Just a short post, but felt I had to share this with the guys out there. Ever want to save a few bucks, or maybe spend of few less dollars on one thing and reallocate those dollars to something else? If so, this idea might be a small step back in time, and a small step towards your goal.
Recently I decided to try shaving with a so-called "safety razor," as I had become more than a little perturbed at being asked to pay $2.50 or more per replacement cartridge for my practically antique Gillette Sensor. And the Sensor requires are only 2-bladed cartridges, which is why I have held on to it, not 3, or 4, or even 5-bladed cartridges as some razors call for. At a cartridge every week or two, this was $125-$250 per year that I would much rather spend in a whole host of other ways. After doing a little research, and I do mean "a little," I opted for the German "Merkur Long Handled Safety Razor," Japanese "Feather Hi Stainless Platinum Double Edge Razor Blades," and Italian "Proraso Shaving Soap." I was out about $80 for everything delivered to my door, including 50 Feather blades, that cost $0.28 each, literally an order of magnitude less than the Gillette cartridges. If I include the "investment" in the safety razor and brush, and assume the soap is cost-wise a wash with conventional shaving cream, in the first year I would save $185 at one blade (or cartridge) every week, or about $68 at one blade (or cartridge) per two weeks...In year two the blades would save me just north of $235 per year at one blade (or cartridge) every week, or about $118 per year at one blade (or cartridge) per two weeks. What's not to love?
True, shaving is a bit more of a production, but it is not without some enjoyment. Geri made a gift to me of a kit from The Art of Shaving in Chicago, including a stand for the brush and safety razor, which is quite nice, pre-shave oil, shaving cream, and aftershave. I am told that there are several shaving-related retail stores in Chicago. Enjoy the shave!
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-- John, 02 April 2014
