Wet shaving has gotten some new notice in the mainstream media. The L.A. Times recently did an article on our passion and Sandra M. Jones turned in an entertaining, informative and respectful piece. I notice the MAN MANTIC is quoted, and since I don’t see a mention of it on Sharpologist I’ll assume he’s too humble to toot his own horn so I’ll do it for him.
I’ll link below but would like to share some excerpts:
“For a lot of college-age men, there is an element of being a badass for shaving with a straight razor,” Herro said. “The metrosexual thing has run its course.”
“Another reason traditional shaving is on the rise is that it saves money and is eco-friendly, experts said. Although a safety razor can cost $25 to $200, the replacement blades cost as little as 20 cents each. Even the premium stainless-steel blades, at more than $1 each, are less expensive and last longer than disposable razor cartridges.”
Nice read and clearly well-researched. Kudos, Sandra.
For anyone not familiar with his comic genius, he is probably best known in my circles for his portrayal of the bitter doorman in an episode of Seinfeld. “You think you’re better than me because I’m a doorman, don’t you?”
Larry and his guys enjoyed barber shop shaves in a previous podcast. In this show, he talks about wet shaving gear sent to him by a listener. Larry is now the proud owner of a Merkur 34c and an assortment of blades.
This podcast also talks about the ‘sixth level’, which is a reference to Larry’s classic standup bit “the five levels of drinking”. In my opinion this bit is one of the all-time greats and stands right up there with the best of Cosby, Carlin, or Pryor. Google it and check it out, I imagine you could see it on Youtube or someplace – do yourself a favor.
Welcome to the fold, Larry! May I suggest a Tweezerman brush, while you’re developing your style, and perhaps some Proraso cream to start you on your baby-bottom smooth path to shaving enlightenment?
Hard to believe it’s been over 25 years now since the two-bladed pivoting Gillette razor, called the Contour in the U.K. (Yanks will remember it as Atra) hit the scene.
Enjoy this advert that clearly is trying to tout how high-tech this razor was at the time. If you’re sensitive to a lot of flashing lights you might want to pass; this must have been made before the Pokemon cartoon caused kids to have seizures.
The more things change, the better classic wetshaving gets.
