We went to the local grocery store today to pick up what we need for the week. Since I started DE shaving a few weeks back I have been checking the offerings in the very limited shaving department. There were never any DE blades, much less any DE razors. There was some brand or other of beard oil, lots of canned goo for men and women, a couple of different tubes and powder canisters and such. And, of course, a plethora of cartridge razors and cartridge refills.
Well, my friends, today there were Van der Hagen blades and a razor. I picked them up and said, “Look honey, there is actually a DE razor and blades here.” He asked, “Why don’t you get some blades?” I said, “I’m still working my way through my sample pack to decide what I like, so no need to buy more until I know.” And I walked off.
In a minute I was farther down the aisle looking at something else when I heard him exclaim, “ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! These blades are 10 for $2.99!” I said, “Oh, sweetie, that’s far too expensive for only 10 blades. You can buy 100 for somewhere in the neighborhood of $8-10.” His chin nearly hit the floor.
After picking his chin up, he said “Maybe I want to try shaving with an old-timey razor.”
He already has a Simpson brush with stand, a lovely pottery scuttle, and some shave soaps I got him for Christmas several years ago, but he never made the jump to a DE razor. Seeing the price difference between cartridges and DE blades is enough to make him give it a go. Needless to say, we may have another convert on our hands.
What would you recommend for his first razor? Bear in mind it must be brand new, never used, since he is a little OCD, and I think with his hand issues (multiple surgeries for Dupuytren’s contracture) he would appreciate a TTO. He also keeps a beard most of the time and only shaves his cheeks and neck. ETA: He would also like a longer handle.
Thanks for all feedback and suggestions from this fine and generous community of gentlemen and ladies.
Well, my friends, today there were Van der Hagen blades and a razor. I picked them up and said, “Look honey, there is actually a DE razor and blades here.” He asked, “Why don’t you get some blades?” I said, “I’m still working my way through my sample pack to decide what I like, so no need to buy more until I know.” And I walked off.
In a minute I was farther down the aisle looking at something else when I heard him exclaim, “ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! These blades are 10 for $2.99!” I said, “Oh, sweetie, that’s far too expensive for only 10 blades. You can buy 100 for somewhere in the neighborhood of $8-10.” His chin nearly hit the floor.
After picking his chin up, he said “Maybe I want to try shaving with an old-timey razor.”
He already has a Simpson brush with stand, a lovely pottery scuttle, and some shave soaps I got him for Christmas several years ago, but he never made the jump to a DE razor. Seeing the price difference between cartridges and DE blades is enough to make him give it a go. Needless to say, we may have another convert on our hands.
What would you recommend for his first razor? Bear in mind it must be brand new, never used, since he is a little OCD, and I think with his hand issues (multiple surgeries for Dupuytren’s contracture) he would appreciate a TTO. He also keeps a beard most of the time and only shaves his cheeks and neck. ETA: He would also like a longer handle.
Thanks for all feedback and suggestions from this fine and generous community of gentlemen and ladies.
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