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Shaving Accessories
January 12, 2010
Titan Razor: All In One, but Why?
It has recently come to my attention that a disposable razor that also dispenses shaving cream is growing in popularity and has been picked up by both Target and Walgreens: the ShaveMate Titan and Diva (the women's version). I haven't actually used one of these, but after looking at it and trying to see what practical benefit it could possibly have, I came away feeling that while it's creative, it just doesn't make sense for most of us.
The Titan has a multiblade razor at the top, and the handle also serves as a shaving cream dispenser (the website says it has "real" shaving cream - I'm glad they didn't use fake shaving cream...). The company says that this feature gives you a week's worth of shaves with no "messy rusty rings on the counter" and also says it prevents the need for extra cans of shaving cream in showers or on crowded countertops.
OK, that may be true. It may cut down on the crowding factor, if you are pressed for space. And I can see a market for the traveler who forgot to pack his razor, or for active duty military, or for disaster relief, but I just don't see how this can be a useful product for most men.
For one thing, it's a disposable razor, and will need to be thrown out after a week or so, and the fact that the handle and shaving cream dispenser unit get thrown out as well makes me see this as extremely wasteful.
And I just have to wonder if the blades get dull before the cream is empty, or will the cream run out before the blades are dull? Either way, I could see the tendency to want to hang on to a razor just because it had shaving cream left inside that I could use, which means that I would then have two of these on my counter.
Another issue I have is that I imagine we'll see lots of these end up half used in airport and hotel trashcans, due to people not wanting to pack them, and I just don't see the upside to having more plastic trash. My personal preference, a DE safety razor, needs only one single blade to be replaced when it's dull, and that's one other reason I really like it.
The selling points for the Titan also include the S3 Flex-Neck 'technology', which is just a fancy name for saying that the razor flexes at the head to follow the contours of your face. My razor doesn't do that, but I still get a great shave, so I don't see the plus in this unless you're a lazy shaver.
Having said all that, I do think the Titan is a creative idea, but I just think it's more of a gimmick or an impulse travel purchase rather than a reliable razor for daily shaving.
"Two fully independent floating heads to provide a close shave that will leave you looking smooth and feeling great. The floating heads follow your facial contours for an extremely close shave. The inner blades are precisely angled, and the inner blades features a counter-directional movement which reduces vibration and offers quieter shaving. The wet/dry design of the Pro Curve means you can easily clean your shaver by simply rinsing it under running water. The wet/dry functionality also gives you the option of shaving wet with lather while in the shower in addition to dry shaving."
"Makes it easy for you to keep those embarrassing hairs in your nose and ear nice and trim. This trimmer uses a rotary blade cutting system that is fast and safe, eliminating the possibility of injury from using scissors. The ER421KC is a powerful trimmer that is perfect for use at home, but small enough to take on the road. The ER421KC Trimmer has a built-in light that provides a bright, focused light that eliminates shadows to ensure that you don't miss any stray and hidden hairs."
Maybe it's not facial hair grooming you need, but rather the hair on top of your head. Easily trim yours with the FORFEX Pro FX670 Professional Cord/Cordless Clipper, selling for only $125.82, down from the usual $299.00.
"Combines the technologies of the titanium/carbon comb and the ceramic cutter to reduce friction, allowing the powerful motor the freedom to cut thick hair without stalling, ensuring maximum clipper performance. German technology and craftsmanship since 1872."
A perfume company is now making fragrances available that are made with the DNA of dead celebrities such as Michael Jackson, Marylin Monroe, and Elvis:
"My DNA Fragrance, a perfume manufacturer of one-of-a-kind, unique exclusive fragrance custom formulated from your DNA genetic code recently inked a deal with John Reznikoff to analyze the hair of more than 100 deceased celebrities for the creation of the new Antiquity Fragrance Collection. Reznikoff's collection includes hair from some of the world's most loved celebrities and historical notables including Elvis, Marilyn Monroe, Einstein, Micheal Jackson and Katherine Hepburn."
