A Real Man at Last

Today I used my beautiful 1962 Gillette Super Speed, Dual Edge, Safety Razor, model i-4. It arrived in the mail yesterday, but I had already shaved. As soon as I received it I ripped open the bubble wrapped package it came in and slowly pulled out my new prized possession. Ahhhh, it is a beauty to behold I tell you. Gleaming and shiny, made in the U.S.A. heavy, stainless steal. This baby is 5 years older than me.

As I held this finely crafted masterpiece in my hand I was at once reminded of a different time. A bygone era when made in the USA was something to proud of. A time when terms like 'metrosexual' and 'house husband' were still decades away from entering our societal vernacular. I am honored to be joining the ranks of real men who would never in a million years have used an electric razor or a pansy ass disposable razor. Men like John Wayne, Charles Bronson, and Sean Connery. Men who would no more have shaved with a cheap, disposable razor or an electric razor than they would have donned a frilly apron and done housework all day.

I am excited to say the least about my new purchase. I am counting all the money I will save also. At about .40 cents per blade, and getting about 5 shaves per blade, I figure it will cost me about $25 per year in blades as opposed to over $75 if I continue to use non-biodegradable, multi-blade, razor cartridges or crummy, disposable razors.

So I loaded a single, dual edged razor blade into my beautiful, vintage safety razor. I lathered up my face with some quality cream out of a tube, instead of the usual chemical laden, antiseptic smelling, garbage that come in aerosol cans. I followed the advice I had picked up from reading various blogs and articles regarding the art of wet-shaving with safety razors. I held the razor at about a 30-40 degree angle relative to my face, used very little pressure, and shaved with the grain for the first "pass". This reduced or minimized my beard a good deal, but it did not give me what I really wanted: a smooth as silk shave.

Next, I ever so cautiously proceeded to shave against the grain. The whole process took me about 7-8 minutes. Miraculously, I managed to get through this with only one small nick on my neck. I had been expecting the worst. I had read that the first time one used an old fashioned safety razor they could expect several little nicks and cuts, but that after a little experience the cuts would happen much less frequently.

Well ladies and gentleman, I am thrilled to report that this much anticipated first shave culminated in a very smooth, and satisfying end result. I was very pleased, and relieved to know that I could do this very manly deed and do it effectively.

When I was finished I cleaned my razor, rinsed my face with cool water and towel dried myself. I applied a small amount of after shave balm to my face, and then admired my work for a couple of moments in the mirror. This was a very successful and gratifying experience.

I am proud of myself actually. Proud that I have finally stood up to the emasculating ways of the huge, corporate, mass producing, razor companies, and proud that I am embracing this time honored, and most manly of rituals: shaving with a real razor. A man's razor. If you are a guy and you are still shaving with an electric razor, disposable cartridges, or worst of all those cheap, plastic, disposable razors that are not biodegradable and terrible for the environment, it is time to man up.

Put down those inferior products, and join the rich tradition and proud fraternity of real men.