Men binning overpriced cartridge razors….at last
Newspaper reports out today are suggesting that the global financial crisis is taking its toll on the men’s grooming industry, with the ‘alpha male’ supposedly making a comeback.
According to a new study by The Grocer, British men are switching away from the smooth metrosexual ideal to the bearded and messy look during the economic downturn.
The research has revealed that in the past year sales of razors and blades were down by 7 per cent.
Market analysts Kantar Worldpanel say rising prices, as well as the economic slump, is a key factor for the change in male attitudes.
However, for men still wanting too look dapper and clean-shaven but don’t want to pay the earth for some overpriced and poor performing cartridge razor, then there is a solution, and it’s called double edge shaving.
Not only is double edge razor technically superior to a Gillette ProGlide or any other expensive cartridge based razor system, its also much cheaper.
The following comparison is based on an average use of: 1 x Mach3 cartridge a week OR 2 x double-edged razor blades a week
MACH3 CARTRIDGE YEARLY COST
Boots do twelve cartridges for £11.99. So: £11.99 divided by 12 weeks of shaving x 52 weeks a year = £51.96 for a year’s worth of Mach3 cartridges.
DOUBLE EDGED RAZOR BLADE YEARLY COST
At the Shaving Shack, we do 30 blades for £5.99 (15 weeks shaving at two blades a week). So: £5.99 divided by 15 weeks of shaving x 52 weeks a year = £20.76 for a year’s worth of double edged razor blades.
That’s a saving of around £31 a year and less than half the cost of shaving with Mach3s.
Even in the first year, where you would have to purchase a double edged razor, this saving is more than enough to cover this initial extra cost.
Need another reason to bin the expensive cartridge system and opt instead for the luxurious double edge razor? A study published earlier this year found that well-groomed guys have much better job prospects as well. 90 per cent of HR professionals said being well groomed is more important than a firm handshake when it comes time for a job interview.
And if that doesn’t convince you, surely this well….Research also suggests that men who shave regularly have twice as much sex as those that don’t.
This study found that men who shave at least five times a week are having sex 15.5 times per month, compared to 7.8 times for unshaven men.
So men, abandon the scruffy, un-shaven look and quick as it would appear that keeping yourself clean-shaven is the key to a successful career and love life.
Ask Aaron Q/A: Which is better - The Merkur 34C Heavy Duty Classic or the Merkur 38C Barberpole?
Tariq Khandoker, from the UK, asks:
“What is the diffrence between the Merkur 34C Heavy Duty Classic and the Merkur 38C Barberpole? Which is better?”
AARON SAYS
“Mr. Khandoker,
The only difference is the length of the handle, and a slight addition of weight. One is not necessarily better than the other, but depending on your preferences, you might want one or the other. If you like a very hefty razor go with the 38c. If you have large hands the length of the pole on the 38 will help you maintain a good grip on the razor. Otherwise, the head is just the same and will provide the same shave. Hope this helps!
Smooth shaving! Aaron”
Do you have any burning questions you would like ask our wet shaving expert Aaron Wolfenbarger? CLICK HERE TO ASK AARON YOUR QUESTION
Ask Aaron Q/A: Caring for your razor
Michael Darke, from the UK, asks:
“Is there a particular way to store or care for your razor(s) between use? I’m currently alternating between 2 and generally just swill them out and leave them in a mug by the window after each shave. Is this the right or wrong thing to do; is there something special I should be doing?”
AARON SAYS
“Mr Darke,
You raise a good question, and one I think that has a easy solution. DE razors are quite easy in maintenance and need very little care. Giving them a good rinsing and patting them dry is great routine for day to day use. I also recommend once a month or so giving your razors a bath in a 9:1 solution of water and vinegar. The vinegar loosens and dissolves hard water stains and lather deposits. Let the razors soak for at least 10 minutes then rinse off in water. That’s it!
Happy Shaving!
Aaron”
Do you have any burning questions you would like ask our wet shaving expert Aaron Wolfenbarger? CLICK HERE TO ASK AARON YOUR QUESTION
Ask Aaron Q/A: Tight skin after DE shaving
Gavin Evans, from the UK, asks:
“Hi, I have just changed to using a safety razor, my skin feels very tight after shaving, I have tried diffident aftershave balms. Can you help?”
AARON SAYS
“Mr Evans, tight skin is not pleasant at all. Let’s see what we can do for you. First, since the balms do not seem to be helping I would change your preparation to shave. Wash your face with a gentle soap/cleanser, then use a good moisturizing shaving cream. I recommend Bluebeard’s Revenge, Taylor of Old Bond Street, Proraso and D.R. Harris. Wash your face once you’re done with first warm water, then cool water, this cleanses the skin before closing the pores. Then finish your shave with a good aftershave balm as you are already doing. This should definitely help with the tight skin! If you still are experiencing problems ask again and we’ll do some more troubleshooting!
Happy Shaving!
Aaron”
Do you have any burning questions you would like ask our wet shaving expert Aaron Wolfenbarger? CLICK HERE TO ASK AARON YOUR QUESTION
Ask Aaron Q/A: How to clean a double edge razor
Raymond Read, from the UK, asks:
“What’s the best way to give a Razor a “Makeover” i.e. a good clean after several uses?”
