How to Use Your Complete Shaving Kit

How to Use Your Complete Shaving Kit

Master the art of traditional wet shaving

Congratulations on your new Stuga Complete Shaving Kit! You've just taken the first step towards experiencing the art of traditional wet shaving. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get the most from your Australian-made shaving set and enjoy the superior shave you deserve.

What's in Your Shaving Kit

2nd Grade Badger Hair Shaving Brush

Handmade in the Stuga Southern Highlands NSW workshop with natural badger bristles for creating rich, creamy lather

Wooden Shaving Bowl

Handmade in our Southern Highlands workshop, perfectly weighted and shaped for comfortable lathering

Stuga Artisan Shaving Soap

Handmade with coconut oil for superior lather and skin conditioning

Double Edge (DE) Safety Razor

Premium quality razor with blade sampler pack

Wave XL Stand

Keeps your wet shaving tools organized and properly dried

Understanding Your Badger Hair Shaving Brush

Your new badger hair brush is a precision tool with approximately 20,000 individual hairs hand-tied into each knot. Don't be alarmed if you notice some bristle shedding during your first few uses - this is completely normal as shorter hairs that didn't quite make it during the tying process work their way out.

Breaking In Your Brush: Your badger hair brush will improve with use. Give it a thorough rinse with warm water before first use, and expect it to soften and perform even better as the bristles naturally break in and settle over time.

Your First Traditional Wet Shave - Step by Step

Pre-Shave Preparation

Start with the hottest water your skin can comfortably handle. Take a warm shower or wash your face thoroughly with hot water - this softens both your facial hair and skin, making for a much more comfortable shave. The heat opens your pores and prepares your skin for the blade.

Preparing Your Tools

Get Your Brush Ready: Rinse your badger hair brush thoroughly under warm water. Gently squeeze out excess water - the brush should be damp but not dripping.

Prepare Your Soap: Whether using your polymer or wooden bowl, have your artisan shaving soap ready for lathering.

Building and Applying Your Lather

Work your damp brush on the soap using a back-and-forth motion (not circular). The combination of water and friction transforms the soap into a thick, meringue-like lather. Take your time with this - good lather is the foundation of a great shave.

Lathering Options:

  • Polymer Bowl: The soap tin drops directly into the bowl for quick scent changes
  • Wooden Shaving Bowl: Remove the soap puck and place it in the bowl
  • Alternative: Start lathering from the tin, then transfer to your bowl

Once you have a rich lather on your brush, apply it to your face in circular motions, working the lather into your whiskers. The brush not only applies the lather but also lifts the hairs, preparing them for cutting.

Using Your DE Safety Razor

The Golden Rule: Let the Weight Do the Work
Here's the key concept: the weight of the razor does the cutting work. The harder you press, the more the razor cuts into your skin. Think of it as guiding the razor, not forcing it. Use the same angle as a disposable razor, but with a much lighter touch.

Shaving Technique:

  • Hold the razor at the same angle as a disposable razor
  • Start by shaving with the grain (direction of hair growth)
  • Use short, confident strokes
  • Let the razor's weight do the work - don't apply pressure
  • Both sides of the blade work equally well
  • Rinse the razor frequently to keep the blade face clear
Be Patient with Yourself: DE shaving requires respect and a gentle approach. Due to the superior sharpness of DE blades compared to plastic disposables, start light and build confidence gradually. Your technique will improve with each shave.

Multiple Passes for a Superior Shave

For the closest, most comfortable shave, consider doing 2-3 passes:

  1. First Pass: Always with the grain
  2. Second Pass: Re-lather and shave across the grain
  3. Third Pass (optional): Re-lather and very gently against the grain - this takes practice to master
Remember: Each pass requires fresh lather. Your artisan soap will provide plenty of rich, protective lather for multiple passes.

Finishing Your Shave

Rinse your face with cool water to close the pores, then pat dry with a clean towel. Your skin should feel smooth and refreshed. Consider using a quality aftershave balm or moisturizer to nourish your freshly shaved skin.

Advanced Lathering Tips

Once you've mastered the basics, you can enhance your lather quality. For those who prefer an extra thick, luxurious lather, work the soap longer with that back-and-forth motion. Add small amounts of water as needed and continue working the soap. The more you work it, the richer and more protective your lather becomes - perfect for those multiple passes!

Post-Shave Care and Storage

Cleaning Your Tools

  1. Brush: Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove all lather residue
  2. Razor: Rinse clean and shake off excess water
  3. Soap: Remove any standing water from around the soap to prolong its life

Proper Storage on Your Wave XL Stand

Your Wave XL stand is designed for optimal drying and organization:

  • Hang your shaving brush bristles-down for proper air circulation
  • Place your wooden shaving bowl at the base of the stand
  • Store your safety razor in the designated holder at the back
Care Tip: Proper storage extends the life of your tools significantly. The stand ensures everything dries completely between uses, preventing bacteria growth and maintaining your investment.

Tips for Traditional Wet Shaving Success

Finding Your Perfect Blade

Your kit includes a sampler pack of different blade brands. Each blade has slightly different characteristics - some are sharper, some smoother. Try each type for a few shaves to discover which works best with your skin and hair type. Keep notes on your favorites!

Daily Ritual Tips:
  • Take your time - traditional wet shaving is a mindful ritual, not a race
  • Shave after or during a hot shower for the best results
  • Your technique will improve with each shave - be patient with yourself
  • Be confident but respectful of the razor's sharpness
Success Tips:
  • Never shave in a hurry - this is your time to slow down and focus
  • If you nick yourself, don't panic - it happens to everyone learning
  • Consider the room temperature - cold bathrooms make for tougher shaves
  • Enjoy the process - this should be a pleasure, not a chore

Remember: Every master of traditional wet shaving started exactly where you are now. Your Stuga Complete Shaving Kit contains everything you need for years of superior shaves. Take your time, be patient with yourself, and enjoy discovering the art of proper wet shaving.

Happy shaving!
The Stuga Team