The fifth edition of the complete beginner's guide to traditional wetshaving---brush, shaving cream or soap, and safety razor with double-edged blade. Traditional shaving is enjoyable and thrifty: double-edged blades are as low as 9 each vs. as much as $3.50 for a single disposable multiblade cartridge. The recommended razor, one of the Edwin Jagger DE8x series (or the M hle equivalents), will last a lifetime and has a recently designed head that provides a comfortable shave.
The multiblade cartridge's tug-and-cut action often results in skin irritation, razor bumps, in-grown hairs, and razor burn---thus all the "protective" shaving preparations and "soothing and healing" aftershaves now offered. Most men with skin problems decide that they have "sensitive skin" and never realize that the problem is the multiblade cartridge with its tug-and-cut action, exacerbated by shavers pressing down hard to try to extend the life of the (expensive) cartridge.
The book includes a chapter on shaving and skin problems, including information on how to cure and prevent razor bumps and in-grown whiskers.
The book is complete in itself, but it also includes links to a host of resources on the Web to complement the book. Sources are provided for all you need to get started.
It's a perfect gift for Father's Day, Valentine's Day, and as a birthday or graduation gift for guys---particularly guys who shave almost every day but when they're asked whether they actually enjoy shaving answer, "No."