From the Preface...
"The object of this little book is to furnish clear and full information about the art of shaving. There are few men who do not experience more or less difficulty in shaving themselves with the straight razor, and many who, after a few unsuccessful attempts, give it up in despair and go to the barber shop.
We believe most of these would much prefer to shave themselves if only they could do as well as a barber. The advantages, indeed, seem to be wholly with the man who shaves himself. In the first place the shaving is done in the privacy if his own room. He has his own razor, cup, soap, brush and towels, which can be kept scrupulously clean and sanitary, thus avoiding the constant danger of infection. There is no long wait for the call of "next".
After the first cost of the outfit there is nothing to pay, either for services or "tips." Thus in point of time, money and health the man who shaves himself is a decided gainer."
These early years of the 21st century have seen a resurgence in the use of the straight razor, the dreaded "cut-throat". Where once lathering up in front of a mirror with a brush of badger was seen as something "old guys do", appreciation of the straight razor shave has come full circle. Almost universally known to give a far better shave than the modern cassette style safety razors, and resharpenable to boot, the straight is seen by many not just as a nostalgic piece of personal grooming equipment, but as an integral part of the daily morning ritual.
This book, first penned in 1905 by an unknown writer for an obscure correspondence course company in the United States, has finally found its place. It has found itself to be the Great Manifesto of the Shaving Renaissance.
Get back to basics, learn the manly art of shaving.
