Shaving Shack products shortlisted for coveted grooming award
Three popular Shaving Shack products have been nominated for a coveted men’s grooming award.
The Bluebeards Revenge’s beard-reducing shaving cream and the Men-U shave cream have been shortlisted for best shaving product in the Lookmantastic Hair and Grooming Awards 2012.
The Men-U Facial Moisture Lift is up for Best Moisturiser.
The public have until June 19th to vote for their favourite products, with the winner announced at an awards ceremony in London on July 11.
The Bluebeards Revenge and Men-U brands are no strangers to winning prestigious awards and accolades. The Bluebeards “Scimitar” Double Edge Razor was named the winner in the About.com 2012 Readers’ Choice Award for best wet shaving razor.
The brand’s shaving cream has also picked up two About.com awards and was shortlisted for a Pure Beauty 2011 grooming gong.
Men-u scooped an FHM award in 2004 for best wet shave product.
VOTE FOR OUR PRODUCTS BY CLICKING HERE.
The great cartridge razor rip off - Change your shaving habits now & save a fortune
In January 2011, I blogged about why a double edge razor is technically better than a cartridge based razor system. Now there is yet another reason for men to ditch the horrid multi-bladed cartridge razor in favour of the single bladed razor.
According to an article on the Daily Mail website, the price of razor blade ‘cartridges’ has jumped by as much as 99% over the last three years.
“Replacement cartridges for Gillette’s Fusion ProGlide can be as much as £3.49 each,” the newspaper said.
It went on to say that blades for Gillette’s top-of-the-range Fusion ProGlide cost less than 10p to manufacturer, which in my book is a fairly decent profit margin.
The paper also blames Gillette, the world’s largest shaving company by quite a distance, for imposing a stealth price rise by cutting the number of replacement cartridges in its Mach3 Turbo packs from five to four.
“The smaller pack did not bring a corresponding cut in the price, leaving men paying at least 20 per cent more,” the article says.
It went on to blame the increasing cost of cartridge blades for men’s poor shaving habits.
“At the same time, men worried about making ends meet are either trying to make their razor blades last longer, with the resulting scrapes and cuts – or ditching their shaving regime and opting for designer stubble.”
A better quality shave with a long term saving
This all makes me rather angry as there is an easy solution – change your shaving habits and ditch the overpriced cartridge razor. Opt instead for a double edge safety razor and if you’re feeling really adventurous, a straight or cut throat razor (as its more commonly referred to).
Not only will both types of razor give you a better quality of shave, they are also much cheaper in the long run, as a number of the comments on the Daily Mail article point out.
“I switched from cartridge razors to a straight razor and have never looked back. True your initial investment is a little higher but the payback on these cartridge blades is 6 months or so. Have not had to buy a single razor blade in 18 months now,” commented Derrick Young, Wasaga Beach, Ontario.
Roy, from York, also pointed out the massive cost savings men could experience from switching to a DE razor: “I have used an old fashioned Double Edge safety razor for years and blades for that can cost as little as 10p. As they are cheap you can afford to change them regularly and get a good shave. With multi bladed cartridges because of the price people carry on using them when they are going blunt. With DE razors, OK the razor is more expensive but it lasts for many years, but one sharp blade every couple of shaves is better than a dull multi blade being stretched out over a week. People have had good shaves with single blades for centuries. Multi blades are a marketing gimmick.”
Roy’s last sentence is a very accurate one, “Multi blades are a marketing gimmick”. Let’s face it Gillette are excellent at marketing their products, they have pretty much convinced men that 3 blades are better than 1 and 5 blades are better than 3. They also spend millions of pounds on celebrity endorsements, with sports stars like Roger Federer, Tiger Woods, and Thierry Henry (who now wears a beard) fronting lavish TV and newspaper campaigns.
It was Gillete who first worked out that men would indeed fork out for overpriced cartridges as long as the initial cost, i.e. the handle, was affordable. It’s pretty much the same business model adopted by ink jet printer companies. Sell a cheap printer, then sell really expensive “cartridges” that run out quickly. It’s simple, but very effective.
