Shaving Stuff

Woody's Exfoliating Pre-Shave: A Non-Abrasive Invigorating Cleanser

2009-11-20T16:31:03Z

They say it's a sign of maturity to admit your mistakes, so I'm gonna fess up about one of mine...

When I received some review products from Woody's Grooming, one of the items was the Exfoliating Pre Shave, and I set it aside, thinking "Men don't need any facial cleansers." I went ahead and used and then reviewed the Foaming Shave Gel, which is a solid shaving gel, but didn't try the Pre Shave.

This morning, as I headed for the bathroom, I remembered that I had the Woody's Pre Shave sitting in my cabinet, and decided "What the hell, I'll give it a go." So before shaving, I put a big dab of the Exfoliating Pre Shave on my face and started scrubbing with it. The directions say to leave on your face for 30 to 60 seconds, to let the bromelain (an enzyme from pineapple) go to work, and that part was a little difficult - I'm impatient.

After rinsing it off, I could feel a difference in the texture of my face - definitely smoother and cleaner. I went ahead and shaved with the Foaming Shave Gel, and followed it up with Woody's Rescue Post Shave.

Wow! What a great shave!

For the record, I use a Merkur safety razor, and lately, I've been rocking the Feather blades - they last a long time before dulling, and give a close shave.

I don't know if the Pre Shave was to thank for the smoothness I got this morning, or if it was the combination of all three, but my face is really thankful - no razor burn, no irritation, close shave, and on top of that, I smell great as well. Kudos to Woody's!

Hot Deal: Philips Norelco 1050CC arcitec Shaving System

2009-11-19T18:10:48Z

If you're looking for a great deal on a super shaving system, you might want to take a look at the Philips Norelco 1050CC arcitec system:

Flex and Pivot Action: Three independently flexing rotary heads with a 360 degree range of motion to shave perfectly close, even on the neck

Jet Clean system automatically cleans shaver

Triple Track shaving heads offer 50% more shaving surface for a faster and closer shave

Dual stainless steel blade system gently lifts hair to cut it comfortably below skin level, for an ultra close shave

The unique flex & pivot technology delivers an exceptionally close shave. Three individually flexing shaving heads are connected by a ball joint system making them swivel, rotate, and pivot with a full range of motion. The maneuverability allows arcitec to adjust to the contours of your face ensuring optimum skin contact and a closer shave -- even on the neck. The new arcitec Shaver is designed to push the boundaries of shaving and to conquer those hard to shave areas.

Cutting edge innovation doesn't stop with the shaver. The arcitec 1050CC comes with a Jet Clean system, to keep it clean between shaves -- it automatically detects which cleaning program the shaver needs: economy, normal or intensive, and it has active drying to have your shaver ready to go in no time. Beyond cleaning, now you can recharge your shaver while you store it, with the Power Pod travel case that plugs into the wall and protects your investment!

The Philips Norelco 1050CC arcitec is normally priced at $209.99, but right now, it's only $183.99, saving you $26.00. Pick up a NT9110 Precision Nose and Ear Trimmer from Philips at the same time - it's only $12.99!

Bert's Unibrow Gets Boycotted by Grooming Lounge

2009-11-18T15:22:03Z

You wouldn't think that Sesame Street would be the target of a boycott, but I'm here to tell you - some people have taken issue with Bert's grooming habits.

The guys over at Grooming Lounge have a hilarious letter to Bert (and to Sesame Street in general) about the unspeakable - his unibrow.

"This has gone on long enough. For awhile we brushed it off as being quirky and cute, letting it slide because of your status as an iconic character on a classic children's series. We bit our collective tongues as you continually ignored what was apparent to everyone -- turning a blind eye to the monstrosity right above your own eyes.
Now, with Sesame Street's 40th Anniversary upon us, we've hit our limit. Somebody has to do something about it. And as two guys tasked with promoting good grooming to a new generation of men, it might as well be us. This ends today. Bert...

WE DEMAND YOU DO SOMETHING ABOUT YOUR UNIBROW!"

Check out the rest of the letter over at Grooming Guys, and leave them a comment if you disagree.

