I would posit that it is.
Yes, we descended into the dark ages of multi-blade cartridges (not to mention electrics, so I won't) for a few decades, but we eventually emerged, and look where we find ourselves today. I see it as a renaissance for wet shaving.
On the safety razor front, I would argue that today there are more and better razors available than ever before. Literally, dozens, if not hundreds, of different choices, and most of them are at least pretty darn good; many are truly superb. At the high end, historically there has never been anything in the market to even approach the craftsmanship and quality of today's artisan CNC razors. Heck, we even have folks producing excellent new injector and Gem-style razors with a precision that in some cases surpasses the originals.
As for software, the global economy and the internet has made a practically limitless array of the highest quality soaps, creams, and after shaves accessible to us all. You want a fine European soap or AS? It's only a click away. High quality artisan soaps and balms from local, small-batch producers? At your fingertips.
In brushes, more of the same: Over the years, I have been lucky enough to have come across a few vintage brushes in pristine condition. They are very cool, and I enjoy nostalgia of using them, but you know what? For performance, those old knots don't hold a candle to what the market is delivering today.
I love the great and fascinating history of wet shaving. But when I find myself pining for the "good old days" I try to take stock and realize that, really, we've never had it so good. This is the Golden Age of wet shaving.
Yes, we descended into the dark ages of multi-blade cartridges (not to mention electrics, so I won't) for a few decades, but we eventually emerged, and look where we find ourselves today. I see it as a renaissance for wet shaving.
On the safety razor front, I would argue that today there are more and better razors available than ever before. Literally, dozens, if not hundreds, of different choices, and most of them are at least pretty darn good; many are truly superb. At the high end, historically there has never been anything in the market to even approach the craftsmanship and quality of today's artisan CNC razors. Heck, we even have folks producing excellent new injector and Gem-style razors with a precision that in some cases surpasses the originals.
As for software, the global economy and the internet has made a practically limitless array of the highest quality soaps, creams, and after shaves accessible to us all. You want a fine European soap or AS? It's only a click away. High quality artisan soaps and balms from local, small-batch producers? At your fingertips.
In brushes, more of the same: Over the years, I have been lucky enough to have come across a few vintage brushes in pristine condition. They are very cool, and I enjoy nostalgia of using them, but you know what? For performance, those old knots don't hold a candle to what the market is delivering today.
I love the great and fascinating history of wet shaving. But when I find myself pining for the "good old days" I try to take stock and realize that, really, we've never had it so good. This is the Golden Age of wet shaving.