New Shaving Product gets 300 Shaves from One Blade
According to the Ron Christensen Sr., inventor of Revolt Lubricating Liquid, by using the product on his razor, it allows him to get over 350 shaves from a single razor cartridge. That's a year's worth of shaves.
"It will basically get rid of the need of 95 percent of razor blades out there."
Get rid of 95% of razor blades? Just exactly how, mister?
Christensen is a mechanical engineer who got fed up with buying razor blades so often and began searching for ways to increase the life of the blades about six years ago. According to him, water left on the blades causes them to rust, which dulls them, and by keeping water off of the metal, he found that he could make the blades last much longer.
Christensen's solution is a blend of mineral oils and aloe and vitamin E which is used to store both razors and spare blades in. He recently received a US patent for his product.
Revolt Lubricating Liquid is available online, or if you're looking for a homemade solution, try using straight mineral oil to store your razor head.
I admit it. I don't have a shaving stand for my razor, and I am probably not going to go out and buy one. So unless someone wants to give me this stand or this one, I'm going to have to make my own. I started looking for instructions, and found this great tutorial from Instructables:
One of the most frustrating things about any sharpened implement is getting it back to a razor edge. From a pocketknife to a straight razor to an ax, a fine edge is the key to a close shave.
The best book I've found by far is the Razor Edge Book of Sharpening. This book features practical information in a straight forward way, and will have you sharpening every blade in your house like a pro.
"Universally recognized as "The Bible of The Cutting Edge", this book belongs in the library of anyone who is serious about sharpening. Written by Guinness world record holder John Juranitch, it contains all the knowledge and insights gained during his more than 40 years in the sharpening industry.
The 145 page book is crammed with photos, illustrations and cutting edge secrets you won't find anywhere else. Its 14 chapters cover topics like how to choose a knife, sharpening theories and applications, steeling, using a hone and much, much more. You'll get answers to the most asked questions. You'll learn the truth about common myths like why you should never use oil on a hone. And you'll get the insights necessary to put a great edge on knives, axes, fish hooks, arrowheads, chain saws and other tools.
It's a history, a handbook, a reference manual that is the simplest, most complete way to give yourself a razor edge on sharpening."
Here's a video clip of the author shaving with an ax. Yes, an ax.
Before you make an appointment with the hair restoration doctor, consider this: the HairMax LaserComb.
According to the manufacturer, it's "the only medical device that has been clinically proven to promote hair growth" and was named Time Magazine's "Invention of the Year".
I don't have experience with this device, so I can't tell you if it works or not, but I just had to share it with you... (and I wonder if they'll come out with one for men with thin beards)
"The HairMax LaserComb delivers the energizing and nourishing effects of Laser PhotoTherapy to make hair look healthy and vibrant. Light is energy. Living cells thrive in light and your hair is no different. The end result is that the appearance of your hair will improve and you will feel good about your hair again. With two decades of clinical experience, the results seen with the laser used in the LaserComb are both encouraging and impressive. Direct experience shows that, unlike other treatments, men and women of all ages respond to the positive benefits of Laser PhotoTherapy. It is no surprise that satisfied users range in age from 18 to their late 80s."
Has anyone used the HairMax? What do you think, miracle or waste of money?
"Norelco's New Speed-XL Jet Clean Shaving System combines a Cleaning and Charging System with the NEW Norelco Speed-XL Shaving Heads which have 3 rows of Blades and Slots and Holes, and covers 50% more shaving surface for a faster, smoother and closer shave! The Speed-XL Power System is Rechargeable Cord / Cordless. It can be used anywhere! This model has a 7 LED Display which displays battery level, battery low warning, cleaning indicator, shaving head replacement indicator. One hour full charge for up to 55 minutes of shave time -- over two weeks!"
"Gillette Fusion features a breakthrough 5 blade Shaving Surface technology on the front of the shaving cartridge. The blades are spaced 30 percent closer together than MACH3 blades. This creates a Shaving Surface that distributes the shaving force across the blades for significantly less irritation and more comfort. Includes an enhanced Indicator Lubrastrip infused with Vitamin E, Aloe and natural oils fades from blue to white, signaling when optimal shave conditions have been reduced. The Precision Trimmer blade, a single blade built into the back of the cartridge, allows men to easily trim sideburns, shave under the nose and shape facial hair."
