1. No matter what kind of razor you use - straight razor, double-edged safety razor or cheap throw-aways - always make sure that the edge of the blade you are about to use is - to coin a phrase - razor-sharp. Easier said than done? Not a bit of it. If you use any kind of disposable-blade razor, change the blade the minute it gives the slightest 'tug' at your bristles before cutting them. A straight razor is much better - it's stropped before each use, giving you a fresh, new edge for each and every shave.

2. Use a good quality shave soap. Purists will always opt for a cake soap but there are many products now on the market in cream or lotion form that are just as good. All would agree, however, that to make best use of your soap or shave lotion you also need a good quality shaving brush! Just slapping the soap on your face won't do it - you need a good lather for a good shave. So -

3. Use a good brush. The best are made from badger hair but, if that's a concern for you, some of the synthetic-bristle ones are pretty good too - but nothing beats a silver-tip badger brush for comfort and lathering properties. A good brush should last years - always remember that you get what you pay for!

4. Don't have your shaving water too hot. This may seem wrong - surely it should be as hot as you can stand to open the pores or something? Wrong. Too-hot water evaporates quickly, leaving the lather dry and making for a really uncomfortable shave.

5. Give yourself enough time! Sadly, we men seem more and more to live life at 101%, flat-out everywhere we go. So it's great to be able to set aside a little time to slow down, relax and take some time over a simple task such as your daily shave. Yet concentrating on getting a good, smooth shave tends to empty the mind of all the 'gabble' that we seem to carry around all the time and can be very relaxing, as quite a few men have told me. So reserve half an hour for your shave - just get up a bit earlier!

6. Condition your skin afterwards. Yes, conditioner and moisturiser isn't just a thing for the ladies! Drawing a supersharp steel blade across your face exfoliates your skin quite heavily - one reason why a straight razor is better for your complexion as you only usually make one 'pass' - and if not cared for can leave you with dry skin or the dreaded shaving rash. Just a little dab of a good after-shaving balm and you can kiss raw, red skin goodbye. Easy, isn't it?

7. Always shave in good light. This may seem obvious but, as the days shorten and mornings are darker, it's easy to fall into the trap of peering at your dim reflection in the mirror, thinking the light levels are good enough to shave by. If they aren't you will at best get a poor shave with bits of stubble missed, or at worst a cut as you try vainly to dig around in the dark! Seriously - turn on the light and where possible have a proper overhead shaving lamp fitted above the mirror. It does make a difference!

Follow these seven points and you should always get a relaxing, comfortable and - above all - a really close shave. If you're really ready to make the change and want the most out of your shaving experience, my advice is to ditch the disposable and step up to a real precision shaving instrument - the straight razor. Believe me, once you have mastered the art of the straight razor shave you'll never go back to using anything else!