The Art of Axe Shaving

Back in the 1930s, traveling axe salesmen would shave with an axe to show the superiority of their product.

02.17.13 | By: Jeff

Pick up any men's magazine and you'll see that vintage and heritage products are all the rage these days. This wave of nostalgia has breached all men's categories, including shaving, which has seen a resurgence in straight razors and safe razors. Yet, there's another even more analog alternative that hasn't hit the mainstream: axe shaving.

Back in the 1930s, traveling axe salesmen would pull the maneuver to demonstrate the sharp edge and superiority of their product. The proof was in the smooth, stubble free pudding. So, when desperate times call for desperate measures, or if you find yourself in an especially McGyver mood, it turns out an axe can come in handy for more than chopping wood.

(Or you could just use your Gillette Mach 3.)

Via The Retronaut. All facetiousness aside, for those interested in learning more about vintage shaving gear and methods, head on over to our buddies at The Art of Manliness: How to Buy and Restore Vintage Shaving Gear, The Ultimate Straight Razor Shaving Guide et al.