Dandy & Dapper

For years I've been using the Gatsby pre-shave from Watsons or Mannings to soften up my bristles before using my electric shaver, but for some reason they have stopped selling it and I can't find anything like it. Not only is it more uncomfortable to shave "bare" but I can't get a close shave, either. What should I do? The only alternative is to load up on the stuff when I go back to the UK on hols but I'd rather use my luggage allowance for books.

Mr Dandy: Ever heard of online shopping? Gatsby Pre-Shave Lotion is still listed on the brand's website, www.gatsby.hk and it's sold on sites such as www.sasa.com (HK$45). That type of product is formulated to raise stubble for a closer shave and create a protective barrier so razors can glide with less friction, which causes irritation. The famous old Lectric Shave promises something similar (about HK$65; www.drugstore.com). Or try the Lab Series' Electric Shave Solution with vitamin E (HK$215; Sogo, 555 Hennessy Road, Causeway Bay, tel: 2831 4639). And then there are oils, which prep skin and soften stubble. The Mandarin Barber recommends the nourishing Truefitt & Hill shaving oil (HK$410; Mandarin Oriental, 5 Connaught Road, Central, tel: 2825 4088); while Gentlemen's Tonic make its own pre-shave oil with seven natural oils (HK$260; The Landmark, Central, tel: 2525 2455).
Mr Dapper: Although I concur that online shopping may well be the best solution, I must also concede that there is nothing quite like the pleasure of time spent in a bookshop. Actually, it is similar to shaving with a proper razor. My recommendation: bin the gadgets to achieve an optimum shave the old-fashioned way.

I've returned from holidaying in Italy and found my favourite leather belt is a little tight. Where can I find a tool to add another hole in the right way?

Mr Dapper: In your tool box, sir. First, a ruler is needed to measure the correct distance between each hole. Next, use a marker pen to plot the new hole, marking the back of the belt so any blemishes or errors will remain hidden. Then, place a nail or an awl over the dot and hammer it through. I like to follow up by burrowing the nail through again from the outer face of the belt, pushing any unsightly stray bits to the back. Voila. Some men prefer to use an electric drill, but that seems excessive.
Mr Dandy: What? And pass up the opportunity to acquire another cool gadget? Forget that! You can get a whole bunch of cool hole punches for leatherworking projects and they're all available online. First, there's the easy-to-use pliers style - from Generic, try the Leather Belt Watch Hole Punch Puncher (HK$109) or the "professional" Leather Hole Punch Tool (HK$96; www.amazon.com) which gives you the option of making holes from 2mm to 4.5mm wide. But if you really want options, take a look at SE's 7 Leather Punches Belt Hole Leatherworking Tool Set of individually sized awls (HK$50; www.amazon.com). So, there's all that, but I think your extra girth could be put to better use going shopping for a new belt.

Got a question for Dandy & Dapper? E-mail them at: dandyndapper@scmp.com