Where do you stand on grooming the eyebrows? Do you cultivate the "manbrow"?

Image: stev.ie at Flickr

Mantic59's 5000 Subscriber Celebration: Four Contests

2009-11-17T17:18:04Z

If you're not familiar with Mantic59, you must be living under a rock.

He's been rocking out the shaving videos over at YouTube for quite some time, and in honor of reaching 5000 subscribers there, he's celebrating with four contests.

For the full details, see the 5000 Subscriber Contest over at Mantic59.

Survey: Women Want Men To Do More Body Hair Grooming

2009-11-16T12:00:00Z

According to a new survey by Remington Products, both men and women prefer a clean-shaven face and said grooming is key to making a first impression. The nationwide poll asked 435 males about their personal grooming habits and 440 females about what male grooming styles they find the most attractive. More than half the women (57%) think poor grooming is a major turn off - if not a total deal-breaker.

The sexes are at odds about how much to trim. For example:

Back hair - Nearly three-quarters of the women (71%) prefer men at least trim their backs to avoid looking like Neanderthals, and 33% would prefer a complete shave. Three-quarters of the men, however, said they don't.

The bum - 83% of women think men should do a little neatening back there, too, but nearly two-thirds of the men (63%) said they don't.

Ears, eyebrows and nose hair - 44% of women find it troublesome when this hair is left untouched, but nearly a quarter of the men (24%) said grooming there isn't even a factor in whether they think they look their best.

Chest - More than half the women (53%) who are casually dating or divorced think a man should at least give his chest a simple trim so it doesn't look like a sweater. Overall, 40% of the women agree. However, 43% of the total women surveyed prefer men keep all their chest hair, considering it a sign of masculinity. And 17% want a smooth chest without a single hair. For the men, 83% said they have just let their chest hair grow.

Groin - 60% of the women who are casually dating said there should be some trimming around the groin, as did more than 56% of the women who are younger than 40. Of the total women surveyed, 42% prefer that look, but another 42% think any grooming down under would comprise a guy's manliness. The other 16% ? They'd like it clean as a whistle. Nearly two-thirds of the men (63%) said they're still as hairy as God made them.

One key take away from the survey: men and women should tell each other what styles they think look best. 52% of the men said they would consider shaving if it was important to their significant others, and 34% of the women said their men do, in fact, need to spend more time grooming. Yet one in five (21%) of the women said they wouldn't broach the topic to avoid hurting feelings.

"The survey results reveal information I've not seen aired publicly on women's preferences for men's grooming habits and that women rarely say it. Women want their men to spend more time manscaping and at Remington, we have quality, affordable tools to help men do just that." - Kim Hegel, Marketing Communications Manager, Remington Products

To test different grooming and hair styles, Remington has created the Face of Success Challenge, an online game centered on creating a "look" or "style" with the help of various Remington and grooming shaving tools. In the game, guys create their own avatar by choosing from a combination of hair styles and facial hair looks then try their skills with the game's female characters, including the fitness instructor, the blonde bombshell and the girl next door. While playing the game, guys have a conversation with the women, gauge the responses and see how much face time they get. Afterward, a "wingman" offers tips on what might have worked better, including suggestions on how to improve their look with help from Remington.

Speak up - what do you think about these results?

Image: digitalART2 at Flickr

Wet Shaving Resource: Mug and Brush

2009-11-13T12:10:00Z

It's really cool to see so many sites devoted to the art and tools of shaving on the web, and I just found another one to share with you.

This one's called Mug and Brush:

"In the process of learning these techniques, I'm finding that shaving is no longer a chore, but something that I look forward to. There's something very manly about the smells, the act of making your own lather and even the sound of a double edge safety razor as it glides over your face.
This site is a collection of what I've learned about classic wet shaving - the use of a brush, the proper razor & blade, the pre-shave and post-shave rituals, and anything else I can think of that belongs here."

What other good shaving sites should we know about?

Image: scottfeldstein at Flickr

Death by Shaving

2009-11-12T12:00:00Z

You probably aren't thinking about your shaving routine as a risky activity, other than the odd nick or bumps, but evidently it could be hazardous to your health.