Dollar Shave Club
It will be interesting to see how successful the much-hyped Dollar Shave Club will turn out to be. Dollar Shave Club’s business model is similar to LoveFilm, which sends subscribers movies in the post for a small monthly fee. Dollar Shave Club will send customers a monthly supply of disposable razor blades starting at $1 a month (however, when you add in delivery costs it’s more like the 4-Dollar Shave Club). A catchy brand name and I must say a pretty cool launch commercial, which has picked up nearly 5 million views on YouTube. And according to widespread media reports, more than 12,000 people have signed up for the service.
There is no question that the Dollar Shave Club YouTube video is hilarious. But aside from the online hype, can the Dollar Shave Club compete against the likes of Gillette in the long term? I’m guessing not…
Looking ahead, I really hope men will start to see through all this cleaver marketing and take a stand against the rising cost of cartridges. For those switching to the affordable yet luxurious world of double edged shaving, all I can do is welcome you to the real men’s club. And I will finish this article by saying; shaving should be regarded as a pleasure, not a chore.
Happy shaving.
Bluebeards ‘Scimitar’ crowned world’s best razor by About.com readers
The Bluebeards Revenge 'Scimitar' Double Edge Razor
The Bluebeards Revenge “Scimitar” Double Edge Razor has been named the winner in the About.com 2012 Readers’ Choice Award for best wet shaving razor.
The iconic razor beat off competition from Gillette’s Fusion ProGlide and the Wilkinson Sword Hydro 5 to scoop the coveted first prize.
Nick Gibbens, The Bluebeards Revenge’s PR and Marketing Manager, said: “We are truly honoured to win such a prestigious award. To beat the world’s biggest two shaving brands is a massive achievement and something we are extremely proud of.
The 'Scimitar' is laser etched with The Bluebeards Revenge logo
“It’s also nice to see that people voted for a traditional single bladed safety razor over a multi-bladed cartridge system. Hopefully this shows that times are changing and men are turning their backs on expensive cartridge razors and investing in a shaving solution that provides a much closer shave and is cheaper in the long run.
“I would like to thank everyone who voted for us.”
The ‘Scimitar’ is a totally stunning, bespoke, German engineered double edged razor. It’s designed to cut through the manliest of stubble.
Meanwhile, The Bluebeards Revenge’s beard reducing shaving cream took second place in the best shaving cream category.
The Readers' Choice Awards honour the world’s best products
Now in its fifth year, the Readers’ Choice Awards honour the world’s best products, features and services across more than a dozen categories, ranging from technology to hobbies to parenting and men’s grooming, as selected by its readers.
In January, the site’s readers were asked to nominate their favourite shaving cream brands and aftershave products. After a nomination period that saw a flurry of activity, three finalists were chosen in each category. From February 18 through March 21, 2012, readers cast tens of thousands of votes every day via the About.com website.
Shack products shortlisted for two prestigious About.com men’s grooming awards
The Shaving Shack is celebrating after two of our luxury shaving products were shortlisted in the prestigious About.com Readers’ Choice Awards 2012.
The Bluebeards Revenge’s beard reducing shaving cream has been nominated in the best shave cream category, while the brand’s iconic ‘Scimitar’ double edge razor has made the best razor (wet shaving) category.
The Bluebeards Revenge scooped two awards in last year’s About.com Readers’ Choice Awards. The brand’s shaving cream was named runner-up in the best shave cream category, and its post shave balm took third sport for best aftershave balm.
The legendary Merkur 34C was voted the world’s best razor in the 2011 About.com Awards.
You can vote for The Bluebeards Revenge at http://menshair.about.com/b/2012/02/22/2012-readers-choice-awards-vote-now.htm. Voting will close on March 21, with the winners announced on March 30.
About.com’s popular reader-driven awards program highlights the best products, features, and services across a wide variety of topics.
Bluebeards launch men’s cancer awareness drive after survey reveals quarter of UK men never check testes
World Cup winner Phil Vickery puts his weight behind unique on-pack male cancer awareness campaign
All Bluebeards Revenge packaging feature potentially life saving advice for men on the insides of the cartons.
