Shaving Shack products shortlisted in coveted About.com awards
Three products stocked by The Shaving Shack have been shortlisted in the coveted About.com Readers’ Choice Awards 2011.
The Merkur Heavy Duty Classic has been nominated in the best razor category, while The Bluebeards Revenge shaving cream has made the final four in the best shave cream category.
The Merkur 34C Heavy Duty Classic
Another Bluebeards Revenge product, the post shave balm, is shortlisted in the best after-shave product category.
Nick Gibbens, Marketing & PR manger for The Shaving Shack, said: “This is fantastic news. We are delighted that three of our products have been nominated for such prestigious awards.”
You can vote for each at http://menshair.about.com/library/bl-voting.htm. The winners will be announced on Tuesday 15 March.
About.com, which is owned by The New York Times Company, offers information and solutions in the form of 2.8 million handcrafted, original articles – all created by nearly 800 guides across 23 channels.
Why a double edge razor is technically better than a cartridge based razor system
As Gillette launches its much-hyped Fusion ProGlide Power razor in the UK – I take a quick look at why a double edge razor is still technically superior to a ProGlide or any other cartridge based razor system out there.
For those who use double edge safety razors for shaving on a regular basis, the answer to the question “Why is a double edge razor technically better than a cartridge based razor system?” may seem quite obvious: ‘because you get better results’. However, for the rest of the men out there who use multi-bladed cartridges instead – and let’s face it that includes the vast majority of men in the Western world – they may wonder why they should ever consider changing their shaving method?
My all-time favourite - the Merkur 33C Classic
Well, the real answer to the question above lies within the technology of the types of razor on offer. From a scientific standpoint double edge safety razors certainly have the edge over cartridge based razor systems like the Fusion ProGlide Power razor, Wilkinson Sword Hydro and the King of Shaves Azor.
I recently spoke to American wet shaving expert Mike Sandoval, who runs the Shaving101 website, about why the cartridge razor system was so popular.
Gillette has unveiled the new Fusion ProGlide Power razor in the UK
“The cartridge razor system is appealing to many men because it is advertised to be modern and high performing with innovative designs and multi-blade cutting action,” he said. “High-dollar marketing campaigns feature celebrity athletes that promote modern cartridges as the only masculine option.”
So why do double edge razors produce a closer and more rewarding shave?
The cartridge system razor generally works by using its hinge or pivot point to maintain a constant angle on the face while shaving. And while there may be many other features or gimmicks they offer, this pivoting mechanism is the most important aspect of the razor at making the shave quick and easy to use – which is the key advantage of these razors.
“The problem is that the blades of a cartridge are close together with extremely small spacing between each cutting edge,” explains Mike. “The razor is unable to cleanly cutting hair without requiring multiple passes along your skin, catching and pulling long stubble, as well as constantly clogging during the shave.”
On the other hand, while double edge razors may take longer to get used too – with a short learning curve to overcome – you have far more control over the razor and the closeness of the shave itself. Therefore, with DE shavers the process may take longer, with shorter strokes, but you will notice an improvement in the (even more crucial) performance aspect of the shave.
Mike adds: ”The double edge safety razor uses a single cutting edge that tracks along the skin at a much more comfortable angle and cuts the hair cleanly without grabbing or pulling excessively (provided you choose the right blade for your beard and skin type).
Wilkinson Sword's Hydro 5 razor system
”Although you won’t find many celebrity athletes promoting the double edge razor, there has been a strong resurgence in traditional shaving. Many men are returning to old-school shaving because it is more comfortable and more economical.”
If time really is the most important factor when shaving, a Hydro, Azor or ProGlide may be the answer, but if you are a man who likes to work with engineering excellence that has stood the test of time and has the patience to learn, then maybe it is time to think about leaving those expensive cartridges behind and opt for a results-proven double edged razor.
Gillette launched the new Fusion ProGlide Power razor in the UK this month. It is the latest addition to its growing family of Fusion razors with Gillette’s thinnest-ever blades. The firm says the ProGlide outperforms its existing Fusion razor.
There are two versions of the Gillette ProGlide, a battery-powered model and a manual version. The battery-powered Gillette Fusion ProGlide Power comes with one blade cartridge and is available priced £12.99. The manual version comes with two blade cartridges and costs £9.99.
The Goodfella Safety Razor
Over the last few years, I have used many different brands of cartridge based razor system, including the Azor, Gillette Fusion Power Stealth and Gillette Mach 3 Turbo, Wilkinson Sword Quattro Titanium Energy and Wilkinson Sword Hydro 5 and Boots’ Hydro and Titanium Triple Razor, but personally still prefer the excitement and closeness of a DE razor.