"Shaving was once a dangerous and sometimes lethal endeavor. Before the advent of safety razors and sanitation laws, a man risked his life when he decided to clean up with a close shave. Here are three stories of men who met their end in pursuit of a baby smooth face."

Read the stories over at Mental_Floss, and leave us a comment if you know any other scary shaving stories.

Image: Orin Zebest at Flickr

How's the Health of Your Moustache?

2009-11-11T16:46:44Z

Got a great 'stache? Do you take it to the doc?

American Chopper Mustache Health from Paul Teutul Sr

Men, Why Do You Shave?

2009-11-10T14:22:01Z

I found this in an article on the site Thels Talk:

"Among the many reasons I found while doing some research men began shaving in Stone Age times were:

To reduce the breeding grounds for lice, fleas and small rodents.

To eliminate the beard as a place for an enemy to hang on during combat.

To make it easier to eat.

Superstition associated a heavily bearded man with old age and death, in addition to the superstitious belief of spirits which entered the body through hairs on the head.

I don't know about you, but I don't think any of those apply anymore.

The comments (over 400 of them) are hilarious (and insightful). One man said "I shave because James Bond shaves." and another says "I don't shave my beard because I don't have to submit to another man's will to survive. My beard represents freedom, self-determination and control over my own destiny."

I shave because I've grown a beard many different times in my life, and now that I'm 40, a shaved face helps me to look younger.

What about you? Why do you shave?

Image: Amadeus Serey Yàñez at Flickr

Woody's Grooming Products Giveaway

2009-11-09T16:29:52Z

Want some free stuff? Here's your chance to pick up some shaving accessories for free from us: Woody's Grooming Products sent us a Holiday Travel kit to give away to one lucky Shaving Stuff reader.

Included in the Travel kit are small bottles of Daily Shampoo, Exfoliating Pre-Shave, Foaming Shave Gel, and Rescue Post Shave, perfect to bring along wherever you are headed this fall. I've been using Woody's Foaming Shave Gel for the last couple of weeks, and I think it's a quality product.

To enter, leave a comment on this post through Friday at midnight telling us your favorite shaving product (shaving cream, gel, soap, razor, or aftershave), and we'll randomly pick one reader to receive the Travel kit. (One entry per person, and continental U.S. addresses only.)

If you're on Facebook and wish to get the latest posts in your news feed, become a fan of Shaving Stuff!

Woody's Foaming Shave Gel Review

2009-11-06T16:45:51Z

Want your face to be as smooth as a supermodel's bottom?

That's what Woody's products will do for you - if you can trust a label...

The people over at Woody's Grooming sent me a couple of testers of their shaving products to try out, and I've used the Foaming Shave Gel over the last week. It's full of vitamins and antioxidants, plus something called Galactoarabinan - a natural sugar from larch trees that exfoliates, moisturizes, and smooths wrinkles.

I can't speak for the 'smoothing wrinkles' claim, as I haven't noticed that for myself, but I did really enjoy the refreshing and healthy look of my skin afterward. Maybe that's related to the aloe, hemp, and shea butter in the formula?

Woody's Shave Gel is a gel, as the name implies, but it foams up for a nice lather. The scent is light and citrusy, with a bit of a woody smell as well. The gel rinses cleanly, with a nice smooth feeling after the shave.

You can check out the rest of the Woody's line at the company's site, which also includes hair, body, and lip care.

Win an NFL Luxury Box and a Game Day Shave

2009-11-05T14:44:04Z

Are you down with Urban Daddy? I just recently subscribed to their email magazine (It's free), and have found lots of great info so far. I think you'll enjoy it as well.

In today's email is a link to enter to win a luxury NFL sky box for a game (for you and five friends!). Included is a the game day box at the stadium of your choice, plus an old-school barber to shave you, and all the finest refreshments you can handle during the game. You can't shake a stick at that!

To enter, head over to the Gillette/UrbanDaddy Suite Life contest and put your name and email in the hat. (Must be 18 or over.)