The Bluebeards Revenge have joined forces with charity Orchid to launch an innovative on-pack campaign to educate men on the three uniquely male cancers - and it has the backing of 2003 Rugby World Cup winner Phil “The Raging Bull” Vickery.
The iconic grooming brand’s eye-catching packaging will feature potentially life saving advice for men on the inside of all its cartons.
It will encourage men to be aware of the early signs and symptoms of the three male specific cancers - testicular, penile and prostate – so they can seek advice from a GP as early as possible.
The campaign has been launched after a survey commissioned by Orchid revealed that three quarters of UK men (73%) recognise that a lump in the testes could be a sign of testicular cancer – but 25% still never check their testes.
The survey of 824 UK adults aged 16 and over, carried out by leading market research agency GfK NOP, also found that nearly one in three (30%) are not even aware they can check themselves for lumps. This is in stark contrast to women, who are more likely to take their health in their own hands - only 7% of them say they don’t check their breasts.
Phil said he was delighted to put his weight behind the campaign. The former England prop explained: “Male cancers don’t receive enough coverage and awareness and far too many men aren’t proactive enough in seeking help if they have any concerns. That’s why I’m backing Orchid’s awareness messages on The Bluebeards Revenge product range to promote life-saving checks and to encourage men to stand up and take action.”
All Bluebeards Revenge packaging feature potentially life saving advice for men on the insides of the cartons.
Rebecca Porta, Chief Executive of Orchid, said: “We are delighted to be working with The Bluebeards Revenge for 2012. This is a wonderful opportunity to encourage men across the UK to take a pro-active approach to their health and general well-being whilst raising funds and awareness of Orchid and male cancer.”
David Hildrew, Managing Director at The Bluebeards Revenge, added: “Our range is all about providing a great shave but we are also taking on the added responsibility of educating men on the early symptoms and signs of testicular, penile and prostate cancer. We are encouraging men to think inside their box.”
The unique awareness campaign will be rolled out across the UK over the next few months.
Formed in 1996 by former testicular cancer patient, Colin Osborne, Orchid is the only UK registered cancer charity to focus entirely on the male-specific cancers; prostate, penile and testicular.
They offer support and information to people affected by or interested in male cancer through a dedicated medical research programme, education and awareness campaigns and a range of support services.
World Cup winner Phil Vickery has put his weight behindthe campaign
The research above was carried out by leading market research agency, GfK NOP, which interviewed 824 UK adults aged 16 and over in the UK, between 19-24 March 2009.
About Orchid
Orchid is the UK’s only registered charity focused exclusively on male-specific cancers. Formed in 1996 by a testicular cancer patient, Orchid exists to save men’s lives from testicular, prostate, and penile cancers through pioneering research, the provision of specialist information and support, campaigns and raising awareness.
More information at www.orchid-cancer.org.uk.
About male cancer
Prostate cancer is the most common male cancer and kills 1 man an hour in the UK equating to 10,000 men p.a. Affecting men mainly over the age of 65, in nearly ½ of cases the disease will have spread before diagnosis making it far harder to treat.
Testicular cancer is the most common cancer amongst young men aged 15-45 and affects 2,000 men p.a. If caught early enough it has a cure rate of over 95% and yet in over 1/3 cases the disease will have spread before diagnosis.
Penile cancer, though mercifully rarer – less than 400 cases p.a., also affects men mainly over the age of 60 although there are younger cases. Sadly 1 in 4 men with penile cancer will not survive.
Mantic59 presents Sharpologist.com - The start of a new era for the legendary shaving guru
The legendary wet shaving expert, Mantic59, has launched a stylish new website about style, shaving and grooming.
The site, Sharpologist.com, replaces the iconic Mantic59.blogspot.com and aims to achieve one main goal, “to pass on to you what your father didn’t teach you about grooming and style”.
Mantic says he is sad that he had to bring his old site to an end but is looking forward to making Sharpologist.com a leading online destination for shaving tips, product reviews and the latest grooming and style news.
