Westgate Handcrafted Straight Razor will make shaving a pleasure, eliminate ingrown hairs and provide an extremely close, irritation free shave. The right razor for every beard and face type, thus ensuring the best conditions for an effective wet shave. Whether you choose a hot towel or a shower is up to you but the end result should open the pores and soften the hairs. You’ll also need to lather up the soap, which simply requires a few drops of water on its surface so to soften it up before lathering. Straight razor shave is a luxurious experience.Daily morning shave is a labored process, it takes time, thus, to suit every skill level, beard and skin type one must be equipped with the right tool to successfully accomplish this ritual task. Without a doubt one of the best effective way to get a really close shave is to use a straight razor. Shaving with a straight razor is a skill so don’t be scared about trying it out. Westgate Handcrafted Straight Razor is made with the strictest pursuit of a comfortable shave. The razor is to be stropped before every use to give it a “razor’s edge” so it would cut only hair and not skin when glided across the surface at the ideal angle.Take control of your shave! Leave skin slightly wet. Apply shaving cream or gel liberally on fingertips or a shaving brush in a circular motion to straighten the hair. Massage gently onto skin to desired foam. Shave in the direction of hair growth, limiting the number of passes of the blade, to prevent irritation.If you wish to make a second pass, re-lather and shave your face, this time in the opposite direction of hair growth. Rinse razor often with warm water to clean blade and increase glide. Rinse well with warm water. Rinse your face with cool water and apply aftershave balm to soothe and re-hydrate the skin.We have also placed a thin coat of oil over the blade to protect it. For long term storage, razors should be lightly oiled and stored in a dry environment. When you receive the razor, all you need to do is wipe off the oil and it is ready to shave the first time without stropping. An initial stropping can also be done if you choose.Straight razors should be stropped prior to each use and over time will need to be touched-up on a sharpening stone. Any straight razor requires a particular attention and maintenance, it is very important you clean and dry carefully after use.