Tips and Tricks for Shaving with The Single Edge Razor

It's true. The Single Edge is the easiest way to begin shaving with a safety razor nick free. However, as with any precision tool, there are important guidelines you will want to keep in mind when using it.

I know - you hate reading instructions. We all do. But the next four points are important to getting the best shave out of your brand new razor. So kick back, crank up the jams, and get to know your new razor. It may take a few minutes to figure out the mechanics, but the amazing shaves will be worth it.

Let's take them in order:

1. Insert a Blade the Right Way

Before you begin shaving, you'll want to make sure that your blade and razor are properly prepared and shave ready. So listen up - this part is important.

Make sure you don't damage your blade when loading it. It's not rocket science, but you do need to pay attention to ensure you're not dragging the cutting edge of the blade against the blade stops:

If the blade accidentally drags against the stops, put a new one in! It's definitely going to be a bad day if you shave with a damaged blade - it's not worth risking it. If you're having a really rough shave, a damaged blade is usually the culprit. If that is the case, go ahead and insert a new blade! Plus, we'll send you a new pack if you're really having a hard time getting the hang of it. Really. 

One other quick tip - the Single Edge loads best when a blade is already present in the handle. If it's empty, the blade may load a bit rough. 

For a quick video tutorial on changing the blade, check out the video below.

2. Use the Right Angle

The angle at which you hold the razor is key to a great shave. If you've used cartridge razors your whole life, you've just swiped your face with that 12 bladed paddle and let the pivot do the work. With the Single Edge, you'll need to find the optimum angle of the blade against your skin. Don't worry - it's easy.

The correct angle to hold the razor is about 10-15 degrees rotated from your skin. But even if you're not good at math, it's dead simple to find this angle with The Single Edge. Just do the following:

1. Place the head of the razor flat against your cheek.
2. Take a few short, light downward strokes. 
3. As you take these strokes, begin slowly rotating the handle downward until you find that the razor begins to cut hair. 
4. You found it!

Once you find the sweet spot, make sure to maintain this angle of the razor around the curves and contours of your face. It will take a few shaves to train your muscle memory, but it will become second nature in no time.

Because you (probably) grew up shaving with cartridge razors, your instinct will be to hold the razor too steeply - like the guy up there that is clearly not enjoying himself. When in doubt, go shallow! An angle that's too steep will result in razor burn - but an angle that's too shallow just won't cut. We'd prefer you err on the "not cutting" side. You can always adjust downward to find the cutting action.

3. Repeat After Me: NO Pressure.

When shaving with the Single Edge, it's important to let the sharp blade and the weight of the razor do the work for you. Cartridge razors have taught us to press hard in order to shave properly - don't believe that crap. 

I like to think of shaving as "sweeping" the hair away - not scraping it off your face. Take short, light strokes - reducing the length of your hair with every pass.  Don't worry if you're not baby smooth after one pass. Pressing on the razor won't make for a closer shave. Simply re-lather and go for another pass. If you want an ultra-smooth face, go against the grain for your second pass. But if you have sensitive skin we recommend shaving with the grain. It won't be as smooth, but you'll notice a significant decrease in ingrown hairs.

4. Customize Your Shave 

If you ordered the Single Edge 2.0 after November 2019, your razor came with three interchangeable settings: Sensitive, Comfortable, and Ultra Close. The Sensitive Setting is pre-attached to the razor and provides a more mild shave that is suitable for sensitive skin. You may find that it doesn't give the closest shave, but that's the point! It shaves close enough to get you looking good, but not so close as to cause razor burn or ingrown hairs. If you want to get closer, simply bump up to the next setting. However, you don't want to use the Ultra Close Shave Setting until you're comfortable with your technique.

5. Putting it All Together

Here's the bottom line. Take some time to get to know your razor in the beginning, and you'll reap the benefits for years to come. And if you're having any difficulty, you can always email us at hello@supply.co - we love hearing from you!