🕰️ Vintage Shaving: Tools and Techniques from the Past

Long before multi-blade cartridges and canned foam took over the bathroom shelf, shaving was a daily ritual—equal parts skill, tradition, and self-care. Today, more men are rediscovering the art of traditional wet shaving, not just for its superior results, but for the experience itself.

In this post, we take a trip down memory lane and explore the tools, techniques, and timeless wisdom behind vintage shaving—and how you can bring that barbershop feel into your own home.

🪒 1. The Tools of a Classic Shave

Let’s start with the gear. Here’s what your grandfather (or great-grandfather) likely used:

✂️ Straight Razor ("Cut-Throat Razor")

• A single, ultra-sharp blade that folds into its handle
• Offers unmatched precision—but requires skill and maintenance (like stropping)
• Still a favourite for purists and barbers alike

👉 Want to try one? Explore our handcrafted straight razors 

🧷 Safety Razor (DE Razor)

• Introduced in the early 1900s for a safer, more accessible shave
• Uses double-edge blades that are recyclable and affordable
• Delivers a close, irritation-free shave with the right technique

👉 See our range of safety razors for beginners and seasoned shavers 

🖌️ Shaving Brush

• Usually made from badger, boar, horse, or synthetic bristles
• Lathers hard soaps and lifts hairs for a smoother shave
• Gently exfoliates the skin as you lather

🧼 Shaving Soap or Cream (in a Bowl or Mug)

• Rich, dense lather with superior lubrication and protection
• Often made with natural fats, essential oils, and glycerin
• A far cry from aerosol foam—this stuff is luxury in a tin

👉 Try our artisan shaving soaps and classic bowls 

🔁 2. The Classic Shaving Routine

Vintage shaving wasn’t rushed—it was a ritual. Here’s what a traditional shave looked like:

Step 1: Hot Towel Prep

• A warm towel opens the pores and softens hair for a smoother glide.
• Today, you can replicate this by shaving right after a hot shower.

Step 2: Build the Lather

• Swirl your brush in shaving soap, then whip into a lather in a bowl or directly on your face.
• Aim for a rich, yogurt-like texture—slick, not airy.

Step 3: Three-Pass Shave

• With the grain (WTG) – first pass
• Across the grain (XTG) – second pass
• Against the grain (ATG) – third pass (optional for sensitive skin)

Each pass removes more hair without stressing the skin.

Step 4: Post-Shave Ritual

• A splash of cold water to close pores
• Alum block or witch hazel to calm irritation
• Finish with a nourishing aftershave balm or tonic

👉 Our post-shave selection is packed with traditional formulas and skin-loving ingredients click here

🧠 3. Why Go Vintage?

✅ Better for Skin

Fewer blades = less irritation, fewer ingrown hairs.

✅ More Sustainable

No plastic cartridges or pressurized cans—just metal and soap.

✅ Economical

A DE blade costs pennies, and a soap puck lasts for months.

✅ Timeless Experience

There’s something deeply satisfying about slowing down, mastering the technique, and turning a chore into a ritual.

✨ Bring the Tradition Home

If you're ready to ditch disposables and reconnect with the art of shaving, you're in the right place. At Shaving Time, we stock everything you need to start—or perfect—your vintage shaving journey.

🧼 From traditional razors and badger brushes to handmade soaps and classic aftershaves, we've got the goods to make every shave feel like a step back in time.

👉 Browse our Traditional Shaving Collection