June 30, 2005
Here comes the Groom
Fascinating developments in male grooming from Dubai and India. High end grooming lounges 1847 (don't call it a spa) and Gillette sponsored grooming centers are poised to captilize on growing metrosexuality. Despite backlash, these new ventures clearly have sound research to back up the need, as reported in this springwise.com article. My favorite factoid:
... a Gillette India study indicates [men] now spend an average of 20 minutes in the mirror each morning, higher than the 18-minute average for Indian women.
Clearly my morning speed shave needs to be phased out.
June 29, 2005
Straight Razor Primer
Here's a great article from Men's Essentials online about learning to shave with a straight razor. The tone is awesome. Shaving with a straight razor is an expression of your manliness. With lines like:
Absolutely nothing is more masculine than a shave tool that can take your head clean off. Straight razors practically drip testosterone from their unprotected blades.
and
...sharpen your razor with a leather strop. [...] To strop the blade, fix one end of the strop to some immovable object like a bedpost or mother-in-law...
you'll feel an uncontrollable urge to master the one blade. Engarde!
June 27, 2005
Heavy Duty Shaving Cream
We went to the Speed, Style, and Beauty: Cars from the Ralph Lauren Collection exhibit at the Boston Museaum of Fine Arts this weekend, which was really fantastic. While wandering through the gift shop I came upon this - Heavy Duty Industrial Strength Body Care Products. Check out the Jump Start Kit, (pictured here), which comes with hand cream, shower gel, body scrub, and shave cream, designed to look like auto accessories. Keep this in mind next time you need a gift. Would have made a great Fathers' Day present.
June 25, 2005
The Week in Review - News Around the Blogpire
Another Summer week passes and tons of cool articles around the Blogpire. Single Serve Coffee.com focused on reviews about Green Mountain K-Cups, Arabica Express Melitta One:One Pods, and a way to win a Keurig B50. Kitchen Contraptions.com was crazy about Egg Cookers, Rainbow Toasters, and of course more Soho Spice Racks. If you like Tennis, What's All the Racquet.com talked a bunch about racquet technology (what else do those guys do?), and Shaving Stuff.com covered a diamond encrusted razor made for David Beckham. Just The Chips.com covered the World Series of Poker and some cool new chips. TV Snob.com continued it's series on how HDTV is totally confusing and how the VCR is dead.
Continue reading: "The Week in Review - News Around the Blogpire"
June 24, 2005
Shave it like Beckham
Got the Friday afternoon doldrums? Click on over to the Gillette / David Beckham website and play some soccer... er... football. Rather than the ubiquitous and annoying progress bar, this Flash app lets you juggle a soccer ball while the real content is loading. Frankly, I found the game to be much more enjoyable than the rest of the site.
If you're wondering what the connection between Gillette and Beckham is, Beckham recently signed a three year deal with Gillette to promote its shaving products. As a signing bonus / Fathers' Day gift, Gillette gave Beckham a 4.5 carat diamond encrusted M3Power razor worth $50,000.
“I am really delighted with this razor,” said David Beckham. “To have an M3Power customized for me is amazing and for Gillette to give it to me for Father’s Day is a lovely gesture.”
Um, hello? Mr. Understated? If Gillette gave me a $50,000 diamond encrusted razor I would be all "Yeah boy! Check out my bling! Who's your daddy now? That's right!" Then I'd probably sell it on ebay.
June 23, 2005
Baxter of California's Razor Bump Repair
Here's a great product for men with sensitive skin. Baxter of California's Razor Bump Repair.
A unique blend of salicylic acid, an antiseptic and antibacterial agent, and witch hazel dramatically reduce inflammation, itching, and irritation. Soothing allantoin and aloe vera gel combat dryness; gently smoothing and renewing stressed skin.
Anything which gets rid of those unsightly razor bumps or ingrown hairs is a big plus in my book. Now where have I heard of Baxter's Razor Bump Repair before? Oh yeah. The Bec Cartwright issue of FHM. Mmm... FHM...