More about Urban Daddy:

"We start from the premise that there's a lot of noise out there when it comes to your city--poor recommendations, shills, plants, promoters, liars, enemies, and exes. Our goal is to be your friend. The kind of friend who knows everyone--the maitre d's at all the right restaurants, the bouncers at all the right clubs, the addresses of all the great parties. And the kind of guy who lives to share the wealth.
We also get you little perks along the way--Invitations to some great underground parties, exclusive give-aways (we hear Aspen is great this time of year) and private sales with some of the coolest brands around. We call them Perks. You can call them just another reason to love us."

Image: √oхέƒx™ at Flickr

Sideburns and Mutton Chops Gallery

2009-11-04T17:21:05Z

There's nothing like a little sideburn or mutton chop action to change your look, but you might want to take a gander at some of these guys to explore your options.

[Source]

One Shaving Device for Life: Braun Continuum Concept

2009-11-03T17:09:11Z

What if you could have just one electric shaving device for all of your shaving needs, one that handles multiple heads?

The Braun Continuum Shaving System could be that device. It was developed as a concept project at Bergishe Universität Wuppertal, sponsored by Braun.

"It's got a ball and socket connection so it can follow the contours of the face and body. The LCD screen on the side recognizes which head is attached, and displays this information along with battery life along the side."

The Continuum System isn't for sale (yet), but it could be a serious contender in the ultimate shaving gadget niche.

[via YankoDesign]

October 2009 Monthly Shaving Stuff Wrap-up

2009-11-02T13:09:36Z

Here's to Halloween candy hangovers, the full moon, and heading straight into November!

If you missed anything from Shaving Stuff last month, here's the recap:

Shaving Blogs and Websites

Good Men Project

First Shaves

Free Proraso Shaving Foam

Shaving History, Briefly

Shave Without Bumps: Organic Shaving

Shop Razors Direct for Bulk Purchases and Low Prices

Moustaches and History: What's Not to Like?

GoodGuide Rates Shaving Products for Health, Environmental, and Social Impacts

Friday Funnies: Below the Nose

Win a Home Theater Makeover in Best Buy's Scary Technology Contest

Entourage Star Emmanuelle Chriqui Partners with Braun BodycruZer

Electric Shaving News

Cool Gadget: Wind-up Electric Shaver

General News in the Shaving World

More About Manscaping

Old School Shaving

Shaving Stuff Reviews

John Varvatos Rock Volume One Review

Shaving Creams & Gels

Lucky Tiger's Old-School Style Goes Organic

Image: Dharion at Flickr

Friday Shaving Deals 10.30.09

2009-10-30T18:03:43Z

If you're participating in Movember, it's almost time to commit - shave your face, then let the mo grow.

If you're not into the moustache for charity event, but just looking to pick up on some deals, I found a few for you today:

Royall Lyme Aftershave Lotion Cologne, lime oil, blended with rare oils, regularly $55, now only $28.09

Gillette Mach3 Turbo Refill Cartridges, 8-Count Box, regularly $23.49, now only $14.95

Wahl Trim N Vac Vacuuming Beard and Mustache Trimmer, Rechargeable, now only $27.40, regularly $59.95.

"How pleased would your wife be if you could shave each morning without leaving a sink full of stubble? Wahl's Trim-n-Vac beard and mustache trimmer has a vacuum intake port at the trimmer head to capture and draw cut facial hair into a collection chamber at the shaver's base. The vacuum is, at minimum, 85 percent effective (depending on the length of the hair being cut), and the collection chamber is easy to open and clean. This innovative design, along with the Trim-n-Vac's ability to operate without a cord, make the trimmer great for travelers with hectic schedules who may need a quick shave while in the car or at the airport."

Royal Copenhagen Aftershave Lotion, with orange, lemon, jasmine, moss, and amber - a woodsy and manly aroma, regularly $45.00, now only $15.04.

Gillette Fusion Power Razor, Phantom, regularly $12.99, now $6.98.

Panasonic ES4026NC Pro Curve Rechargeable Double Blade Wet/Dry Men's Shaver, regularly $49.99, now just $24.41.

Image: tibchris at Flickr

Return of the Old School Shave

2009-10-29T15:34:20Z

We've got so many choices now for shaving - new styles of electric razors, wind-up razors, cartridges, safety razors - that a guy could pick a different method for every day of the week.

One cool thing I'm starting to see is a trend toward the retro shave. More men are starting to choose a safety razor for their daily shave, and the straight razor is making a comeback as well.

From the New Britain Herald News:

"In the long-term, the old-fashioned razors are more economical. The metal blades, which are good for about five shaves, are inexpensive. And there's less waste. Razors last for years, not like the disposable plastic shavers that end up in the landfill after a few shaves. The blades are even recyclable.
"America has a disposable, throw-away society."

What's your preference? Help me out by answering this shaving poll:

poll by twiigs.com

Image: phsomers at Flickr

Good Men Project

2009-10-28T01:14:42Z

OK, this isn't about shaving, but it does apply to men, and it's an important topic.

Men, if you haven't heard of this excellent mission, do yourself a favor and grab a copy of the Good Men Project book (and soon to be a DVD as well). The book examines what it's like to be a man today, through a series of essays by men from all walks of life.

"The Good Men Project: Real Stories from the Front Lines of Modern Manhood is a collection of first-person stories about what it means to be a man in America today -- from Pulitzer winners and Poet Laureates to ex-cons, Pro Football Hall of Famers and just regular guys. The authors describe their defining challenges, losses and triumphs through honest and simple truths, and are hoping to spark conversations about what it means to be a good man today."

"The stories in The Good Men Project are powerful, poignant, funny, and courageous. The book has what few other books dealing with the subject of what it means to be a man in today's society have: balls." - David Kohan, creator and executive producer of Will and Grace

The Good Men Project has a home online, as well as a series of videos (most recently a visit to Sing Sing prison), and all the money from sales goes to a charitable corporation dedicated to helping organizations that provide educational, social, financial or legal support to men and boys at risk.

Another book that would go well with the Good Men Project is the Art of Manliness: Classic Skills and Manners for the Modern Man, so think about picking up both at the same time.

Boyzilian Wax, Manscaping, and Old School Shaving

2009-10-27T16:35:27Z

According to sifynews, the term 'boyzilian wax' is now replacing 'manscaping' in the new Macquarie Dictionary:

"The dictionary's new edition, which will hit the markets next month has nearly 1000 new words like "BESTIES", meaning one's best pals, the "boyzilian wax" replaces "manscaping", and "tweets" are no more just explained as chirps of baby birds."

In iAfrica, Wax On, Wax Off:

"As guys have become more aware of grooming themselves in general, most realise now that the natural 'Adam' look is a thing of the past... And, it's not only gay guys who are getting waxed."

From Express Night Out - Manscaping: One Intrepid Guy Tests Out the Latest Grooming Tools and Spa Treatments:

"When it comes to good grooming, guys usually catch a break. Forget to shave? A five o-clock shadow passes for scruffily sexy. (Not so much on a woman's legs.) Six months between haircuts? Shaggy hair equals surfer cool. Calloused hands? That';s a sign of a hard-working dude. But in an era of metrosexuals and a manly yet manicured president, those excuses start to fall flat."

In My Record Journal: Oldtime shaving shop opens in Southington

"People walking down Center Street Wednesday paused to look in a shop window at an antique barber's chair that caught their eye.
Ray Fournier smiled as two women stood outside talking as they looked in the window. His store, Gentlemen's Best, specializes in old world men's grooming supplies such as double edged and straight razors as well as shaving accessories such as brushes and soap.

"It's a whole lot cheaper and better than using the four blade disposable monsters," Fournier said. "We really missed the boat when we decided to go to a more disposable society."

Image: Dharion at Flickr

First Shaves

2009-10-25T18:20:32Z

The guys over at Journey to Manhood want to know what your first shaving experience was:

"It is also one of the more powerful of the smaller rite of passage events in a young males life that so clearly mark the crossing into manhood. It deserves to be met with good information, training and some solid man-making support."

Have a read and leave a comment here: The Dudes First Shave

Free Proraso Shaving Foam

2009-10-23T15:54:50Z

Details for Men is one of my favorite sources for shaving goods - they have razors, razor blades, shave cream, skincare products and more.

"DetailsforMen stocks over five hundred items and forty brands to meet your shaving, grooming and skincare needs. We carry a wide variety of the best brands including Anthony, Jack Black, eShave, Molton Brown, Loccitane, John Allans, and many other highly rated products from around the world. Shop by brand or by category for all of your skin care, shaving, hair care, and wet shaving needs."

They've also generally got a free goody or two for orders over a certain amount, and you can't shake a stick at that!

Right now, you can pick up a free full sized can of Proraso Shave Foam with orders over $40, until November 2nd. To get yours, enter the coupon code "FREESHAVEFOAM" at checkout.

Check out our previous coverage of Proraso.

Shaving History, Briefly

2009-10-22T22:52:12Z

An interesting read over at Mental Floss:

"In the days before razors, you could either sport a hirsute look or get creative. Records drawn on cave walls show prehistoric people shaving with clamshells, flint knives, and even shark teeth. It's not clear when these crude implements gave way to what we now think of as razors. According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, circular solid gold or copper razors can be found as far back as the 4th millennium BC in some Egyptian tombs. Still other cultures sharpened volcanic obsidian glass and used those."

Check out the rest of the story: A Brief History of Shaving

Image: the mad LOLscientist at Flickr

How to Shave Your Armpits - Gillette Video

2009-10-22T17:09:51Z

I don't think you'll ever see me shaving my pits, but I know there are men who do or who would like to.

This guide from Gillette helps you to get started:

What do you think, fellas? Does this appeal to you? Ladies, should we see more or less of this?

Shave Without Bumps: Organic Shaving

2009-10-21T11:00:00Z

I found a good article about beating razor bumps in a web magazine called Organic Lifestyle Magazine, and thought it might be of use to some of you.

"Shaving, for some, is a source of pain and discomfort. Some choose to deal with this by "scraping their face" as seldom as possible, while others have no choice but to shave every day for their jobs. Some use an electric razor. Others never make the adjustment as an electric razor initially can be more painful than the razor burn from shaving."

I had issues with razor bumps when I used cartridge razors with multiple blades, but ever since switching to a safety razor, it's not been a problem.

What follows in the article are some practical tips for shaving without experiencing razor bumps, and you can check it out here. If you're into all things organic, or simply curious, it's a cool resource.

Image: scottfeldstein at Flickr

Cool Gadget: Wind-up Electric Shaver

2009-10-20T17:41:35Z

Headed out beyond the edge of the pavement? No power? Batteries too expensive?

You can still get an electric shave with this really cool gadget: Freedom Dynamo Electric Shaver.

"The Freedom Dynamo Electric Shaver provides true liberty through its Wind 'N Go lever, avoiding any need to use actual electricity. One minute of winding, and you've got yourself enough power for a full shave! It also comes with three individual heads that properly flex and rotate to provide a close and precise performance. "

You can find the Freedom Dynamo at ThinkGeek - makes a great gift for the outdoors guy who loves to keep it smooth, even off-grid.

Shop Razors Direct for Bulk Purchases and Low Prices

2009-10-19T12:58:12Z

It seems as if our paychecks don't stretch quite as far as we'd like, and even if we have extra cash, we all want to maximize our budget. The way to do that is by shopping for the best deals on things we use every single day, such as razors and razor blades and cartridges.

One site that specializes in this is Razors Direct. They sell the same razor blades you can find in a retail store, but at a discounted price. The company shops for discounted, bulk or wholesale quantities of bestselling shaving products and pass on the savings to you, so your dollars go further.

You can find most of the popular brands of razors and cartridges at Razors Direct, like Gillette, Schick, and Personna, as well as double edged razor blades, shaving accessories, and batteries. Check out the Clearance Corner for even more savings, and standard shipping is always free.

According to the site, you'll save up to 35% off the regular retail price, and for readers of Shaving Stuff, Razors Direct is offering an additional 5% off the already low prices with the coupon code "ShavingStuff".