AARON SAYS
“Mr Read,
A great question! Depending on the mineral content of your water, it may be easy for soap film and water spots to build up on your razor. Here’s what I recommend: take 1 part vinegar to 9 parts water and let your razor soak in the solution for about 30 minutes. Then take an old toothbrush with some toothpaste and give the razor a good scrubbing. This should cleanoff and built up lather, film and other gunk that tends to appear on razors. If necessary, repeat the process.
Cheers!
Aaron”
Do you have any burning questions you would like ask our wet shaving expert Aaron Wolfenbarger? CLICK HERE TO ASK AARON YOUR QUESTION
Ask Aaron Q/A: The Merkur Futur Razor
Brian Harvey, from the UK, asks:
“Merkur Futur razor - which of the two finishes (satin or shiny chrome) is the least slippery to hold whilst shaving?”
AARON SAYS
“Mr. Harvey,
I have yet to compare the two side by side, but if i were to guess I would say that the matte finish razor would be easier to hold. However my guess is there wouldn’t be much of a notable difference. Whatever you choose, stay smooth!
Smooth shaving,
Aaron”
Do you have any burning questions you would like ask our wet shaving expert Aaron Wolfenbarger? CLICK HERE TO ASK AARON YOUR QUESTION
Ask Aaron Q/A: Combining different Merkur DE razors
Jack Lovell, from the UK, asks:
“Hello Aaron, I presently have a Merkur Futur and Vision 2000 razor which I like because of their hefty weight. For my next heavyweight razor I would like to cobble together a Merkur 43C stainless steel handle with a Merkur 37C slant bar head. Will these two components marry together? Many thanks and regards. Jack”
AARON SAYS
“Mr. Lovell, It’s nice to find anther heavy razor lover! My personal tendency is to favor razors with a heavier feel than others. While I have not tried pairing the two different parts, I will assume that you should be able to match the two razor parts together. I would also offer you a suggestion, have you looked at the Merkur 39c slant barberpole? It is one of the heftiest razors Merkur produces, and has the slant head on top. This might produce the razor you desire! Good luck!
Happy Shaving, Aaron”
Do you have any burning questions you would like ask our wet shaving expert Aaron Wolfenbarger? CLICK HERE TO ASK AARON YOUR QUESTION
Ask Aaron Q/A: Top tips for avoiding nicks & cuts whilst double edge shaving
Richard Mitchell, from the USA, asks:
“Hi, Have been using a straight razor which I got from Turkey - was concerned about safety although I did not cut myself at all and had a really good close shave. I bought a Parker DE razor and have done nothing but cut and nick myself. I even changed the shave soap thinking it was that, could the razor be faulty or what am I doing wrong? Thanks Richard”
AARON SAYS
“Mr. Mitchell, I am sorry you’re having such trouble. The two main things that come to mind are these: the angle and the blade. The blade angle for a double edge razor is quite different from a straight razor and should be at about 30 degrees or so. The next would be that you are using a blade that is not suitable for either your skin or hair type. I would purchase a few different types or brands of blades, or buy a sample pack and see how that changes the shave for you as well. It is a powerful as turning on a light switch in a dark room when finding that right combination!
Happy shaving!
Aaron”
Do you have any burning questions you would like ask our wet shaving expert Aaron Wolfenbarger? CLICK HERE TO ASK AARON YOUR QUESTION
Ask Aaron Q/A: Shaving under the nose
Steven Kirk, from the UK, asks:
“I have recently converted to de shaving. Having purchased a Merkur Futur I have been delighted with the results. However I am struggling to shave around the nostrils. Please do you have any suggestions for technique, or a smaller razor for this purpose?”
AARON SAYS
“Mr Kirk,
Congratulations! You have purchased a great razor to use on your DE shaving adventure. It is a big razor, for which it has received some complaints, but I think the benefits definitely outweigh the disadvantages. Try pushing your nose out of the way as much as possible. Also, you might want to try shaving at a 90 degree angle to your lips (r to think of it another way, with the blade in line with your nose) and shave toward your ears. If you decide that it’s too much trouble and want to try a smaller razor for just that area, I recommend the Parker 97R, the Goodfella razor, or the Bluebeard’s Scimitar, or if you can find one a mustache razor. They all have slim profiles which would be good for shaving right under the nose.
Smooth shaving!
Aaron”
Do you have any burning questions you would like ask our wet shaving expert Aaron Wolfenbarger? CLICK HERE TO ASK AARON YOUR QUESTION
Ask Aaron Q/A: Preventing razor burn & razor bumps
Matt Herridge, from the UK, asks:
“Hi there, I’ve recently started shaving with a DE razor, I always get a very good close shave with no irritation, nicks or cuts even after shaving against the grain which I often have to do as I am in the British army, until the day after, that’s when I wake up with red bumps and very tender feeling skin especially under and on the front of my chin and my neck. My cheeks and top lip stay fine, any help would be greatly appreciated.”
AARON SAYS
“Mr Herridge,
It sounds as if you’re getting some razor burn and bumps. I would suggest paying very close attention to your razor angle, and making sure it’s not too shallow on your face. Also, try some stretching techniques to flatten and smooth those areas. This should greatly help! Also, use a nice soothing aftershave balm to help calm the areas, and a lotion or moisturizer before bed.
Smooth shaving!
Aaron”
Do you have any burning questions you would like ask our wet shaving expert Aaron Wolfenbarger? CLICK HERE TO ASK AARON YOUR QUESTION
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