Some thoughts on male grooming (AKA I went 'old school' and I love it)
Getting through all of my unread blogs, I saw these two posts from Chuck Charbeneau [friend/co-worker/comedian] about shaving/grooming. For my birthday in November, my wife – who must have been reading my mind – bought me some new shaving gear (and then I bought some additional stuff).
I now shave each day with a double-edged safety razor [Merkur “Long Classic” Safety Razor] after lathering up using my brush [Vulfix #849 Pure Badger] with shaving soap [Lime Coconut scented, currently]. Sure, it takes just a few minutes more than before, but it is a few minutes well spent. There’s nothing like slathering hot shaving soap over your face with a pure badger hair brush. Since I need to be more careful and exacting with a DE razor than my old razor (Gillette Mach 3), I have transformed my shaving time each morning from a ham-fisted race to slough hair off of my face to several relaxing minutes enjoying the hot lather on my face and the sound of the razor cutting the hairs (go ahead, groan and call me a nut job).
Of course, the important question is “How’s the shave?” Mo’ better. Definitely.
My wife, who buying me the shaving gear and then thinking me nuts for going through that ‘process’[1], says it’s a much better (i.e. closer) shave (and who am I to argue with the woman who pledged to tolerate me the rest of her days when she says I now get a closer shave?). I agree; a closer shave. Yep. The second question I get: “Cut yourself much?” Nope. I did the first few times I used it (again a DE razor like the Merkur requires control that a pivoting, ‘floating blade’ razor like the Mach 3 does not), but I quickly got the hang of it.
All of the equipment links above go to ClassicShaving.com where I have purchased all of my supplies to date. Prompt service, decent prices and good selection. One additional resource I’ll add is The Wet Shavers Group (MSN Groups site, so you can’t search it )
A few additional thoughts. As many of my readers know, I travel quite often (usually weekly) for work. The project I just rolled off of had me working from home, so I haven’t been travelling. I expect to be travelling again very soon, and my new Merkur razor creates a security issue [for the TSA]. Oh, the joy. What to do?
My options are:
1) Leave the razor blade out of it and buy some blades when I get to my destination. A real PiTA if you ask me.
2) Leave the razor blade in and check my bag. *sigh* Another PiTA.
3) Revert to my Mach 3 when I’m on the road. I’d really rather not.
Which one will I pick? Probably #2. #1 is just stoopid[2], IMO (and no guarantees I'll find the razors) and #3 defeats the purpose.
<rant>
When will the TSA realize that the more dangerous weapon is my hands? It is *much* quicker for me to swing around and choke the SOB who is being a jackass then to open up my bag, get out my grooming kit, remove the razor and then use it.
</rant>
-Nino
[1] Pot. Kettle. Black. Men: Have you ever observed the ‘process’ that women go through daily to put makeup on and do their hair? This hardly compares, IMO.
[2] Intentional spelling error.