The Art of Shaving
by Eric Malka, Myriam Zaoui
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Book Reviews of The Art of Shaving
Book Review: Take the info- and leave the -mercial.
Summary: 3 Stars
Shaving is something most of us men do anyway, so it makes sense to do what we can to change it from a chore (or a butchery) into an enjoyable or even luxurious experience. If you're trying to look professional for a day at work -- or attractive and manly for a night on the town -- why drag a 20-cent disposable blade across your face when there are more rewarding alternatives out there?
As part of the fashion and grooming industries' efforts to get men to take as much time preparing themselves for the day as women stereotypically do, Myriam Zaoui and Eric Malka produced this book on shaving that -- wonders! -- happens to have the same name as the store they run and the line of products they sell in it. I have a copy of their store catalog here next to this book, and there is a good deal of overlap, no question. The sorts of products they say a good shave requires just so happen to be the sorts of products they sell. Whether this is a conspiracy to create a need where none exists or their attempt to be helpful and inspire men to share the authors' passion for the topic, depends I suppose on your degree of cynicism.
To the extent this book is an infomercial for their shop, you're certainly welcome to keep the info- and disregard the -mercial. I wouldn't throw the razor out with the soapy water and say the book is useless because there's a mercenary element. Every author hopes you'll spend money on his book. You can still learn some useful theory and tips for your morning ritual without having to drop any cash in the authors' store.
The essentials of how to get a good shave have been covered countless times, at article-length, in publications like "Esquire." You don't really need an entire book on the history and techniques of shaving. The fact that one exists is harmless enough, and men interested in fashion, grooming, or just not going to work with blood on their collars may find it worth a few minutes' reading.
Book Review: A solid intro to wet shaving
Summary: 4 Stars
This is a handy book for those of us in the man's world who have been shaving for some time with no real idea of how to do it, just our best guess. Some of it might be old hat to the experienced shaver, but some of it won't be, particularly the addition of lotions and a skin care regimen.
This is a manual on how to shave, as well as how to care for your skin. We need to get past thinking of these as separate things. They are not. If you do one and not the other you have an inferior product. Take care of your skin prior to and during the shave and half the battle is won. In fact, with proper skin care and proper shaving technique and equipment you will actually look forward to shaving.
My only complaint with this book is its adoption of the multi-razor cartridges of today. These expensive and inefficient heads are one of the banes of my existence. I have adopted the older safety razor for my use, which provides a far closer shave and for infinitely less money. Further exploration of this topic would have made the book better, in my opinion, and offered a realistic contrast to the status quo of today.
Still, it is a minor quibble with a great little book.
Book Review: good reading for proper shaving
Summary: 5 Stars
This book provides good reading to understand a proper shave. It does give some insight to using straight razor, safety razors even electric shavers. the books mostly concentrates on the care of your skin during and after your shave. This is good because this is what most people miss when they shave and go through out the day with a crappy feel to there face if not razor burns and cuts. if you are willing to take shaving serious and care for your face then I suggest reading this book. if you are looking for a fast way to get through a basic don't care shave, go to Walgreens.
I have just started trying the Art of Shaving products buy purchasing there sample kit. this I say is worth it. you get a $25.00 coupon with it to use for your next purchase. yes it cost you $25.00 to purchase it but once again are you serious about a proper clean close shave. I have been shaving for over two years using a straight razor and a safety razor and learned allot along the way. I will never go back to the chemicals and plastic again.
so food for thought treat yourself and toss out those disposables pieces of plastic for good.
Book Review: Hey, Coach!
Summary: 4 Stars
This book is like a good coach on shaving, and also on general hygiene. For example it states why one should shave with the grain first (and not against) and also it explains what type of person should wear a goatee, and how, and also how to trim your sideburns (so as to make sure that they are even). He also recommends to use a facial scrub once or twice a week (on days you aren't shaving), etc. The author also throws in some history at the beginning (like how men used to sharpen flint or sharks teeth to shave). Anyways, it was a nice light and enjoyable read. I think I finished it in about 3 sittings. Some very useful information in a nice package. Only gave it 4 stars because the pictures could have been better/more helpful. Every other page or so has like a random picture of a brush. Why not put something more useful, like the proper blade angle that should be used on the face, or what a proper lather should look like.Book Review: Great!
Summary: 5 Stars
I have been shaving for 40+ years and now realize that I did not know how to do it right! This book is terrific and tells you what you need to know. I'm now enjoying my morning shave as this book has made it into a real pleasure and a small luxury to start the day. Skin looks and feels better, shave is actually closer, and it is a relaxing moment in the day. Yes, there are some commercials for the authors' store, but if you don't like that just skip over those bits and go on the Internet to find alternate supplies (Casewll Massey has some great products too). Buy the BEST badger hair brush you can find and follow the rest of the authors' advice and you will start enjoying the ritual and how you look and feel afterward. Very highly recommended.