“After using the free Blogger/Blogspot service for five years I decided to ‘bite the bullet’ and get a real website,” he said.
“With the popularity of my shaving videos really starting to ramp up (I now have over 10,000 Youtube subscribers and get about 3000 video views per day!) I just couldn’t get the features and functionality I wanted out of Blogspot. So with the help of some very web-savvy shaving converts–who just happen to work at a full service digital media company – ‘Sharpologist’ is born!”
Mantic is a Youtube sensation
The site, which has the tagline ‘Look sharp. Feel sharp. Be sharp’, will also feature articles from the likes of Craig The Barber, The LeisureGuy and Andy Tarnoff.
American wet shaving guru Mantic is a good friend of The Shaving Shack after taking part in a very successful Question and Answer session with Shaving Shack customers in 2010.
He also produced a video review of The Bluebeards Revenge shave cream for us earlier this year.
Everyone hear at The Shaving Shack would like to wish Mantic all the best with his new venture.
Women waste 50bn litres of water shaving legs in shower
A new study has revealed that one in three women leave the shower running while they shave their legs, wasting nearly 50 billion litres of water a year.
Thames Water, which commissioned the research, said the amount wasted would be enough to supply the whole of London for around 25 days.
So come on ladies its about time you started to save the planet and invest in some decent shaving cream, a razor that actually cuts, and perhaps a luxury shaving brush to ensure you can whip up a thick and consistent lather.
Here at The Shaving Shack we have all the shaving accessories any girl could ever need, or want for that matter.
If pink is your thing then why not treat yourself to this Pink Mach 3 Razor or Pink Badger Shaving Brush.
And if you really hate shaving your pins and would do anything to not have to, then we have some very good news.
Our best-selling product is The Bluebeards Revenge shaving cream, which is the only brand on the market that can actually slow down and reduce hair growth.
It features the miracle component Decelerine™ - which contains a mixture of active ingredients that delay hair growth, reducing the frequency of shaving and depilation and at the same time providing a recovering effect on the skin.
You can also buy all three of these luxury products as a gift set for just £49.99. A unique treat for yourself or a magnificent present for someone you care about.
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.
Shave off the moustache to beat hay fever
If you’re prone to allergies like hay fever, you might want to shave off that moustache.
Well that’s according to a study, which suggests that men who washed their moustaches twice a day with liquid soap used fewer antihistamines and decongestants.
The reason for this? Cleaning the moustache got rid of stuck pollen grains.
Dr Rob Hicks, GP and author of Beat Your Allergy, said: “Like clothing, skin and hair, a moustache will trap pollen throughout the day.
“A man with hay fever might consider shaving off his moustache to see whether it makes a difference.
“That would probably be easier and more effective than remembering to wash it twice a day.”
$100k sapphire razor now being stocked at The Shaving Shack
The Shaving Shack is delighted to announce that we are now stocking the $100,000 Zafirro Iridium razor.
Is it April Fools Day again?
Unfortunately, we are not really stocking this luxurious new razor but I thought I would give it a product mention anyway.
According to Zafirro, it’s the world’s first razor with sapphire blades. The handle is made primarily from iridium, one of the rarest and strongest metals in existence.
“In addition to vastly extended blade life, the solid white sapphire blades offer a number of additional advantages over conventional steel blades. They are hypoallergenic, impervious to oxidation and corrosion, and very sharp,” said Zafirro in a statement.
“The sapphire is sharpened using high-energy, ionized particles to create an edge less than 100 atoms in width, 5000 times smaller than the width of a hair.”
The company says it will only produce 99 of the Iridium line, which went on sale yesterday for $100,000.
The blades include a 10-year guarantee and Zafirro will provide complementary servicing and professional cleaning for Iridium customers, as well as resharpening if necessary.
Sounds like a bargain!! For more information, visit www.zafirro.com.
Well if you haven’t got a spare $100k lying around then you might want to pick an alternative razor brand such as Merkur or Parker, we’ve got plenty of these in stock.
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