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Paul H Films aka Paul Humphries has a birthday today. Why this man hasn't been hired by the BBC to host a show about anything is astonishing. Even if I weren't a shave nerd I'd watch his videos.
But this post was prompted by a video he posted recently. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Vl0o5J3Dd4&t=9s
In that video he shaves with a Yuma razor and Nivea shave cream. I don't own a Yuma. Made in Turkey, the razor sold for about $2.00, give or take. It's probably made of zinc and it's uncoated. In other words, it's the kind of thing you might expect to find in a soldier's shave kit. Something dirt cheap and serviceable that is not required to last.
Paul gets a first-rate shave with it. Now, though he would deny this, Paul is an expert shaver. If shaving were an Olympic event, Paul could medal for the UK. Still, his point is that you don't need expensive gear to get a great shave. That's my experience as well. I have razors that are pricey, including a first-gen Wolfman, Above the Tie razors, Timeless razors, and, in the past, I've owned a Mongoose, a Pils, etc. I also have pricey shaving creams, brushes, etc.
In my experience, "wet" shaving is one of the few places where, as I've said here before, you get more than you pay for. So if you're new to this hobby, please keep in mind the following: 1. Most people, including many spouses, will find you strange for saying you consider shaving a hobby. Let them. Tell them that you also consider flossing and brushing hobbies as well. This should ensure you get plenty of time alone, which you can use to shave at a leisurely pace. 2. Expensive shaving gear is very appealing. It's also not a necessity for a great shave. Yes, the brand new titanium razor with the adjustable blade gap that also makes a great cup of espresso and cleans the kitchen for you is a thing of beauty. The shaving cream made by Finnish monks using Persian clay that costs more per tub than an engagement ring confers pride of ownership. Neither will necessarily provide you a better shave than a Parker/Maggard's/Entry level Merkur and a tub or tube of Nivea/Proraso/Palmolive.
So please keep in mind that while this can be a pricey hobby, it doesn't have to be; it can be an inexpensive pastime that provides a lifetime of wonderful shaves for very little money.
But this post was prompted by a video he posted recently. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Vl0o5J3Dd4&t=9s
In that video he shaves with a Yuma razor and Nivea shave cream. I don't own a Yuma. Made in Turkey, the razor sold for about $2.00, give or take. It's probably made of zinc and it's uncoated. In other words, it's the kind of thing you might expect to find in a soldier's shave kit. Something dirt cheap and serviceable that is not required to last.
Paul gets a first-rate shave with it. Now, though he would deny this, Paul is an expert shaver. If shaving were an Olympic event, Paul could medal for the UK. Still, his point is that you don't need expensive gear to get a great shave. That's my experience as well. I have razors that are pricey, including a first-gen Wolfman, Above the Tie razors, Timeless razors, and, in the past, I've owned a Mongoose, a Pils, etc. I also have pricey shaving creams, brushes, etc.
In my experience, "wet" shaving is one of the few places where, as I've said here before, you get more than you pay for. So if you're new to this hobby, please keep in mind the following: 1. Most people, including many spouses, will find you strange for saying you consider shaving a hobby. Let them. Tell them that you also consider flossing and brushing hobbies as well. This should ensure you get plenty of time alone, which you can use to shave at a leisurely pace. 2. Expensive shaving gear is very appealing. It's also not a necessity for a great shave. Yes, the brand new titanium razor with the adjustable blade gap that also makes a great cup of espresso and cleans the kitchen for you is a thing of beauty. The shaving cream made by Finnish monks using Persian clay that costs more per tub than an engagement ring confers pride of ownership. Neither will necessarily provide you a better shave than a Parker/Maggard's/Entry level Merkur and a tub or tube of Nivea/Proraso/Palmolive.
So please keep in mind that while this can be a pricey hobby, it doesn't have to be; it can be an inexpensive pastime that provides a lifetime of wonderful shaves for very little money.
I love that he shows us all how to get an excellent shave for a very low cost. The Nivea creams are rally excellent and really inexpensive. Thank you.