June 22, 2005
Weleda Shaving Cream Trial - almost free
Here's another shaving cream worth checking out if you're into all natural products - Weleda Shaving Cream, available in a 10ml trial size for only $2.50. Weleda describes their philosophy as follows:
Using pharmaceutical techniques combined with a spiritual approach, they formulated a truly innovative line of quality products based upon the study of relationships between the substances and processes of nature and the human being. By cultivating plants using organic and biodynamic methods, and harvesting them at their peak time, Weleda products retain the plant's inherent qualities and healing properties.
They've also got a whole line of shaving creams, gels, balms, and lotions, as well as a couple of travel kits if you're interested in the entire package. Check them out here
June 17, 2005
Schick Quattro Power Commercial
ShavingStuff.com has received an advanced copy of a commercial for the as yet unlaunched Schick Quattro Power. The ad, which takes place in a generic office cube farm, features several women wearing neck braces and suffering from whiplash. Seems the Schick Quattro Power gives a man such a remarkably close shave that whenever he walks by, BAM! Hope they've got health insurance.
The ad is actually quite cute and could be somewhat memorable. Doesn't strike me as the ad to launch a new product with, but a solid second phase ad once the announcement has been made. No news yet on the actual launch date of the latest power razor, but we'll keep you posted as soon as we know.
June 16, 2005
Fathers' Day Suggestion from the Art of Shaving
You're a few days away from Fathers' Day, and if you're not prepared, here's your go to gift - The Art of Shaving's Starter Kit. $38 gets your dad the pre-shave oil, shaving cream, the badger-fur shaving brush, and the after-shave balm. I've been reviewing their products now for the past week and have been genuinely impressed. The oil and shaving cream make your shave so smooth you can even shave against the grain.
Since it's a little late for shipments, I recommend picking up a box set at an old fashion brick and morter. Check out their store locator for the nearest location.
June 15, 2005
Gillette M3Power Nitro Chopper Auction
As we mentioned last week, Gillette is auctioning off a custom built motorcycle inspired by the design of the M3Power Nitro razor. Here's the link to the ebay action.
To benefit the National Prostate Cancer Coalition, The Gillette Company is providing you with a chance to own an exclusive, customized chopper created by Orange County Choppers, Inc., and recently featured on the Discovery Channel’s hit reality series, “American Chopper.”
Remember, all proceeds benefit the National Prostate Cancer Coalition, so you know it's going to a good cause. Last time I checked the current bid was a whopping $10,601.00. Serious bidders only please.
June 14, 2005
I've Got the Power!
Breaking News! Gillette's M3Power is about to get some competition. Schick is developing a powered version of their Quattro brand razor. No word yet on a release date, but I have little doubt it will come with an Energizer battery. What's the connection between shaving and battery companies anyway?
June 13, 2005
World Beard and Moustache Championships
You definitely want to be in Berlin, Germany on Saturday, October 1, 2005 for the World Beard and Moustache Championships.
Host for this event is the Berlin Beard Club, which is pulling out all of the stops to provide all contestants and spectators with an unforgettable experience and is hoping to set a new participant record.
Click on over to www.worldbeardchampionships.com and buy mugs, T-shirts, and hats. And don't miss the pictures from 2003's Championships held in Carson City, Nevada. The DVD "A Harmony of Curves" is waiting for you.
June 12, 2005
June 8, 2005
Gillette to Auction Off Motorcycle
Last month Gillette auctioned off a dream data with Carmen Electra to raise money for the National Prostate Cancer Coalition. This time around they're auctioning off one sweet ride.
The Gillette Company is offering one lucky person the opportunity to own the Gillette M3Power Nitro Chopper, a one-of-a-kind, custom-made motorcycle created by Orange County Choppers in celebration of Gillette's newest razor, M3Power Nitro. The design and fabrication of the chopper was chronicled on two episodes of Discovery Channel's hit series, "American Chopper."
The auction starts June 14th on ebay. We'll post the link once it's live.
June 7, 2005
Women's Shaving Cream Which Slows Hair Growth
Here's a product I really hope becomes available for men soon - a shaving cream which slows hair growth. I'd pay a handsome price to avoid carving up my face everyday. Gentle Shave Cream from Garden Botanika claims to do just that:
Protect legs from razor drag and burn with this comforting, pearlescent cream. Made with remarkable Chaparral Extract, a Southwest desert botanical that actually slows hair growth and also has anti-inflammatory properties to help soothe and calm irritated or sensitive skin.
