GETTING STARTED
Start here and review the below information. Next, watch the videos to see your new tool in action. And if you ever have any questions please reach out to us at support@leafshave.com.
HOW TO USE | LOAD
LOAD YOUR RAZOR:
- Your Leaf Razor does not come with blades loaded in the head, you will find a 10 pack of single-edge blades tucked next to the razor inside of it’s box.
- Unscrew the head of the razor (the screw will not fall out, it is captive).
- Flip the head open, and starting from the lowest position (bottom, middle, top) load a blade.
- To “load a blade,” sit it flat on it’s blade level notching both sides. The blades have small half-moon indents on either side, and each blade level has a matching feature. It is very important that the blade is notched on both sides and is seated flat. Watch the videos below for a visual representation of loading.
- You can load one, two or three blades. Each blade position is individually guarded, which means they can each work independently or in conjunction with each other.
- The two most commonly used “loading setups” are either a) fully loaded with all three blades, this will give the closest shave; or b) two blades loaded in the middle and top positions leaving the bottom position empty, this is a gentler setup and most commonly used while you’re learning your tool or if you find this setup gives the closeness you desire.
Watch the instructional videos below to see how to load your new razor.
Note: It does not matter which face of the blade is up they work the same either way.
HOW TO USE | PREP
PREPARE:
- Thoroughly wash and exfoliate your skin prior to shaving. Soften your hair using warm or hot water, and then apply Shave Oil, or Shave Soap (or a combination of the two) to lay down a protective cushion against your skin.
HOW TO USE | SHAVE
SHAVE:
- Bring the razor to your skin and letting the spring maintain the correct pressure—draw the razor across your skin to shave.
- Depending on your skin and hair, and your desired level of closeness, complete one pass with the grain of hair growth, re-apply Shave Soap, and complete a second pass across-the-grain or against-the-grain of hair growth for the closest finish.
AFTER CARE:
- After shaving, thoroughly rinse your razor and place it back into it’s Stand, or hang it on the Shower Holder to dry between uses.
CAUTIONS
- Each blade may be used until you feel that it is no longer shaving, this is usually experienced as a tugging feeling from the blade.
- Before using your Leaf Razor, read through all instructions carefully.
- Exercise caution when handling blades, loading blades, and using the razor. The blades are sharp and may cause injury if not loaded and used properly. You should not use the Leaf Razor if you are unable to safely load and handle the blades.
- Please keep the razor and blades out of reach of children.
- Do not use the Leaf Razor unless blades are properly installed. To understand how blades are properly installed, review these instructions and watch the instructional videos below.
- If your screw fails for any reason, please reach out to support@leafshave.com to access your warranty and discontinue use of your razor until it is resolved.
Use only as directed.
USING YOUR LEAF RAZOR
Once you get things set up, it’s time to shave. Welcome to a better way! The Leaf razor, when fully loaded, is capable of giving you a closer, longer-lasting shave than what you might be used to. So keep these things in mind when using your razor for the first time:
- There may be a learning curve. Some folks take to it right away, some need a handful of shaves. The biggest difference is the weight, and the sharpness of the blades.
- Take care around the tough spots (ankles, shins etc.), slow down and lighten up on the pressure so you get a feel for how it performs.
- If you want to start on gentle-mode, take the bottom position blade out of the razor, using just the middle and top spots. This will be a gentler set up, and an easy way to get to know your new razor.
- If you find you need a closer shave, layer in the bottom blade when you’re ready.
And if you want to see it in action first, watch some of these videos below from real people using their Leaf Razor.
SHAVING MORE SENSITIVE AREAS
Both our triple-blade Leaf Razor and our single-edge Twig razor are popular models for shaving “down there” no matter what you’re working with.
Because of that, we generally guide people to use whichever Leaf model they have for their general shaving needs. These are the important things to keep in mind when shaving this more sensitive space.
- Ingrown Hair: Ingrowns happen when hair regrowth gets trapped beneath the skin. Areas with more curly hair will be more prone to ingrowns.
- If you get frequent ingrowns, try these tips: frequent exfoliation to clear dead skin and trapped hair; shaving with fresh, sharp blades; and being comfortable with a less-close-shave even leaving a little stubble.
- Blade Setup: When using The Leaf Razor for the first time down there, we suggest putting it into it’s milder setup (leave the bottom blade position empty, using just the middle and top spots) as you get used to it. Shave slower than you normally would and pay attention.
For more information, read through our blog post on shaving down there.
FAQ
Common getting started questions.
