Leisureguy's Guide to Gourmet Shaving - Fifth Edition: Shaving Made Enjoyable [Paperback]

Michael Ham (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 31, 2011

The fifth edition of the complete beginner's guide to traditional wetshaving---brush, shaving cream or soap, and safety razor with double-edged blade. Traditional shaving is enjoyable and thrifty: double-edged blades are as low as 9¢ each vs. as much as $3.50 for a single disposable multiblade cartridge. The recommended razor, one of the Edwin Jagger DE8x series (or the Mühle equivalents), will last a lifetime and has a recently designed head that provides a comfortable shave.

The multiblade cartridge's tug-and-cut action often results in skin irritation, razor bumps, in-grown hairs, and razor burn---thus all the "protective" shaving preparations and "soothing and healing" aftershaves now offered. Most men with skin problems decide that they have "sensitive skin" and never realize that the problem is the multiblade cartridge with its tug-and-cut action, exacerbated by shavers pressing down hard to try to extend the life of the (expensive) cartridge.

The book includes a chapter on shaving and skin problems, including information on how to cure and prevent razor bumps and in-grown whiskers.

The book is complete in itself, but it also includes links to a host of resources on the Web to complement the book. Sources are provided for all you need to get started.

It's a perfect gift for Father's Day, Valentine's Day, and as a birthday or graduation gift for guys---particularly guys who shave almost every day but when they're asked whether they actually enjoy shaving answer, "No."

Product Details

• Paperback: 142 pages
• Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform; 5 edition (August 31, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1463595344
• ISBN-13: 978-1463595340
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (120 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #492,378 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Editorial Reviews

Review

I bought this as a gift for my fiancé, along with a wet-shaving starting kit and a safety razor. He DEVOURED this book, and finds himself reading it again and again. He finally enjoys shaving. This book has helped him figure out so many things about wet shaving, and has recommended it to all of his friends and family. Truly a great source of information for any man -- Reader Reviews, Lulu.com, http://www.lulu.com/content/769757

I've done my share of searching, and there is no printed reference for wetshaving which comes close to Mr. Ham's volume. This book covers every aspect of the shaving experience with insight, expertise and aplomb: he offers product reviews, theoretical background and detail-oriented tips for the wetshaver. Anyone who is interested in wetshaving should purchase this book ASAP. I have been wetshaving for five months, but the tips contained in this volume have greatly improved my shaving experience. I can't recommend this strongly enough! -- Reader Reviews, Lulu.com, http://www.lulu.com/content/769757

Since I work for Lulu.com, I don't normally post reviews of content. It's difficult for any of us here to do so without some sort of bias due to our love for this place and the amazing folks who publish their works through us. But, I wanted to post something here about this book since 1) I found it while searching the web for wetshaving information, not while browsing content on Lulu and 2) I have enjoyed it enough to believe my bias isn't the only reason I feel positively towards it. Make sense?

I am a recent convert to wetshaving and am slowly but surely coming to absolutely love its benefits as well as the ritual. Shaving has never been enjoyable for me (been shaving for 19 years or so) and up until now has usually been a painful, bloody mess that left me with unsightly razor burn and nicks. I had reduced my frequency to about once a week with the cartridge razors and standard shaving cream. Sometime last year I did start using a brush and occasionally some shave oil which did improve things somewhat, but it was the addition of the safety razor and the time spent learning how to build a later, etc that brought the most benefit to date.

So in that vein, Mr. Ham's book has been a great resource for me to continue my learning. It is a quick and easy read that is to the point and clear. I enjoy the fact that he is open-minded and just as much into learning as I am. He lays out a bunch of options and suggestions and sends readers off to try them all to find the exact combination that works for him.

Another great thing about this book is its Endnotes. Throughout the book, Mr. Ham references books, websites, shaving products, etc. and quite religiously annotates them with references to his Endnotes. While not as convenient as Footnotes, the Endnote format allows him to expound further as needed on each note without ruining the look, feel, and flow of his book. The first time through the book, I didn't reference the notes at all, sticking to the context of the book as a whole. Now that I use the book as a reference, I will just put my finger on the Endnotes page so I can flip to it quickly when necessary.

Through these Endnotes and other information in the back of the book, Mr. Ham provides readers with a formidable launchpad for further learning. As a matter of fact, that pretty much sums up the book as a whole: A great foundational intro to wetshaving along with a nice push to many other sources to continue your journey. -- Reader Reviews, by Christopher Anderson, Lulu.com, http://www.lulu.com/content/769757 --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From the Author

After getting a year of user feedback and comments, I was pleased to return to the book to expand and improve it. Based on one Amazon review, I added a new chapter specifically on how to deal with skin problems (acne, razor bumps, and in-grown whiskers). Much of the feedback has come from readers who have been astonished to find that they enjoy shaving and that the shave that results is better. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 142 pages
• Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform; 5 edition (August 31, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1463595344
• ISBN-13: 978-1463595340
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (120 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #492,378 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

I'm retired now and follow my interests: books, reading, movies, cooking, and the like. And shaving.