Lucky Tiger's Old-School Style Goes Organic

2009-10-16T15:03:24Z

The Lucky Tiger line of barbershop essentials has been helping our dads and granddads look their best since 1935. The Lucky Tiger brand was the the most popular barbershop brand in the U.S. by 1950, yet few of my generation have even heard of them.

The premium line is now even more desirable for discriminating men, having been reformulated with the highest quality natural and certified organic ingredients. The Lucky Tiger premium products are made with nourishing antioxidants and vitamins for a natural, healthy look, including Aloe Vera, Jojoba, Cucumber, Vitamins A & E, Chamomile, Calendula, Shea Butter, Green Tea, Sage Leaf, Hibiscus, Honey, Polished Green Bamboo and Borage Oil.

A couple of great choices to check out:
Lucky Tiger Essential Grooming Kit
Lucky Tiger Liquid Shave Cream
Lucky Tiger Face Wash

Thrifty Thursday: Shaving on the Cheap

2009-10-15T17:41:44Z

While I do enjoy some high-end shaving stuff, I am a penny pincher whenever possible.

I got really tired of ponying up cash for cartridges all the time, so I invested in a safety razor (the Merkur) and am happily not having to pay good money for cartridges that get thrown away every week. Instead I buy blades (pretty cheap still) which last all week.

So if you're looking to lower your overall shaving costs, take the money you'd spend on the next couple of months worth of cartridges or disposables and invest it in a razor you can pass down to your grandkids, like a safety razor or a straight razor.

The learning curve is easier with a safety razor, but the old-school skill of shaving with a straight razor is coming back in vogue, so it's something you can share with other men.

My next investment is probably going to be a straight razor (hint, hint), and then I won't be purchasing new blades at all.

Another way you can save some money is to use an affordable shaving cream, like Cremo, which gives a quality shave despite being priced in the lower level compared to a lot of other creams. Or try baking soda or a DIY shaving cream for something a little different.

Moustaches and History: What's Not to Like?

2009-10-14T17:26:53Z

It's amazing to me how many people dig moustaches these days - maybe not even wearing them, but reading about them and collecting pictures of them.

Here's a great site if that's what you're into: Mustaches of the Nineteenth Century

"Dear Gentle Reader, many of the following pages have graphic and clear images of the masculine mustache in all its forms, both sublime and grotesque. My intent is not to shock or titillate, but merely to inform on the subject. The Nineteenth Century gave us many things, but above all it was a hotbed of facial hair experimentation and this is but a poor sampling of those many lost forms."

Who knew?

Image: Aoife city womanchile at Flickr

John Varvatos Rock Volume One Review

2009-10-13T18:40:29Z

I have to admit that I don't normally wear fragrances of any sort, or if I do, it's an essential oil (my favorite is frankincense). However, I was recently sent a review bottle of John Varvatos Rock Volume One Eau De Toilette, and I might have to change my mind about that...

The first thing that struck me about it, before I even took a whiff of it, was the high quality presentation. It comes in a sweet 'gift'-type box, in simple black with a clean-looking graphic on the front. Not a cheap little box, but something that says quality... (It would make a great gift.)

The bottle itself is hefty - manly, even - again with a simple design and a top that looks like a bolt head, and it holds over four ounces of the fragrance. That amount will last you a good long time, even wearing it daily.

I sprayed a little on my wrist, fully expecting an over-the-top scent (based on my experience with other men's fragrances), but was pleasantly surprised by the subtleness of it. Of course, it depends on how heavily you apply it.

(Before I describe the scent, forgive me for my choice of words - I'll put it in my terms) The scent is earthy, reminding me of woody fragrances with a bit of a flowery note, and somewhere in there is a hint of coffee...

From John Varvatos:

"A surprisingly edgy interpretation of the signature John Varvatos scent, this fragrance boasts an intricate blend of rose absolute and coffee that delivers a new level of sensuality and an explosive rock 'n roll vibe."

I didn't pick up on the rose, and I don't know if I'd call it 'edgy', but I did like the scent, and it's earned a place in my bathroom cabinet for those special occasions.