HOW CLOSE OF A SHAVE SHOULD I EXPECT?
All Leaf Shave razors are capable of providing a perfectly close, smooth shave.
If you feel you aren't getting as close a shave as you desire, try these step.
First, ensure you're loading all three blades into The Leaf razor. This will provide the closest shave setting.
Second, ensure that you are making at least one pass against the grain of hair growth. Shaving against the grain will provide the closest shave. You can determine which direction your hair grows by feeling with your fingers. As you glide your fingers across your skin, pay attention to which direction the hair seems to be flowing.
WILL I NICK MYSELF SHAVING?
While there is always a risk of nicks when shaving with blades and razors, The Leaf is designed to minimize these issues. The small learning curve when first getting started is primarily in the weight of the razor. Because the head pivots, it shaves technically like the razors you're already use to. But the Leaf Razor handle is heavier. The adjustment to make and to get a feel for is that you do not need to press down hard. The pivot will engage and maintain correct pressure on your blades.
The trickiest spot when shaving is over bony areas (like shins). We suggest taking your time over tougher areas when you first get started, so you can get a feel for how the tool works in your hands. Light pressure, take your time, you'll adjust quickly.
This is important
If you'd like to load your Leaf razor in a milder / gentler setting, leave the lowest blade out of the razor head. Only load the middle and top spots. This will dial things back, and your Leaf razor will be gentler on your skin and hair. Some folks with extra sensitive skin find this a more comfortable setting. We suggest trying this setting if you feel that the fully loaded Leaf razor is too aggressive for you.
WILL THE RAZOR RUST?
The razor itself won't rust, it's finished to prevent corrosion. However, shaving blades of any variety are made of a type of stainless steel that will eventually oxidize. This process is accelerated by the presence of water. So if you'd like to keep your blades lasting as long as possible, keep them dry between uses.
If you do find that the blade has tarnished and stained the inside of your Leaf Razor head: don't worry, simply clean it off. Take a dab of dish soap and an old toothbrush and scrub-a-dub-dub the head.
HOW LONG DO THE BLADES LAST?
This varies person-to-person, some people will go months on a set of blades, others prefer to swap the blades every few shaves. How often you shave, how much you're shaving, and how tough your hair is drives a lot of the difference.
You should change your blades when you feel that they're not shaving as well as you'd like. This will feel more like tugging, as the blades are dulling.
We recommend pushing your first few sets of blades as long as you can, so that you get a good feel for how many shaves (or weeks / months) they comfortably last for you.
CAN I STORE IT IN THE SHOWER?
Yes. We recommend keeping it out of any constant water streams, but you can comfortably store your razor in the shower.
Note that your razor may show age and wear over time, as a well-loved tool.
HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR RAZOR
Your new Leaf Razor is a tool that you want to keep around for a long time. With proper care, that will be the case. Don’t feel intimidated by caring for your razor, though, it’s not onerous. Live by this simple rule: keep it at a base level of clean.
CARE DURING AND AFTER USE
DURING
While using the Leaf Razor, rinse the blade-face from the front and back as needed to keep it clear of hair. Some shavers prefer the ‘buffing’ or ‘back and forth’ technique, which involves a short backstroke before a forward shaving stroke. The backstroke helps clear hair from the blade-face, reducing the need for rinsing. However, this technique may not suit everyone’s skin.
AFTER
After finishing with the Leaf Razor, rinse it thoroughly from the outside, or open the head and rinse between the blades. Opening and rinsing the blades individually is not necessary but can be helpful after heavy shaves to ensure a clean tool between uses.
LONG-TERM CARE
EVERY NOW AND THEN
If you notice your razor accumulating shave soap or hair residue, periodically scrub it clean. First, remove all the blades. Using an old toothbrush designated for razor cleaning, apply a small amount of dish soap. With water, scrub all over, working up a good bubbly lather. Scrub the front, the back, around the screw crown, and open the head to scrub on top and beneath each layer. Work through all the nooks and crannies until you are satisfied.
Thoroughly rinse off the soap, and use a soft cloth or towel to dry the razor. If desired, you can finish this cleaning with a dunk in rubbing alcohol. Reinstall a fresh set of blades.
DEEP CLEANSE AS NEEDED
For long-term soap residue or rust stains from the blades, prepare a bath of diluted white vinegar (1:1 with water) and soak the razor for no more than 10 minutes. Then, perform the above cleaning process.
EXPLORE COMMUNITIES
Looking for more context around where you’re shaving? Visit our community pages.