Journal

Go Retro for a Better Shave

By Craig ⋅ January 25, 2009 ⋅  Email This Post ⋅ Post a comment

I hate the blade and razor business. Over the years the supposed innovation of just adding another blade and raising the price has left me completely put-off by Gillette and friends. The Onion parody pretty much sums it up. (strong language)

So about a month ago I bought a new razor and though the original design is Gillette’s it’s been quite a while since the patent for it was awarded… 1901. The safety razor follows the opposite business model that is common today. Instead of a cheap or free device demanding a never ending stream of expensive replacement blades, the safety razor is hefty stainless steel and can cost anywhere from $30 to $100 or more, but the blades cost about 50 cents each and last much longer than cartridges.

Granted I only shave a few times a week at most, given my choice of facial hair. But I will vouch that the Merkur razor I bought gives a much closer, more hassle-free shave than I’ve ever had from a modern razor. For the record I do shave in the shower, using a bristle brush and a cup with soap in it, all of which help. I’m of the opinion that what causes skin irritation are all the things they say are benefits of the modern device. Hair collects between all those stupid blades and is hard to remove, the aloe strip puts scented irritant directly into your pores after the blades go by, even shaving gel is nothing but a big, sticky, over-perfumed jar of gunk.

Do yourself a favor and get a proper razor, a bristle brush and soap to shave with. Go for sandalwood or no scent at all. Take your time, and treat yourself to something good. And while you’re at it grow a handlebar mustache because chicks dig them.

Happy shaving.