How to Use Your Magic Shaving Kit
How to Use Your Magic Shaving Kit
A full wet shave built around the Magic stand — where the brush hangs suspended to drain and dry. Here's how to get the best from it.
The magic is in the stand.
The brush hangs suspended from the arch — no hook, no clip. That one detail is what keeps the brush in good shape for years.
Rest the brush in the arch so it hangs bristles-down, knot pointing at the floor. That's it — gravity does the rest.
Water drains out of the knot instead of pooling at the base, so the brush dries fully between shaves. No soggy core, no smell, far longer life.
Everything for a proper wet shave.
Magic Stand
The suspended-brush stand — holds the brush, and keeps everything together and drying.
Shaving Brush
Synthetic or badger, depending on your kit — it loads the soap and builds the lather.
Safety Razor + Blades
A double-edge safety razor with a sampler pack of blades to find your favourite.
Lathering Bowl
Polymer or timber — where you whip the soap into a rich, slick lather.
Artisan Soap
Handmade with coconut oil for a thick lather that protects the skin.
Two details that vary by kit.
The shave is the same across the range — but your stand and brush want slightly different care.
3D-printed and tough. Wipe it clean, no fuss — it shrugs off water and won't mark.
A natural piece of wood. Keep it out of standing water and wipe it dry; a rare rub of food-safe oil keeps the grain rich.
Ready out of the box. No break-in, dries fast, builds lather quickly. Low maintenance.
Holds more water for a richer lather. Give it a thorough warm rinse before first use; it softens and improves over time, with a little shedding early on.
From a hot face to a clean finish.
Preparation
Start with the hottest water your skin comfortably handles — a warm shower is ideal. The heat softens the hair and opens the pores. It's the single biggest thing you can do for a comfortable shave.
Get your tools ready
Lift the brush off the Magic stand and rinse it under warm water, then squeeze out the excess — damp, not dripping. Have your soap and bowl ready.
Build your lather
Work the damp brush over the soap with a firm back-and-forth motion — not circular. The friction turns the soap into a thick, meringue-like lather. Take your time; good lather is the foundation.
Apply to your face in circular motions to lift the hairs. Want it thicker? Keep working the soap and add small amounts of water. Full detail in the complete lathering guide.
Shave
- Start with the grain — the direction the hair grows
- Short, confident strokes; both sides of the blade cut
- Keep the same angle as a disposable, but a far lighter touch
- Rinse the razor often to keep the blade clear
Second & third passes
Optional, for a closer shave — and each pass needs fresh lather (your soap has plenty).
- Second pass: across the grain
- Third pass: gently against the grain — this takes practice, so no rush
Finish & rehang
Rinse your face with cool water and pat dry. Rinse the brush well and hang it back on the Magic stand, bristles-down, ready for tomorrow.
Look after it and it lasts for years.
- Rinse the brush thoroughly after every shave — then hang it bristles-down in the stand so it drains and dries.
- Rinse the razor and shake off the excess — store it dry, not sitting in a puddle.
- Drain any standing water from around the soap and bowl between uses.
- Timber stand or bowl? Keep them out of standing water and wipe dry — a rare rub of food-safe oil keeps the grain looking new.
Your kit comes with a blade sampler. Use it.
Every blade brand feels slightly different — some sharper, some smoother. Give each type a few shaves before you judge it. The blade that suits your skin and hair makes a real difference, and finding it is half the fun.
Quick fixes.
Lather won't form or won't last
Load more soap and work the brush longer before adding water — build the base first, then thin it with small amounts of water.
The razor is nicking or tugging
You're pressing too hard or using too steep an angle. Lighten the touch, let the weight do the work, and make sure the lather is rich underneath.
Brush won't dry out
Make sure it's hanging bristles-down in the stand, not standing upright — upright traps water in the knot.
The blade feels rough
Try a different brand from the sampler — blade feel varies a lot, and the right one transforms the shave.
More from the Stuga field guides.
The Double Edge Safety Razor Guide
What you actually need to know — technique, blades, cost and care. No fluff.
Read the guide → TechniqueHow to Lather Shaving Soap
The full method, plus how to rescue a lather that won't behave.
Read the guide → CareCaring for a Badger Brush
Do this and a quality brush lasts a decade. Skip it and it won't.
Read the guide →