h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Entry: The Gentleman's Gentleman's Guide To Hot Towel Shaving - A30912932
Author: SWL™ Having testicles is like being chained to the village idiot - U1775547

I had a hot towel shave the other day and thought it might make an interesting Entry.

I really like this entry, and the style you've used in these kinds of entries. It works very well.

I don't have any experience with this, so I don't have much to say. Straight edged razors scare me, to be honest. They make me nervous. And of course, when I'm nervous, I get a bit twitchy, which is no way to be when a razor is not far from the jugular.

I love these entries that you've been doing!

Can you explain why you lather, wash off, then lather again? I realise why you are steaming the face, but not why you lather before you do it.

I love these entries that you've been doing!

Can you explain why you lather, wash off, then lather again? I realise why you are steaming the face, but not why you lather before you do it.

Also I've no idea what a 'styptic pencil' is.

I like this, but as a precaution you might like to change 'sting like buggery'. Some people (so I've heard) say that buggery doesn't sting at all, and is in fact rather pleasant. P'raps 'sting like hell.', or 'sting like a good 'un.' ? Or something just as Gentlemanly...

'sting like a mosquito'?? But that's just this brings to mind a Python sketch. You know the one? I'm sure you do.

OK, I'll address these later. Off to work now.

Top hole old chap. Being the possessor of a bearded physiognomy my chap only gets to weild his implement around my neck.

Could I possibly suggest phiz for fizzog.

Whoops just spotted anther one, Shouldn't it be Gentleman's Gentleman?

Another great entry!

Top hole old chap, took me right back to my days in the rarge... I do miss that manservent, as stupid as most the locals but could give a decent shave, almost wish I'd not shot him for the time he applied the towel incorrectly.... Can't get the bluddy staff these days....

Excellent entry again, I do like this series can't spot anything obviously wrong with it, and the stings like buggery makes sense I think as it is

Lovin' it SWL.


I'm loathe to say this, but shouldn't the shaving brush be made from badgers hair for the best results.

Covered the points I think. WA - where do you suggest Gentleman's Gentleman?

Mornin, SWL

I don't think the second Gentleman is possessive is it?. The second Gentleman belongs to the first. Mind you I suppose the second Gentleman possesses the Guide. Hmmm, mutters away to ponder.

Enjoy it while it lasts.

It may be worth mentioning the angle the razor should be held at for optimum shaving (around 30 degrees). Too many Hollywood talkies depict razors being held almost perpendicular to the skin (a surefire way to abruptly end your gentleman's life) or being dragged with the blade facing *backwards* (which will do little else other than rip the hair out by its very roots).

Oh and a valet who is truly worth his salt will have a case containing seven razors (one for every day of the week, helps prevent any one blade dulling too quickly or becoming accidentally damaged through overuse).

Another piece of essential equipment is the leather razor strop to ensure the keenest edge. Why do I suddenly have mental images of old African women pounding maize ?

Poor ickle badger

The leather strop is history now. Modern straight razors have detachable, disposable blades.

so, can you actually buy modern straight razors?; I've never seen them anywhere, would make a nice change from using a 'safty' razor thing