[farming pharmer]

Be sure to buy; Boar’s hair brush Shave mug (wide, low coffee mug will do) Stand for razor and brush, because brush must hang dry, bristles down, or you’ll ruin the brush fast. Also, after each use, rinse and wipe dry the razor and blade, so blade lasts longer.

Warm your face to soften beard.
Hot water on brush and lather up.
For extra close shave, repeat lather/shave.
You WILL get a close shave!

Excellent!! Your advice is spot on.

I've been using the warm water/mug soap/brush method for 40 years (since I was 16). Nothing beats a soap mug warmed up in the microwave for about 30-45 seconds on a cold winter morning. And yes, kids, you have to first put a hot rag on your face to soften up the whiskers.

I wish Williams would make a more slippery mug soap, though.

[SheepWhisperer]

In a pinch and when traveling, I’ve used gf’s mild face soap. Agree that Williams is a bit harsh, but it does last for an eternity.

Speaking of traveling, TSA (take [stuff] away) will take your double edged blades from your carry on. They actively seek safety razors in the x-ray scan, which tells them you also have blades. Ask me how I know and I’ll tell you about stubble & razor burn vacations =o)

Have a plan B for travel.

[spankalib]

I use "BREWS"...used to be Redken's "Men's Bar", but they re-named it.

1 bar lasts a year for me.

Oh! ...and I submerge the blade in mineral oil after drying.