Close Shaves: Top Gear to Make Grooming Fun

Getting into a lather doesn't have to be a chore—use these tools to make shaving entertaining

Courtesy of Naked Armor, Adam, Truefitt & Hill, Lather & Wood, Mühle

While there are fans of the completely natural look, most of us are either clean-shaven or trim our facial hair on a regular basis. This gear transforms that daily drudgery into an eagerly anticipated event.

Courtesy of Naked Armor

Ready, Set, Shave

Naked Armor Solomon 7/8” Straight Razor Kit

$214.95

This kit makes it easy to get started using a straight razor, as it comes with almost everything you need to get close, smooth, barbershop-quality shaves at home or while traveling. Packaged in a handcrafted wooden box, the kit includes a straight razor with a travel case, a sharpening strop, and sharpening paste, plus a synthetic shaving brush and organic shave soap. Add a shaving soap bowl and you’re ready to groom.

Courtesy of Adam

Thank the Badger

Adam Shaving Brush

$110

Yes, this brush is pricey, but considering the fact it can be handed down to future generations, it might be considered quite reasonable. The benefits of using a badger-hair brush, in addition to its longevity, is the manner in which it exfoliates and massages skin as the lathered soap is applied. The perfectly weighted ironwood handle is as pleasant to look at is it is to use.

Courtesy of Truefitt & Hill

The Cure for Basic

Truefitt & Hill Wellington Razor: Mach III

$145

The Mach III disposable blade system, while extremely popular and used by millions of people, lacks any semblance of panache. However, this alternative utilizes the same replaceable blades and transforms a basic grooming implement into a bold family heirloom. Hand-crafted in the United Kingdom, the ergonomic handle is carefully balanced for optimal comfort and control, and can be specified in faux ivory, faux horn, faux porcelain, faux blue opal, or faux ebony.

Courtesy of Lather & Wood

Get Lathered Up

Lather & Wood Luxury Shaving Soap

$20

Soap is the key to a smooth, close shave, serving as a lubricant for whatever blade type you prefer. But this example takes it a step further by adding a soothing, relaxing scent such as sandalwood, bay rum, tobacco rose, or several others. To make it even better, soap pucks typically last for months, making them extremely economical to use compared to shave foams or creams.

Courtesy of Mühle

A Hot Mug of Soap

Mühle White Porcelain Shaving Mug with Handle

$40

Using this sturdy, easy-to-hold traditional porcelain shaving mug allows you to quickly create a thick, enveloping lather that makes sure the blade slides smoothly across the skin without nicks. Made to provide many years of service, this is the ideal item to partner with a boar-bristle brush to create a coating of hot lather that will soften the beard and relax the skin for a clean shave.