results, you can use the brush with a little bit of pure coconut oil which is to be rubbed into the skin. It works to provide hydration and nourishment leaves the skin super supple.

Coffee Scrub

This is considered to be one of the most effective treatments for getting rid of cellulite. It is best on the use of coffee grounds which provide gentle exfoliation and stimulate blood flow to the area while having an antioxidant effect which protects the skin from damage.

You can use coffee grounds mixed with a little bit of hot water so that a paste is made. Alternatively, you can mix them with olive oil or honey. That way, you will moisturize and nourish the skin for an even better appearance. The coffee grounds and the solvent should be in 2:1 ratio. For best results, you should apply the scrub on dry hydrated skin for 10 minutes 2 times a week.

Exercise and Hydration

This is perhaps the most "natural" of all methods. The important thing is to do muscle toning exercises for shaping the body. Cardio will also help but it has to be intense. Hydration is a crucial element of the treatment since it helps for far burning and the delivery of proteins to the muscles as well as for making the skin smoother and more elastic. You should drink 8 glasses of water a day for optimal results.

The really great thing is that you can use all of these treatments together to get rid of cellulite. Take action now!


Find out How to Get Rid of all sorts of medical and house problems naturally, cheaply and with ease. No matter whether you are bothered by acne or ant infestation, you can find the perfect solution online.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Syed_Faris_Hussain