The Merkur 33C Classic will always be my all-time favourite, but I would also highly recommend the Merkur Futur 760, Goodfella, Muhle R89 and the relatively new Bluebeards Revenge “Scimitar” Double Edge Razor.
Follow Nick Gibbens on Twitter @nickgibbens
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE DE RAZOR? LET US KNOW BY COMMENTING BELOW
More articles by Nick Gibbens
Looking for an inexpensive double edge razor?
If you are a guy who is after a close and comfortable shave but has had enough of the more expensive cartridge razors then look no further than the remarkable double edge razor. And when you do need to replace the blades you will find that quality double edge blades are available at just a fraction of the cost.
Parker Model 89R
A double edge safety razor is able to provide a shave that is much closer and smoother than with cartridge razors too. This is because the two blades are able to cut the hairs at various angles and you will find that performance is improved somewhat.
So what double edge razors should I consider buying?
When you have decided you would like to try a double edge razor to see if it is the right shaving tool for you, the next stage can sometimes be a little daunting, especially with all the products on the market.
Merkur 510 Chrome 'Progress' Safety Razor (Long Handle)
There are many top quality double edge razors you can now get online, and at prices you can afford. These include safety razor models from major shaving brands like Merkur and Parker. We will consider a few of the most popular razors below:
Parker double edge safety razors – The fact that you can now get a three piece safety razor with a nickel plated finish for under £20 just goes to show that you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a really close shave. Why not go for an 89R model or the 91R?
Merkur 38C Barberpole
Merkur double edge safety razors – Again, for under £20, you will be able to get a quality razor in the 33C Classic which is chrome plated and a great beginner model for those starting out in improving their technique. For a few pounds more you could also consider the 23C Long Handled Classic which is perfect for those with larger hands.
Whichever model you eventually go for, you can be safe in the knowledge that these razors offer a great level of performance and due to the big savings they offer, will certainly pay for themselves.
Top 15 Gifts For Father’s Day
Father’s Day is just around the corner so you want to make sure you buy Dad just the right gift.
Luxury Safety Razor Tin
Finding that perfect present can be a tricky one, but this year why not save him from the annual boredom of socks, shirts, jumpers or slippers and get him something that he will really like with the Shaving Shack, who have some of the most luxurious and stylish collection of gifts.
Over the next 15 days we will be counting down to the BIG day with a guide to the top 15 gifts for Father’s Day.
And at number 15 is this luxury safety razor tin. The engraved tin box is ideal for housing a traditional double edge razor. It features a wooden inlay that fits short handled safety razors and also a special blade compartment.
It is known to fit most short handled Merkur and Muhle DE razors, including the Muhle R89, Merkur 34C Heavy Duty Classic, Merkur 42 1904 Replica and the Muhle R106.
Please check back tomorrow for gift number 14, or better still, sign up to our email updates by clicking here.
The Merkur 33C Classic – A lighter variation on the legendary Merkur 34C
It is hard to argue with the older generation when they vehemently claim that the classics are still the best. They may generally be talking about old movies or TV shows, but the old adage also still rings true when it comes to a choice of razor. It is not just war veterans and old folks that prefer a razor that is designed for real men, one that gives you the closer shave most modern razors just cannot match.
Merkur 33C Classic
Just take the Merkur 33C Classic, for instance. This chrome-plated razor is the lighter weight version of the legendary Merkur 34C Heavy Duty. It utilises the same head but with a slighty narrower and consequently less weighty handle. As always, the same fantastic Merkur build quality has been applied to the 33C making it a top alternative to its heavy-duty sibling.
With Merkur you know you are purchasing a well-crafted razor, built on a tried and trusted design. This quality razor model is great for those starting out shaving and proper men looking for a heavy duty razor that is easier to handle when improving your technique, for a closer and smoother shave.
The Merkur 33C Classic is priced at just £19.99 at the Shaving Shack, while the Merkur 34C Heavy Duty is a little bit more expensive at £26.99.
Long Handled Progress back in stock!
We also have a limited number of Long Handled Merkur Progress safety razors in stock. These are quite difficult to keep in stock so get them while they’re here!
Limited number of Merkur 34C available!
OK, we’ve just taken stock of a limited number of Merkur 34C but we’re still expecting a shortage after these have gone, so snap them up whilst they’re here!
Merkur 34C not available till 2010!
Oh dear, just coming up to our busiest season and the Shack’s favourite, the Merkur 34C, is out of stock and unavailable till 2010 due to manufacturing problems at Merkur! With this in mind we’ve decided to reduce it’s longer handled variant, the Merkur 38C, down to £27.99 as a viable alternative. Don’t forget that they both use the same head so the real difference is in the handle length.
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