Getting started with
The Leaf Razor
01. Review Before Use
- Before using your Leaf Razor, read through these instructions carefully. If you have any questions about how to load, use or care for your razor reach out to us at hello@leafshave.com before use. Additionally, you should watch the training videos linked in the description of #02 below.
- Exercise caution when loading the blades, handling 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 Leaf Razor unless blades are properly installed.
02. Loading Blades
- Open the blade holder by turning the screw counterclockwise (don't worry, it can't fall out!).
- Load the blades (lower, middle, then top blade). Ensure they sit flat, matching the notch on the side of the blade with the notch on each blade level (this is important!).
- Load all three blades for the closest shave possible. For sensitive skin or areas, remove the bottom blade to dial things back.
- Finger-tighten the blade holder by turning the screw clockwise until it tightens. Note, if the screw doesn't tighten and just keeps spinning, discontinue use and reach out to Leaf.
⚠️ Watch the following two videos to ensure you understand how to load your Leaf Razor and how to identify if a blade has not been seated correctly. Reach out to us at hello@leafshave.com if you ever have questions about blade loading or would like to confirm your razor is loaded correctly.
03. Enjoy your Shave
- Don't apply any extra pressure, let the weight of the razor do the work (don't press hard!).
- If the razor is too aggressive, remove the bottom blade to dial things back.
- Rinse the razor as needed — the razor and skin should always be damp.
- Feel your skin to find places you may have missed and go over them again. For even closer results, repeat the process shaving against the natural direction of hair growth.
Cleaning & Care
Like any tool that you want to last, a little care goes a long way.
During & After
DURING
While using Leaf Razor, rinse from the front and back as needed to keep the blade-face clear of hair. Some shavers like to employ 'buffing' or 'back and forth' shaving technique which involves a short "back-stroke" before a forward shaving stroke. The backstroke clears hair from the blade-face, this technique can cut down on rinsing but may not be the best fit for everyone's skin.
AFTER
After you finish using Leaf Razor, rinse thoroughly from the outside, or open the head up and rinse from within / amongst the blades. Opening and rinsing the blades individually is *not necessary* but some folks like to do this after heavy shaves to ensure the cleanest tool between uses.
To get the longest life from your blades, pat them dry between uses. Water will shorten the life of any shaving blade. Drying your blades is *not necessary* but some folks may want to eek out the longest life from their blades.
Long-term Care
EVERY NOW AND THEN
If you find your razor accumulating shave soap residue / hair residue, we suggest periodically scrubbing it clean. First, remove all of the blades.
Take an old toothbrush (designated razor cleaning brush) and apply a small amount of dish soap to it. With water, scrub all over, working up a good bubbly lather from the soap. Scrub the front, the back, around the screw crown, open the head and scrub on top and beneath each layer. Work all of the nooks and crannies until you are satisfied.
Thoroughly rinse the soap off, and use a soft cloth or towel to dry the razor. If you'd like, you can finish this cleaning with a dunk in rubbing alcohol. Reinstall a fresh set of blades.
DEEP CLEANSE AS NEEDED
If your razor has 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.
Having trouble?
If you ever feel that you're not getting what you need out of your razor, please reach out: hello@leafshave.com.
My razor isn't shaving close enough
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.
I'm experiencing nicks / cuts from my shave
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.
I'm seeing rust stains inside my razor
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! This is easy to clean off. Take a dab of dish soap and an old toothbrush and scrub-a-dub-dub the head.
