I’m average as to time spent shaving (2 min).  I use the minimum number of strokes shaving. (No time to waste.) I’m with the pack on nicks.  Average man takes 200 average strokes to shave…REALLY? And, I want to meet a man that spends 25 minutes shaving with 700 strokes.  This WSJ article goes on to dispel some myths.  Here’s the facts:

• More blades = Better shave (I believe this…Gillette has me fully brainwashed)
• Water temperature matters (hot is good) (I believe this…)
• Pre-Shave routine.  Clean face = better shave (Makes sense…)
• Use Brush to apply shaving cream (Hmmm.  Not a believer…)
• Moisturize before shaving to avoid irritation (Come on.  Men don’t use moisturizer before shaving)
• Toss blades when they are tugging (Forget the blue strip turning white.  Marketing gimmick.  Although it does get into my head.)
• Go With the Grain (For years, I thought that going against the grain gave you a closer shave.)
• No cure for nicks (I have a lot of opportunity to practice here.  I will find something.)
  

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  See full article and Video @ WSJ: In Search of the Perfect Shave: Calling out the Myths