[[Image:wetshave.jpg|thumb|250px|right|Photo: Lantzilla/[http://www.flickr.com/photos/lantzilla/2203336774/ Flickr], CC]]Sure you can mow down down the stubble with the latest, greatest fifteen blade-vibrating-digital-mp3-playing razor, but occasionally some things are better left to their analog counterpart. Specifically when it involves dragging a blade across your face. Granddad sure seemed to get by just all right without a battery-operated super razor, and with any luck, you can too.

Introducing: The Traditional Wet Shave

===The Tools===

As with any masculine endeavor, wet shaving requires tools, and deadly ones at that. First, you will need a shave brush which is bristled with either badger or boar hair. Boar’s hair is cheaper but coarser. Badger hair, on the other hand, is a bit pricier but softer, and absorbs more water. Next, you will need a shave soap. They come in various forms and prices, but in only one scent: masculine. Last, you will need the razor. There is the straight razor, also known as the cut-throat, but wet shaving newcomers might be better advised to start with the single blade safety razor. Many of these tools of the trade can be found at your local drug store. Crabtree & Evelyn also carries soaps and brushes. But, as you might imagine, it can all be found online.

===The Prep===

The goal of all shaving prep is to soften your beard. You can accomplish this though hot water, exfoliating soaps, or a hot towel, though the best time to shave is generally after showering. Next, you will break off a nickle sized bit of your shave soap into a mug. Wet your shave brush and mix. Once the soap has formed a frothy lather, you will apply the cream to your face with either the brush or your hand until you have an even coating across your beard.

===The Shave===

If you’ve been using disposable razors until this point, you might feel the urge to apply pressure when shaving. This is the first thing you want to avoid when wet shaving. Safety razors are heavier than disposables, so let the weight of the razor do the work for you. Try to maintain a 30-45 degree angle, take it slow, and go with the grain. The goal isn’t to clear the forest in one fell swoop, so relax, work small areas, and let the zen of shaving consume you. With some practice, you too grasshopper, can achieve what the wet shaving samurais call "baby’s butt smooth".

===Post Shave===

Along with whiskers, shaving removes a layer of essential oils from the face. The best way to replenish these oils is with an after-shave balm and facial moisturizer. A proper post-shave regiment can reduce the risk of ingrown hairs, bumps, and the ever-dreaded razor burn.

While wet shaving may have a higher start-up cost, in the long run you will end up saving money. Replacement blades for a safety razor can be less than 20 cents, shave soap lasts much longer than canned shaving cream, and a good brush can last years. To add to the savings, wet shaving also reduces waste and aerosol emissions, thus making it a "greener" alternative, not to mention the respect, fame, and women that follow.

===Additional Resources===

Much more information about wet shaving, products, and reviews can be found on the [http://badgerandblade.com/ Badger and Blade Forum].

”Contributed by Scott McDowell”