Traditional shaving isn’t my only interest in this world. I also like wood turning, military history, old computers, and suchlike. So it tickled my interest when a co-worker pointed me towards ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence project for producing text. Since he had had some decent results on subject that interest him, I decided to have a go and see what it would produce from the prompt “A blogpost on traditional shaving, of about 500 words.“.

So without further ado, I present ChatGPT’s take on our hobby:

Shaving has been a common grooming practice for centuries, and the traditional method of shaving with a razor and shaving cream has remained largely unchanged. While modern technology has given rise to electric razors and other forms of hair removal, many people still enjoy the ritual and art of traditional shaving.

The traditional shaving process begins with preparing the face. This involves using warm water to soften the beard and open up the pores, making it easier for the razor to glide across the skin. Some people also use a pre-shave oil to further soften the beard and protect the skin.

Next, a lather is created using shaving cream or soap. This lather is applied to the face using a brush, which helps to lift the hairs and create a smooth surface for the razor to glide across. The brush also helps to exfoliate the skin, removing dead skin cells and helping to prevent ingrown hairs.

Once the lather is applied, the razor can be used to carefully shave the beard. It’s important to use a sharp razor and to shave in the direction of hair growth to avoid irritation and cuts. Many traditional shavers will use a straight razor, also known as a cut-throat razor, which requires skill and precision to use safely.

After shaving, it’s important to rinse the face with cold water to close the pores and soothe the skin. Some people also use a post-shave balm or moisturizer to further hydrate the skin and prevent irritation.

There are many benefits to traditional shaving. For one, it can be a relaxing and enjoyable ritual, helping to start the day off on the right foot. It can also provide a closer and more precise shave than many electric razors. Additionally, using a brush and shaving cream can help to exfoliate the skin and prevent ingrown hairs.

Of course, traditional shaving isn’t without its drawbacks. It can be time-consuming, and using a straight razor can be intimidating for those who are not experienced with it. It’s also important to use proper technique to avoid irritation and cuts.

Overall, traditional shaving is a timeless grooming practice that many people continue to enjoy. It may take a bit more time and effort than using an electric razor, but the results can be well worth it. Plus, there’s something satisfying about using traditional tools and techniques to take care of oneself.

ChatGTP

Overall it reads like a an article from a glossy magazine. Or from one of the many websites that exists to sell you something. But at the same time, it isn’t wrong as such.

The AI gives a good overview of what traditional shaving is. It provides a decent explanation of preshave and lathering. And it helpfully explains that a WTG stroke is helpful for avoiding irritation – even if XTG and ATG are helpful for the BBS. I do like how it points out the benefits and drawbacks of traditional shaving too.

Image generating AIs seems to get more press than the text generating ones. Presumable because you can see a picture right away, but reading five hundred words takes a little while. So of course I had to play around with DALL-E as well – if for no other reason to have a custom made picture to go with this post.

And no, AIs will not take over my blog. I will keep handcrafting each and every post, both here and other social media – although I might return to image generating AIs for illustrations on my opinion pieces. I just found this little exercise fun and interesting enough to share with you all.