There is a growing trend in mens shaving that puts some tried and true traditions up against more "modern" methods. Personally I think it's all semantics being thrown about by one crowd seeking a deeper authenticity in their lives and another crowd trying to make a buck off of them.
So called, wet shaving, is just your typical shave wisely commenced after a hot shower or maybe the application of hot towels to the face to soften the beard. It then involves lathering up and shaving with regular rinsing of the razor. ...yeah, sounds familiar to me too.
Dry shaving on the other hand is either simply using an electric razor or an often oddly described event where copious amounts of shaving cream are applied to the face and then shaved off... not shure how without rinsing the razor but that seems to be the suggestion.
So, we are left with the question, "What's the difference," and or big deal? The difference is really in the type of razor. The most common razors used for wet shaving are the old style Gillettes that our dads and grand dads used to use. Like the one in the photo, they most often use a double edged razor blade that is dropped into the head. Younger folks will likely know these from paint scrapers, suicide scenes in movies or possibly in association with chopping up cocaine.
My familiarity with them comes from a life of using them. My grandfather taught me to shave with the Gillete he'd carried in his toilet kit during WW2, a razor I still sometimes use. Tried the plastic disposables and I have to say that while you get fewer nics and avoid the occasional cut the shave just isn't the same. Any time I have strayed from "wet shaving" I find myself invariably coming back.
The razors are easily had for reasonable prices at antique stores and flea markets and eBay most always has a wide variety on offer. Other than the Gillette 195, a suddenly highly saught after adjustable model, you can get them for as little as a few dollars with mint condition models still obtainable under twenty bucks. The 195 can run you as much as a ridiculous thousand dollars or more these days. Yeah, someone always has to come along and rape your world for the sake of a well heeled collector every once in a while. Annoying at best.
They are also available from a handful of manufacturers such as Merkur and R. A. Rooney. The best source I have seen is www.classicshaving.com. Though the prices are pretty high compared to just taking a trip to your local antique mall where, as mentioned above, they can be had for as little as a few dollars.
Either way, I highly recommend gents giving it a shot. Emphasis on "gents". These razors have a nasty habit of taking chunks out of the lovely legs of our lady friends in a hurry who grab the nearest razor. Not a good idea. While ladies historically used the same style safety razors as the fellows, the contours of female shin bones and knees have greatly benefitted from developments in shaving technology.
Slow down, be "manly", enjoy a quality shave and feel just that much closer to being Steve McQueen.
You can learn more about the wet shaving "cult" at http://badgerandblade.com/vb/index.php They have an active group of wet shaving enthusiasts with a nice BBS and "blog style" articles.
Note: The razor pictured is a Pomco "Twisted Head" made in Germany for Pomco of Chicago Illinois. Not sure on a date. A close second next to my Gillette Aristocrat.
