Wet Shaving Talk For 11 May 2026

You’re listening to Wet Shaving Talk powered by Sharpologist.com where we’re dedicated to preserving the art and skill of classic shaving. I’m your host Joe Borrelli and today is May 11th, 2026.

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Today on the Show:

The Heat is On!! How to Beat the Heat with Wet Shaving! 

Feather AS-D1, AS-D2 still relevant? 

Nord Razor: A razor Built by The Community  

The Most Under Rated Wet Shaving Items 

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The Heat is On!! How to Beat the Heat with Wet Shaving

The summer months are upon us and what better way to beat the heat then with some mentholated products.  

Menthol serves several functional and sensory purposes in shaving products, primarily acting as a cooling agent that tricks your nerves into feeling cold. 

Key Functions

• Cooling & Soothing: Menthol triggers cold-sensitive receptors in the skin, providing an instant refreshing sensation. This "chilling" effect can last for several minutes after your shave.

• Counter-Irritant: It acts as a mild analgesic (pain reliever) by distracting the nervous system from the irritation of the razor blade.

• Anti-Inflammatory & Antiseptic: It has natural properties that help reduce post-shave redness and swelling. Its antiseptic nature can also help prevent infections in minor nicks or scrapes.

• Skin Stimulation: As a vasodilator, menthol can improve blood flow to the skin's surface, which may help with recovery and give the complexion a more "revitalized" look.

• Enhanced Absorption: It can slightly open up the skin, which helps other beneficial : It can slightly open up the skin, which helps other beneficial ingredients (like moisturizers or vitamins) penetrate more effectively
  

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Feather AS-D1/D2 Still Relevant 

 

For years the Feather AS-D1/D2 was the most expensive safety razor you could get. Created in 2010 (D1) and redesigned in 2013 (D2) this model was the height of anyone’s collection.  Recently it’s been seen by some as an older wet shaving relic as some newer models have more features such as different baseplats/aggression levels. That brings up the age-old question: “Is it still relevant ?” 

 

• Gold Standard for Mildness: It is frequently cited as a top choice for those with sensitive skin. Its design offers low blade exposure, making it extremely forgiving and less likely to cause irritation or nicks.

• Exceptional Build Quality: It is still considered a "luxury" item due to its high-grade Japanese stainless steel construction and precise tolerances. Many users treat it as a "buy it for life" tool.

• Paired Performance: Its relevance is often tied to the Feather Hi-Stainless blades. Because the razor itself is so mild, pairing it with these ultra-sharp blades creates a highly efficient yet comfortable shave that many modern razors struggle to replicate perfectly. [

 

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The Nord Razor: A Razor Built by The Community.  

 

 

With over a year of research within the online wet shaving communities, the Nord Razor is a by-product of just that. They believe:

 

 “At the heart of Nord Razors lies a belief: routine deserves presence, and simplicity can be powerful. This razor is more than a product - it’s a quiet companion to your daily ritual.”

 

From the website: 

 

“Nord Razors combines Nordic precision with patented design to deliver a shave that’s both efficient and exceptionally smooth.

 

Its grooved blade support enhances blade stability, rinseability, and comfort - even against the grain.

 

With a bold yet balanced blade gap, three baseplate options, and two handle styles, it adapts to your skin, hair, and ritual.”

 

There are three baseplates available, but taking a closer look you can’t help but tell the design resembles the BBS-1/Gillette Tech/Personna BBS-0. This makes sense as the razor was built off feedback from actual traditional wet shavers. 

 

The Freyja Razor

The Freyja is CNC-machined from 304L stainless steel and designed to be a lifetime heirloom tool. 

• Interchangeable Baseplates: It offers three distinct plates to customize the shave:

• Mild: Focuses on comfort and safety, ideal for sensitive skin.

• Standard: A versatile "BBS" (Baby Butt Smooth) machine for most users.

• Efficient: High-efficiency plate for coarse or long growth, while remaining surprisingly smooth.

• Handle Designs: Available in two 90mm styles, Spiral and Argyle, noted for their natural balance and secure grip.

• Unique Feature: The grooved support allows for effortless rinsing and reduces nicks by providing a protective barrier against the grain.

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The Most Under Rated Wet Shaving Items 

I asked AI to see what it would say with the most underrated wet shaving items:  

 

Here are the results:

 

Razors:

 

Vintage Schick Injectors: Often cited as a better "mousetrap," these vintage razors provide exceptionally smooth, easy-to-navigate shaves compared to many modern safety razors.

Gillette Tech (Vintage): Frequently overlooked for fancier models, a vintage Tech with a modern handle remains an elite, mild daily driver.

Soaps:

Arko Shave Sticks: At roughly $3, these are often dismissed due to their "industrial" scent, but they provide a professional-grade, slick lather that rivals soaps ten times the price.

Speick & La Toja Sticks: Classic European drugstore staples that are highly regarded for their skin-healing properties and ease of use when traveling.

 

Accessories: 

Omega Boar Brushes: While badger hair is the "gold standard", a well-broken-in boar brush provides a unique scrub and excellent backbone that many veterans prefer over softer synthetics.

Lilac Vegetal Aftershave: A polarizing "love it or hate it" classic that is inexpensive and provides a unique floral scent not found in modern products.

3D Printed Shaving Bowls: Often more effective at building lather than expensive ceramic bowls due to the ability to print custom internal textures.

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Our show is powered by Sharpologist.com, “What Your Father Didn’t Teach You about Shaving” 

Special Thanks to:

 

Mark aka Mantic 59

Most of All……….YOU!!!!

 

Don’t forget to check out my blog site www.shavestraightandsafe.com  for the tips and interesting wet shaving stories!

 

Please feel free to contact me at [e-mail]  

 

Subscribe to my You Tube Chanel for videos regarding some interesting wet shaving content.

 

Don’t forget to check out my book “The Modern Guide to Straight Razor Shaving” available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble and at Pasteur's Pharmacy in NYC. 

 

If you’re a vendor and would like to be featured on the show please contact me!!