From 2011 there has been a noticeable resurgence in traditional shaving, in Britain. Also for traditional barbering services like the wet shave.

The wet shave has changed over the years for one simple factor being the tool changing from the trusted straight razor, to the shavette for health and safety reasoning. Mainly due to the rise of A.I.D.S in the 1970’s and knowledge of other blood born virus. The shavette was introduced as it has disposable blades which legally have to be changed for every customer and the handle to be submerged in barbicide.

This new method made the old trusty straight razors illegal to use on the public. with the correct care and maintenance a straight razor is safe but I can understand the change in protocol. Sadly the quality of shaves have suffered due to it.

The shavettes flimsiness and lack of blade length makes it a more of a difficult tool to master. With the new craze of professional wet shaving, relatively Inexperienced barbers were given a crash course in using them and then for there services charging the public sometimes £50 a shave.

Chins were cut, complaint’s were made and in some cases settlements were dealt. Some barbers took it off the menu as the reputations were being damaged profusely. This would have been limited with the trusty straight razor for it’s formidable sturdiness and length .

Shaving should not be rushed, and it should not be taught to quickly, historically barbers were taught by there fathers from barbering families.

This tradition is maintained in the London’s Turkish and Italian barbers, who yes use shavettes but with what seems to be an ancient skill.

The Aloe Vera scent on Muhles cream is pretty potent and although it has been widely used In cosmetics, it is still one of the best natural substances for skin health. It contains the hormone auxin which stops inflammation of the skin and encourages new cell growth. Which are two key attributes to a great shaving cream.

I generally use shaving soap as it tends to last longer, but I perhaps pay the price for lack of lather. which cream is superior.

The Muhle shave creams iridescent look, really packs a wallop in terms of lather applied via a hot sink and brush.

I find the amount of water is key on the brush for success though saturation but not furiously dripping.

The cream holds. It has been said that a good shaving cream should stay full on your face from application. For you to take an average length phone call and return to have an excellent shave.

I didn’t try this but I was certainly happy with the creams stability.

The shave was very smooth also and clung necessarily to any stubborn hair.

At £12 this 2.5 oz tube is great

Safety razor

I have been looking forward to trying the Gentila, due to personally only shaving with mid aggressive razor models.  For example. Edwin Jagger, Muhle and most Merkurs. The Fatip is certainly non aggressive hense it’s name.

Now It’s not that i don’t have man level facial hair no, but I do have a rather long Gregory Peck, which is as hairy as my face. This often creates shaving nicks around my my throat and Adams apple, If i use a more aggressive end scale razor.

Fatip Gentila safety razor review

Funnily, I digress. Not if i was to use a straight razor, due to the extra long surface area the cut throat is a particularly easy razor style to shave with. The shavette is a different story though. which is what you will receive at a barber’s if you ask for a wet shave these day’s. The flimsiness of the blade often creates problems for the beginner barber.

Back to the Gentila.

Firstly the aesthetic is great I like the traditional lines on the shaft and the gold plated stainless steel, makes the Gentile look as though it is a prop from the set of, The Godfather.

By loading the blade I realised how well built the Fatip was, the screw mechanism feels sturdy and the blade sits in the two piece head without miss alignment.

It is pretty short at 80mm and light at 66g. Some people prefer this for control, with the lines, I found I had to continually rinse the shaft to sustain a decent grip. Being the Gentila’s only flaw.

The shave was close enough with just one pass for an acceptable shave and of course I have no Irritation or cuts afterwards.

This Italian made razor is a steal at £32.00 It was great to use and looks amazing.