Patchwork Times by Judy Laquidara logo

Vince’s Shaving Secrets

Ponderings from the Recliner
by Vince

Welcome to the inaugural edition of “Ponderings from the Recliner”, PFTR for short. Judy writes on many interesting topics that may or may not be of interest to the male counterparts of her lady readers. That being the case, I feel that I have an obligation to the men. We are a brotherhood, right? We live with these wonderful women . . who spend too much of our hard earned money on fabric and yarn and cooking gadgets. PFTR will focus on some of the interesting things that I have learned over the years or that I am currently exploring. I may or may not include marital advice!  I may even tell you about some great deals I find on the internet that you too may wish to buy. I am kicking off this first edition with something that I do each and every day and have spent years researching.  Drum rolllllll…… and the topic is……. my secret to getting a good shave.

That may not seem like an interesting subject on the surface, but I am going to share with you the results of years of exhaustive research on the topic. I have never shared my secret with anyone before so I hope you will give it a try and let me know how it works for you. And the best part is, I am sharing this for free!  I am not even going to charge a dime for this earth moving finding.

Being Italian, I have a pretty heavy beard. I have tried all types and brands of razors and shaving creams over the years, and then suddenly, one day (I believe it was June 2, 2011), I came across the perfect combination of a razor and shave soaps that I have used every since.

Shaving Supplies

The Razor

I have never liked the shave creams that comes out of a can. Being frugal, those canned creams can be pretty pricey. Also, I have also never liked the shave an electric shaver provides. So what do I use you ask? My preference is a good blade razor that has disposal heads and shaving soap applied with a brush. The razor I have settled on are Harry’s. I am sure you have seen their commercials. They can be purchased online or from one of your big box stores. I like them because they give a really close shave and they last a long, long time. However, the key to the shave is the shaving soap. I don’t like shave creams that are real foamy, real thick, real slick or too thin.  I want one that gives my beard just the right amount of lift, stays put throughout the shave and lets the razor cut closely with just one pass. The key to my secret is that I am using a combination of two commercially available soaps. 

Vince’s Secret Shaving Formula

First, I put my shaving brush under hot water and then I twirl it in Van der Hagen Deluxe Shave Soap.  It only needs to be twirled a few times. Next, I just touch the loaded brush in Maca Root Shave Cream made by the Body Shop. A little is all it takes! Used separately, one is too thin and the other is too thick, but in combination they give me the best lather. While this is my favorite combination, I have also the following combination –  C.O.Bigelow Premium Shave Cream along with the Van der Hagen soap and then just load my brush with this mixture.  One bar of soap and the shave cream last me over a year. How’s that for frugal? I use a boar’s hair shaving brush that I have been using for years. The one I use was also produced by the Van der Hagen company and is very reasonably priced.This is a nice little set – brush, soap and bowl. To get started using my formula, you would also need the maca root shave cream referenced above.

Well that’s it, the secret is out and it was all free!  I hope you will give it a try. Enjoy! Vince

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Vince, I love this. Please keep the commentary coming. Hearing your side of Life with Judy and Vince is great. We know why Judy does certain things now it is your turn to educate us. You to are the greatest.

  5. This is great! I had always wondered about Harrys’ AND I, not being male, hadn’t thought about shaving soap at all. Yep, I use the foamy stuff for myself….little body hair left in my old age, I look forward to more shared secrets!

  6. Vince, thanks for the shaving tips! My husband also has a heavy beard and uses shaving soap with a boar hair brush but he buys those expensive razor blades. I buy them at Sam’s Club but they are still way over priced! I will definitely buy Harry’s next time! Looking forward to your weekly post!

  7. Great post Vince. Going to pass it along to my son-in-law who also takes shaving very seriously.

  8. Great to have you back and sharing your wisdom. My husband is also Italian and says he needs to have a good shave to start the day off right. I will sure to share your “secret”. Have a great day and thanks for sharing.

  9. Hi Vince! Glad to hear from you again! I’m going to pass your weekly blog along to my husband and son… hubby isn’t Italian but I am…. maybe I could try this on MY facial hairs! LOL ;-D

  10. You are frugal? Kind of doubt that. When Judy reports it’s often you asking if SHE wants to go to town..ha I like the way you can fix just about anything and that you appreciate Judy. Keep blogging.

  11. Interesting post, Vince. And nothing I’ve ever seen blogged about before. It makes me curious as to which topics you will post about next.

  12. Great tips for gifts for my hubby! He already uses the Harry’s razors, but he also uses their shaving gel. I will have to see how likes your special mixture.

  13. My husband uses the electric razors. Has a beard and I help him keep it trimmed. Thanks for the info though. Anxious to read more.

  14. Great, Vince! I’m so glad to see “The Other Half” posting! My Italian hubby thanks you for the secret shaving tips! We are looking forward to your weekly posts!
    -Jean?

  15. Never thought anyone would write an entire blog about shaving! Thanks for sharing your secrets to a good shave! Now I’m remembering this is the method my neat & tidy father used but I don’t remember what brand products. He always said the foamy stuff in a can was for sissies or rather something women could use for shaving! Looking forward to your next post!

  16. My grandfather on my mom’s side used to shave this way. We have his mug and brush out on display in our bar area. Used to love sitting on the claw foot tub watching him shave. He always finished with Aqua Velva! Wonderful memory from childhood!

  18. Will share this with hubby. He has a tough beard too and always complains about the shave he gets. Thanks bunches and hope you continue to regale us with “life lessons”.

  19. Photos! We need photos of the process in action! Kinda like when Judy models her socks as she knits them. 😉

  20. Can’t wait for the next post. Vince is always so interesting and who doesn’t love a bargain.

  21. Hi Vince! I enjoyed your post immensely and look forward to seeing many more of your informational PFTR. I also look forward to some of the shopping deals (online…I’m all the way over here in NE Ohio)!

  22. I just bought a Harry’s razor to shave my legs. Oh my, what a great razor, no nicks. I love it and told my husband he needs to buy one too. Thanks Vince for the great review!!

Discover more from Patchwork Times by Judy Laquidara

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading