Although the words 'cut throat razor' strike terror into the minds of many men, it is in fact a safe and simple instrument to use. With continual practice, the owner's skill will improve gradually until the razor lives up to its reputation of giving the cleanest and closest shave possible. Remember that the blade is very sharp, so the greatest care should be taken in its handling.

The face, of course, needs to be prepared for shaving. Shaving soap or cream is applied to a shaving brush, mixed with hot water to form a rich, creamy lather and worked into the beard making the removal of the hair easier and more comfortable.

Open the razor by placing the small finger in the crook and wrapping the remaining fingers and thumb around the shaft of the razor. The razor may be used in either hand,but the other hand is used for stretching the skin taut, so that the razor glides smoothly over the skin.

Start shaving on which ever side of the face is most comfortable. Place the blade at a slight angle, stretch the skin with one hand and draw the razor with two or three movements down to the point of the chin. Finding the right angle at which the razor removes the hair will come with trial and experience. Repeat these movements on the other side of the face, again, stretching the skin, drawing the razor down from the jaw-bone to the collar line of the neck. The face should now be clear of lather except for the upper lip. The beard here is easily removed by stretching the skin over the teeth, and using the razor in a downward movement. The open razor will give you the perfect shave once you have mastered its application.

A strop should be used to tone-up or make the edge keener in preparation for use.

The razor should be opened into a straight line and the blade placed flat on the strop at a slight angle. Starting at the nearest end, the razor should be pushed up and turned over by a flick of the thumb, then drawn back on the canvas side. It is important that the edge is not pushed into the strop. When the far end of the strop is reached, after approximately six strokes on the canvas side, the strop should be turned over and the same procedure repeated on the leather side.

It is recommended that a strop paste be applied to the canvas side in order to gain greater adhesion between the razor and the strop.

The Gentleman's Groom Room also offer the original double edged blade razor or safety razor, which takes the disposable razor blade. These razors give a far superior, much closer and more comfortable shave than the cartridge razor as it cuts the hair at the skins surface.

Those who are used to shaving with the Mac 3 or Fusion blade should be aware when switching to the double edge razor blade - the main thing is to use slower more careful strokes, guiding the razor's head gently over the skin without pressing down; a habit that can be picked up when shaving with a cartridge razor. Remember the lighter the touch, the closer the shave.

All razors sold by The Gentleman's Groom Room are designed and manufactured to the highest standards for balance and comfort, ensuring the perfect shave.