Before the age of cartridge razors and electric trimmers, shaving was an art form—meticulous, skillful, and often social. Let’s take a step back in time and explore how men (and their barbers) approached the morning ritual of shaving in the 18th and 19th centuries.
🕰️ 18th Century Shaving: The Age of the Cut-Throat Razor
In the 1700s, the straight razor—also known as the cut-throat razor—was king. With a single, sharp blade that folded into its handle, this tool required regular maintenance to stay effective.
- Razor maintenance: Men used a hone (for sharpening) and a leather strop (for refining the edge) almost daily.
- Shaving soap: Hard cakes of soap were lathered with a badger hair brush—a method that softened the beard and lifted hairs for a closer shave.
- Technique: Precision was crucial. A shaky hand could result in nicks, cuts, or worse.
While some men braved the razor themselves, many preferred to visit a barber—a skilled professional who could shave, chat, and even extract a tooth if needed!
🎩 19th Century Shaving: A Tradition Begins to Shift
As the 1800s rolled on, innovations slowly began to change the shaving game.
- Barbershops thrived, especially in cities. In rural areas, however, self-shaving with a straight razor remained common.
- By the late 19th century, the first safety razors appeared, making home shaving safer and more accessible.
- In 1901, King C. Gillette introduced the disposable blade—a game-changer that laid the foundation for modern shaving.
Still, traditional methods persisted well into the early 20th century, and many enthusiasts today still swear by the old-school approach for its closeness and ritual.
🧼 Bring Back the Ritual — The Modern Gentleman’s Choice
Shaving doesn’t have to be a rushed, utilitarian task. With the right tools and products, it can be a mindful, self-care ritual.
👉 Explore our range of luxurious, handmade shaving soaps crafted for a smooth, skin-friendly shave:
https://onyxdragon.co.uk/product-category/bathroom-heaven/handmade-soaps/shaving-soaps/
Infused with rich oils and natural scents, our soaps are perfect for modern barbershop vibes at home.
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