When it comes to sharpening a straight razor, men can choose between natural hones and artificial hones. Artificial hones pose a greater variety of choices and greater availability. Unlike natural hones, which are mined from quarries, artificial hones are manufactured so their availability is virtually unlimited. When demand exceeds supply, manufacturers can simply produce more. Of course, supply is not the only way in which artificial hones have the edge on their natural counterparts. Artificial hones are more consistent when…
Know Your Hones: Natural or Artificial?
There are two basic types of hones, natural hones and artificial hones, however, they both serve the same purpose, to sharpen straight razors in between uses. In addition, there are many different variations within the two main categories of hones. Hones are also commonly known as sharpening stones. Some common natural hones are Belgian Yellow Coticule or Belgian Blue Coticule. The names of these hones accurately reflect what they are, both in origin and in substance. These stones are mined…
Pinaud Lilac Vegetal After Shave Lotion Is Not for the Meek and Mild
Pinaud Lilac Vegetal was the very first after shave lotion made by Edouard Pinaud himself. He created the Pinaud Lilac Vegetal After Shave Lotion in the 1800s, especially for the men in the Hungarian cavalry. The product was formulated to be refreshing enough to use as a full-body splash as well as an after shave lotion. The founder of the Pinaud family of men’s grooming products had the unique distinction of being the perfumer for the court of Napoleon III…
Speick Combines Exclusive Extract With Natural Ingredients in Superior Products
Speick is a German company with a rich history that dates back more than eight decades to the 1920s. This well-respected company focuses on high quality products that contain natural ingredients like Valeriana celtica, a medicinal plant also known as Speick. The company was named for this plant, which was recognized for its medicinal properties as early as the 10th century. Valeriana celtica, or Speick, has always been painstakingly harvested by hand. Speick continues that tradition by using only Valeriana…
Perfect Time for a Change: eShave’s After Shave Soothers
Looking for a new aftershave lotion? Your timing is fantastic, as Men’s Health just released its 2012 Grooming Awards in the June issue. Heading the list of Best Post Shave Lotion of the Year is one of our recent favourites—eShave’s After Shave Soothers.
Don’t Overlook These Aspects of Wet-Shaving
Would it surprise you to know that you are shaving wrong? Well, maybe you are not doing it wrong exactly, but you are overlooking two very important aspects of wet-shaving. If you value your skin, you will start paying more attention to two things: the angle of the blade and the pressure with which you apply that blade to your skin.
Your Personal Guide to a Life Well-Lived: Celebrate His Day on June 17
He was the steadying hand on the seat of your bike the day the training wheels came off. Many an award-winning science fair volcano or animal habitat diorama were snatched from the jaws of defeat when he opened his toolbox or adjusted the household chemical recipe. No one was more of a fan as you competed in your chosen arena, whether athletic, academic, artistic or musical. His fingers led you through the intricacies of your first Windsor knot or caught…
Diamond Jubilee: Sixty Years of Dedication Celebrated
“My heart is too full for me to say more to you today than that I will always work, as my father did throughout his reign, to uphold constitutional government and to advance the happiness and prosperity of my people, spread as they are the world over.” Noble words from a young woman, called to an ancient throne in 1952 as a twenty-five-year old. Every Realm of the United Kingdom, as well as the Commonwealth countries, Crown Dependencies and British…
The Mother of Distinction
She does not stand so close now, but whenever you needed her steadying hand, she was there. Your every breath is now presumed, yet she remembers well when the gentle rise and fall of your chest was her only concern. Your nascent smile, the sharp-edged pearl of a budding tooth, rhythmic babbling evolving into the spoken word, unsteady balancing turning to a steady stride–all your firsts proud moments for her, yet bittersweet. Each of your accomplishments marks a growing independence,…
Men, Meet Your Perfect Hair Brush
When you think of the perfect modern man, you might imagine a young professional who rolls out of bed ten minutes before leaving his apartment. He stops into the bathroom only for a moment, running water through his hair stepping in his bathroom quickly to run water through his hair, just to get rid of the bed-head look. But the sooner we do away with this prototypical image, the better; men too have to put solid work into keeping their hair groomed,…
Bridle Leather Care Made Easy
Bridle leather is made from steer hides that have been painstakingly hand colored with vegetable dyes using waxes and tallow. These environmentally friendly dyes produce rich colors with an even consistency and attractive natural glow. Bridle leather is a heavy leather that is known for its quality. It has a stiff feel when new, but it develops a lovely soft texture with use. With care and maintenance, products made from bridle leather will maintain their durability and bring you years…
Four Simple Steps to a Perfect Shave
A great shave is a beautiful thing, but it can be a daunting process. Luckily, with the right combination of supplies and technique, you’ll soon be shaving better than you ever have before. Step #1: Be Prepared Before you begin wet-shaving, take the time to prepare your face. Your beard grows thick and strong for a reason. Although we will leave those reasons to the physical anthropologists to decide, one thing remains clear: your beard needs special preparation before…