June 6, 2005
Billy Idol Shaves His Balls
Just thought you'd like to know. In a recent Maxim interview, Billy dispensed this and several other gems to the Dear Abby crowd.
Q. My hair’s starting to thin on top. Should I shave my head, get a toupee, or go Rogaine?
—Pete Richardson, Seattle, WA
A. Shave your head so you don’t have to worry. I don’t think Rogaine works, and you’d have to get a full transplant or something. Shaving seems to work quite well. I shaved my balls—they were going gray, so I shaved them. It’s like steel wool down there!
Read more, and you know you want to, of the full length interview here.
June 5, 2005
Fathers' Day Shaving Gift Guide
Fathers' Day is less, that two weeks away, and there are more quality shaving gifts out there than you can shake a stick at. The good folks at eGentlemen.com have put together a list of shaving products for the sophisticated shaver.
Check them out at their Fathers' Day Gift Guide.
June 4, 2005
Jack Black
What does Hollywood's Jack Black, star of School of Rock and Tenacious D, shave with? I have no idea. But if he had a shaving product line I'd bet it would be this - Jack Black.
Jack Black is a line of high performance shaving, skin care, sun protection and grooming products designed exclusively for men. The unique combination of authentic ingredients and original technology offer men real solutions that go beyond soap and water. Nothing complicated, nothing cosmetic. Just superior products designed with guys in mind.
According to this MSNBC article the "On the Road Travel Pack" for $55 is the best deal. Fathers' Day is coming. Are you prepared?
June 3, 2005
Is It Cold In Here?
Ready to take shaving to the next level? Then you need a cryogenically tempered razor blade. No, it's not the razor prefered by Ted Williams, but a process which hardens the metal for a longer lasting blade. Wikipedia Time!
Cryogenic hardening is a heat treatment in which the material is cooled to cryogenic temperatures, usually using liquid nitrogen. It can have a profound effect on the mechanical properties of certain steels, provided their composition and prior heat treatment are such that they retain some austenite at room temperature. It is designed to increase the amount of martensite in the steel's crystal structure, increasing its strength and hardness, sometimes at the cost of toughness.
You can't touch this. And where might you find a cryogenically tempered razor blade? RazorMax.
All of the razors we sell on our site are tempered -300° F to improve strength and durability. We only carry the highest quality blades to ensure maximum performance. Our blade distributor has been in the Cryo business since 1996 tempering everything from vehicle engines to drill bits and now has moved into the shaving industry.
Read more at http://www.razormax.com/cryo_blades.html, and then buy some at RazorMax's online store.
June 2, 2005
Cromwell & Cruthers Shaving Oil - Product Reviews - HeadShaver.org
The guys over at HeadShaver.org have a rather good review of Cromwell & Cruthers Shaving oils. I currently don't shave my head, but I do use the Number 1 when getting a cut. Maybe I should go all the way for once?
Cromwell & Cruthers Shaving Oil - Product Reviews - HeadShaver.org:
The Xtra Sensitive version is almost entirely clear, while the Beard & Goatee Detailing version has a slightly darker colour. The Beard & Goatee version has a very light, pleasant scent, and the Xtra Sensitive version has almost no scent at all. Neither formula has that 'menthol tingle' that some other shaving oils have. If you don't like scented products, the Xtra Sensitive would probably be a better choice.
June 1, 2005
Maria Sharapova Shaving Tips
Hmmm...I would love to help her shave everyday. Diet, proper workout, and an all over body shave. Life couldn't be better.
The Spoof - Maria Sharapova Shaving Tips !:
“One thing I do for all my fans is to make sure that I give my body a good overall shave before each match. You know, we Russian girls have more than a little peach fuzz here and there to contend with. When we're not playing tennis for a couple months, we don't bother shaving every day."
Minister keeps hair-raising pledge by shaving head, face
I can only say that I wish I had this type of commitment. Wait - I have a shaved head and I like to shave. Maybe I do have this type of commitment!!? ;-)
Minister keeps hair-raising pledge by shaving head, face:
Between the congregation and friends on hand to see yesterday's "unveiling," as one congregant called it, the event was shaping up like a before-and-after TV make-over seen by a room full of admirers.
Mailing List
Subscribe - RSS
