The Godfather Razor by Vikings Blade is my favorite GoTo razor.  it’s perfect for those wanting to learn how to wet shave.  Beginners will find it very forgiving.

Let me say again, from my personal experience, this razor is VERY safe. And my skin borders on the sensitive side.  

However, there are a couple of things you need to be aware of before you take your first shave with a safety razor.

First, get a good brush (natural or synthetic, it’s personal preference) and a good quality shave soap or cream.  I have many listed at The Shave Stop.  Van der Hagen’s soap for sensitive skin is a good choice, especially if you’re like me and need the extra protection. There are many, many others.

Next, learn to whip up a good lather and apply it liberally (paint it on the face).  Get rid of the shave cream from an aerosol can.  Do it the proper way!  Get a brush, shave bowl, shaving soap/cream and learn to whip up a lather.  

Thirdly, hold the razor at a 30 degree angle and LIGHTLY touch it to the skin.  Let the weight of the handle do the work.  Do one complete, full pass.  Rinse, re-lather, and do a second shave pass.  If needed, do a third pass.  Using this method, you’re taking the beard down a layer at a time which results in no razor burn (or very, very little), no cuts, no nicks, etc.  BTW, use short 2-inch strokes.  Also, once you’ve cleared an area, do not shave over the unprotected area.  You’ll get it on the next pass when you re-apply the lather.  Remember, avoid shaving an unprotected area of skin.

(A good, sharp blade is also helpful. I use Personna Blue razor blades.  Sharp, yet very smooth.)  

Since making the above video, I happened on Personna Blue razor blades.  They are now my very favorite!

The shave passes should be WITH the grain on the first pass, ACROSS the grain on the second, and AGAINST the grain on the third.

TAKE YOUR TIME.  If you’re usually rushed in the morning, wake up 15 to 20 minutes earlier.  Soak your brush in warm water (ALWAYS use warm water on your face, never hot) get your shower, then have your shave.  After the shave, do the final rinse with cold water to close your pores.  Then, follow up with a  good after shave balm to moisturize skin.

The Godfather razor is a mild razor so the blade exposure and gap is set at just the right amount.  The blade ends are also enclosed, so there’s no chance of catching a corner on your skin when you flip from one side to the other.

Really, the only way you get a nick or cut is if you shave over an area that has already been cleared of protective cream/soap.  Another way is simply from pressing overly hard trying to cut the entire beard in one pass.  Use the multiple pass method.

If you follow these tips and check out my videos and other videos from other shavers, you’ll quickly learn the method and procedure. and, I’m sure, you’ll agree that this is the BEST method to shave the face.  

One last note, Vikings Blade has a lifetime international warranty on their razors.  If you’re not satisfied, they’ll make it right.  Their customer service is top-notch and really stand behind their razors!  So, you really have nothing lose.