I have a blog, written for people whose interests more or less match mine: leisureguy.wordpress.com.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

44 of 44 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Shaving Made Enjoyable Indeed! August 7, 2007

By Joseph Perrigoue

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

This is an excellent and well written guide to traditional wet shaving with a double edge safety razor. The author is clearly knowledgeable and well informed. His love of and enjoyment of the shaving ritual really comes through. All of the necessary shaving equipment is listed and reviewed in good detail. Time tested recommendations are made for the new wet shaver as well as more experienced shavers. The process of traditional wet shaving is explained in good detail and in a logical order. The books one drawback is also one of its strengths. In an effort to give as much information as possible the author provides links to many, many shaving resources scattered around the net. This is good for completeness but really requires you to read the book in front of a computer to get all the information. This also tends to lead to shorter less detailed explanations in the book itself with a reminder that you can go read the details on the net.

All in all this is an indispensable guide to shaving. Every man who hates his shave and walks around with three days growth MUST read this book. It will change your shave from a painful chore to something you really look forward to each day.

28 of 29 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Unique resource January 9, 2008

By 2many2read

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

Right now, this is the essential primer on wetshaving.

While this is a short book, it covers the new hobby of wetshaving pretty well. Wetshaving includes the search for the perfect old-time shave using double edge or straight razors and a fresh-made lather whipped up by a shaving brush.

Somehow there are many, many products in this niche market and this book will guide you in choosing and using these products to get a great shave. In fact,the goal of this manual and reference is get you to look forward to your morning shave, rather than merely tolerating it.

As far as I know, this is the only unbiased book on wetshaving, as some others are associated with particular companies selling shaving products.

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great shaving reference! October 26, 2007

By T. Hollett

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

Minor typos aside, this is an outstanding reference for traditional safety razor shaving techniques and know-how. Complete with web-links that are updated independent of the book - the information presented stays current. There is a growing online community of men (and women) who are finding the pleasure of traditional safety razor shaving and Michael's book and web-site are a focal point in this community. If you have to shave, you may as well try to enjoy it. Michael's book will help you do so.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The definitive guide to shaving with a double-edge blade March 19, 2009

By Submariner

Format:Paperback

Absolutely the best book of its type. Required reading for anyone ready to ditch their cartridges and take up a safety razor. Ham's writing is insightful and incisive. A pleasure to read.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable book to read February 10, 2012

By Buddyjay

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

If you have a lot of knowledge about wet shaving, then this book is NOT for you. You may find it somewhat entertaining but you will probably already know most of the subject matter. If you are fairly knew to wet shaving or want to learn more, then this is a great book.

Lots of useful information and some great tips.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars This makes the world seem a better place! February 9, 2012

By Anthony

Format:Paperback

I retired at 53 and yes lucky me! As you get older people say you get more eccentric and maybe in some ways they are right. I used to get up in the morning scrape a multi blade cartridge over my face in about 3 minutes call this a shave and then hit the day. Don't ask me why but given more time to think I decided that as "The shave" starts my day there must be a way to improve both this experience and my outlook. I thought why is it that people rave about a proper barbers shave done with a single blade? I thought that this step might be one too far so started to look at DE razors on the internet. Living close to Sheffield the home of stainless steel in the UK, I found a supplier and purchased a beautifully crafted crome DE Razor some blades soap and a brush. then thinking "cart and horse" I better find out how to use these things before someone gets hurt...me!!
Well here's the point I bought Leisure Guy's 5th edition of Gourmet Shaving and WOW!! I read it from cover to cover it must be one of the best reference books I've read. Even now 7 months on I still pick it up from the bedside table to find there are still things I'm learning. The morning shave is now something I really look forward to and I firmly believe that it makes me have a happier outlook on my day. The way the book is written is brilliant and putting all the reference material at the back is a great idea as it then doesn't detract from the flow of the book. The only problem I've encountered is how much, after reading the book and looking up some of the reference points, you seem to accumulate additional shaving parphenalia. Not because someone forces you too but as a way of trying products you've never encountered before. In some ways it makes you feel like a kid again!!...
Michael Ham thank you for all the lessons and no doubt the experiences and experiments will continue as the draws fill up with razor blades creams soaps razors etc.
I can't say this has totally changed my life as it was, and is, pretty good anyway, but what used to be a chore is now a joy and something I look foward to and yes I'm worth it! Read more ›

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Read for the Wetshaver June 13, 2011

By B. Casey

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

After months of reading ABOUT this book, I finally ordered a copy for myself. My opinion? Well, I read it, then re-read it, then re-read different chapters, and am sure I will re-read it all again! I still learn something new every time I pick it up.

I picked up a safety razor about a year ago and knew very little about good technique and good equipment. I got a cheap-quality razor, rushed through things, cut myself like crazy, and gave up, thinking the DE razor "isn't all it's cracked up to be."

A few months back I got tired of the irritation on my face from using my cartridge razor and thought I'd take another whack at DE razor shaving. I got an Edwin Jagger DE89L, an EJ best badger brush, TOBS Avocado, and a copy of this book. I took my time, determined to get it right if it took me a year. Well, it didn't take me a year, lol--it took less than a month. This book did more to open my eyes to proper technique and tools than anything else I've checked out online. (And I've checked out a lot!) My wife recently commented on how she's never felt my face so smooth. She questions the fact that I now have several new razors and brushes in my collection (her argument is that I "only have one face"), but she loves the results. And yes, I constantly feel my face throughout the day at work, lol.

What more can I say? GET THE BOOK. If you're a DE novice or a seasoned veteran, you owe it to yourself to get a copy. I'll never go back to my old razor and system; I'm having too much fun using an "outdated" method my father used for years. Get a copy for yourself, and learn to enjoy shaving all over again!