Like the rest of you, I was trapped into using disposable razors, the Mach III's, and all the other hi-tech overhyped sharpened crap. I read the following article in The American Spectator of all places:
"The world's best razors were made over a hundred years ago, and there was no reason to change them. Men once went to the barber for a shave until, in the late 1800s, the safety razor arrived. The safety razor was a thing of beauty, an indestructible chrome weapon that sat snugly in the hand. Replacement blades were pennies for a dozen. Then something very sinister happened. In 1895 barber King Camp Gillette -- yes, that was his real name -- figured that he could make millions by marketing a disposable razor. The razor wouldn't shave any better than the safety razor -- in fact, it would be considerably worse -- but what difference did that make? There were holdouts, however. I remember seeing a safety razor in my grandfather's house, and my oldest brother used one well into the early 1970s. I remember knowing what the thing was but having no idea how it worked, and even thinking it a little strange. Thus was the feminization of American culture given another small push....
It's time to relearn that method. When I heard that Gillette was escalating, I went online and ordered an arsenal of old-school shaving supplies. I got a "classic" safety razor from Merkur, a German company that's been in the business for over a century......
several how-to shaving guides and websites warned that going from a disposable to a safety razor was like stepping up from a scooter to a BMW. Generations of girly-men had not used the proper stuff, and there would be a period of acclimation...."
I took his advice and went to the aforementioned website and order the classic safety razor as well as the blades. This German work of art was less than $30 and the blades were only $5 for a box of ten, much cheaper than what one pays for Mach III and Fusion refills. The razor is well-made, fits snugly into the hand, having a weight and balance that reminds one of a well-made knife. It will last decades if treated properly. The razor can be found at: http://www.classicshaving.com/page/page/522941.htm. There are other versions, including an adjustable one. It is a perfect gift for a guy that you think has everything. Trust me, this is one item he won't have at home.
The author was right, the razor does cut more closely than the disposable razors. You might nick yourself some the first time but you adjust quickly. If you are tired of getting suckered in by the fancy marketing campaigns and the razors that have 5, 50, or 500 blades, try this one. You don't be disappointed.
note: If you are ever near the LSU campus, go to the barber shop in the student union. Mr. Cutrone gives the old time shaves for $15: straight razor, hot lather, the works.
2 comments:
http://www.theartofshaving.com/
This is another great website. Keep up the great posts!
Two of my favorite shaving sites are http://www.badgerandblade.com and http://leisureguy.wordpress.com
Tim
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