The following is intended to be a guide as a result of the continuing investigation into modern day shaving tools. Due to the very nature of this subject (and my slow facial hair growth), this article will grow about as fast as my whiskers, and six days will be allowed between experiments to allow more growth and get full effect of the blade in question.
I am not an excessively hairy man, nor am I follicularly challenged in the facial region. Six days is about the maximum growth before I start looking like a vagrant. The razors in question will be tested for all manner of things; flexibility, grip, handling, speed, efficiency and anything else I can think up at the time. Know that while my chin doesn't sport a goatee, and my upper lip is practically bald, I do, however, have a long sideburn that requires careful manoeuvring. Inspired by Ethan, I've lead the life of the monoburn for about 5 months now, and to be honest, I've never looked back.
I am not a clumsy shaver, but cuts do occur, and this will definitely be a factor when grading the blades. My method is thus: rinse with warm water, lather up with soap (not from a can, you philistine, soap and a brush), then the carving begins. I shave both with and against the grain for a smoother finish. The whole process should take about 12 minutes; not that it's being timed.
Keep an eye out for future updates with sharper faster fitter and more productive razor reviews.
Reviewed on Tuesday, 3 December 2002