Mr Al Young Dot Com

I started my shaving focus group last week.  As a part of the focus group, I will be evaluating a razor for 2 weeks by using it in my daily shaving.  After 2 weeks I will return it, and evaluate another.   At the end of the study I will have tested 3 razors.  I do not know the manufacturer as the brand labels have been removed.  When I picked up the razor, I had to sign a confidentiality agreement not to share information of the razors or to take any pictures.  I know it seems a little silly.  We are just talking about razors here, not military secrets.  However, the men’s razor is big business.  Over 750 million dollar a year is spent in research and development alone by Gillette.  Years ago, when the Mach I razor came out, there was an article in the Wall Street Journal about who would pay $7 for a razor, and several dollars for replacement blades.  Apparently, a lot of men including myself will as Gillette is now on the Mach III Fusion, which sells for close to $12, and replacement blades cost $3-4 each for a replacement blade.  I guess men justify spending more for a closer shave by not spending much on other skin and beauty products like women do.

Since I  cannot share pictures or too much information on the razors I am testing, I will offer you some tips I have used for a closer shave.

• Shave in the shower, or just getting out of the shower.  The warm moisture of the shower opens pores, and makes the beard softer for shaving.
• Use sharp blades by changing often.  Some people recommend changing the blades every 5 times you shave.  Others say you can go as long as every 10 times.  I don’t follow this that closely, more like every 15 times or 3 weeks.  Its because my blades are so expensive that I want to get the most out of them, but in the interest of a close shave, and  not saving money, you should change the blades more often.
• Lubricate the  face.  I don’t use pre shave oils as some people recommend, but I recommend you lather thickly, and let it sit for about a minute before shaving to allow the beard to sit up better for shaving.  Glide the blade instead of scraping it.
• For special occasions:  If you need an extra closer shave for a special day, try this.  Start with a new blade and follow the steps above shaving with the grain of your beard.  Normally, you should always shave with the grain, but in this case, after shaving with the grain, apply another coat of shaving cream, and shave again, this time against the grain. I don’t normally use after shave, but shaving against the grain can cause irritation in the skin, so I apply an aloe based, not alcohol based after shave to soothe the skin.  Do this, and you will have an extra close shave, like a baby’s bottom.  Or as close to a baby’s bottom as a 41 year face can get.