What do I need to do differently?

Today's most popular razors have taken skill and understanding out of the shaving experience. In order to cut properly with any razor, the actual blade needs to be at around 25-30 degrees to your face. Popular hinged multiblade razors have all turned their blades out at about this angle so you can “wipe” the cartridge parallel down your face and do the job. Our single blade won't work like this, and you will get an inferior shave if you try. You need to concentrate on having that cartridge surface at an angle to your face, not parallel to it as is popular shaving behavior today.

What should I expect?

It's not a magic wand. You aren't going to step up to the mirror after a six-day backpacking trip and peel the beard off your face in one smooth stroke. But, you aren't going to be doing that with your five-bladed razor either. So, have realistic expectations. Expect it to not clog to the point of frustration, that's one thing for sure.

Who is the UNO for?

The UNO is for everybody! Just about every dermatologist will recommend single-blade razors for people with sensitive skin. But, why should sensitive-skin guys have all the fun? If you shave daily, the UNO is definitely going to perform the absolute best for you.

If you only shave every three days, expect a learning curve to do the job with fewer strokes. Sure, if you drag a rectangular sheet of five sharp Venetian blinds across your face, you may see less hair on stroke one. But, you will also be looking down at a clogged razor that you now have to get clean before your next pass- and it will take far more time to do that than with an UNO. If you don't get a multi-blade clean, you are going to drag that prickly stubble across your face on subsequent strokes- a known cause of irritation and rash.

No “lubricating” strip?

No. No such thing. We're really familiar with 'dry-out in your cabinet and-then-become-scratchy' strips. We've yet to experience one with any measurable benefit. Have you? They are just another corporate razor company “must add-on to compete” product-appearance gimmick that just never went away after it became obvious it was stupid and ineffective.

Why no hinge, or movement?

The UNO is designed this way so that you have a rigid razor without any rotational canting of the blade. While movement appears to be popular with some types of razors, this is not actually ideal for skillful shaving. Traditional safety razors don't move either.

Is the steel any good?

The steel is exceptional. We use Swedish stainless steel with Platinum and non-stick polymer coatings which reduces skin irritation and adds to the longevity of the edge. The retro single-edge safety razors, trendy as of late, generally use a blade with no non-stick coating whatsoever. Often they are simply carbon steel, and not even stainless.

Can I take the UNO on a plane?

Yes. The UNO is a cartridge razor, and thus the TSA will allow it in your carry-on bag. Safety razor blades, even the "injector" style blades are forbidden by TSA in your carry-on, and must be checked - not ideal if your luggage gets lost, or if you avoid checked baggage like the plague.

Will my shave be as close as a multi-blade?

Basically, yes. If you think you can tell a difference, that difference is only going to last for a few hours anyway for most guys. What you avoid are the ingrown hairs, nicks, and razor burn associated with dragging a sharpened cattle grate across your face. The UNO cuts the hair at the skin level. If you want to go lower, you need to accept the associated risks with doing that. Neither US corporate policy nor the US military requires you to shave below the skin. So... why you been doin' it?

Are there any tips you have?

You're damn right we do, player.

One: go slow, use long strokes, and keep a clear blade. You are shaving your face like a boss, not painting happy trees like Bob Ross.

Two: Experiment with your blade angle. Everyone's face is different, and so are hair growth patterns.

Three: Lubrication is key, so prepare for the shave. Warm water opens up the pores and allows the shaving creams and butters to adhere to your skin for the best lubrication. Use a warm, wet cloth or at least moisten your face for 30 seconds with hot water in your hands if you're in a hurry.

Four: Hit your skin with cold water after the shave. Cold water soothes and braces the skin and pops your hair ends up microscopically, helping to prevent ingrowns.

Five: Use a good post-shave balm to calm your face and smell good.

Six: Want your blade to last longer? Dry it. Shake it off, then run it backwards down a towel. Or, hit it with a hair dryer.