"MANGROOMER's cutting-edge blade design enables extremely close results without the potential of ingrown hairs. Can be used wet or dry and cleans easily by rinsing with water."
"Introduced in 1957. Fragrance notes: lime oil, blended with rare oils from all over. Recommended use: casual."
Get an extra 30% off when you purchase two or more eligible BIC, HeadBlade, and Schick razors. Use the following promotional code when you check out: JULY9RAZ. Offer valid through July 31, 2009.
If you're always on the go and need to the ability to trim some stray hairs from your moustache, beard, ears, or nose, the Andis Easy Trim just might be the tool for you.
The company's new battery powered personal trimmer is built to be very portable, so you can spot-check for errant hairs and trim them on the fly. There's no need to be embarrassed on a date, at a business meeting, or when meeting a potential client - a quick check in the mirror and a pass with the Easy Trim will keep those hairs in check.
Easy Trim is just 4.5" long, so it slips into a travel bag, pocket, or purse, and runs on a single AA battery. It has recessed stainless steel blades, comes with two interchangeable heads, and is covered by a five year warranty.
"Easy Trim™ is about the size of a lipstick. It has a protective cap that covers the blades and is a lot safer than carrying a pair scissors, even small ones, especially when traveling." - Fred Koeller, VP of Marketing at Andis
The VIOlight Razor Sanitizer and Storage case is a new product from the makers of the VIOlight Toothbrush Sanitizer, which uses a UV light to kill up to 99.9% of germs on your toothbrush (I bet you didn't know how dirty a toothbrush could be...)
The Razor Sanitizer fits both men's and women's razors, including Gillette and Schick, and works automatically as soon as you close the door. The case is also a handy travel container, keeping your razor safe and clean, not bouncing around in your Dopp kit.
According to VIOlight, exposed razors can be a magnet for germs in the bathroom, including E. coli and salmonella. Not something you want to have on an exposed blade that you scrape over your face, eh?
The Solution Ultraviolet light "kills fungi like yeasts and molds; disease-causing bacteria like strep, salmonella, and E. coli; and even some hearty viruses like influenza and hepatitis."
The UV light inside the VIOlight Razor case turns on when you close the door, has an auto-off function after 6 minutes, so your batteries aren't wasted, and the case has a removable drip tray for cleaning.
If you're a very clean kind of guy, not willing to chance infecting a cut on your face with your razor, check out the VIOlight Razor Sanitizer.
I just got to try out a cool new product from ShavWet, the Fogless Portable Shower Shaving Mirror, and I was impressed. I don't normally shave in the shower, I wait until after I get out, but I thought I'd give it a whirl this time.
The mirror has easy to grip edges, plus a big handle, so you won't drop it. I liked the shape. It felt good in my hand. The size is perfect for traveling, and with the molded plastic frame, I don't think you'll break this one easily.
The ShavWet also comes with a long lanyard for hanging it up, plus a quick-release buckle. I thought the clarity of the mirror was excellent, and it did not fog up, as advertised. The fact that you can focus the mirror exactly where you want it is also a big plus over wall-mounted shaving mirrors.
The one thing that I might add to the design (if anyone's asking) is a light (an LED or something small). I found that in my shower, the light was really poor, so that I took twice as long to shave. That might not be a problem for most, but my house is old and the lighting is not so hot.
If you're looking for a great wet shaving mirror for everyday use, then I recommend the ShavWet. If you're looking for a shaving mirror that fits in your travel kit, then I again recommend the ShavWet. It comes in yellow, black, or blue, and includes a bottle of the ShavWet mirror conditioner and a sample of their 'Ultimate ShavWet Cream'.
A while back we received for testing the Razor Mate, a device which restores your razor blades to new using magnets. Simply place your disposable razor/cartridge on top of the Razor Mate, and the blades are pulled back into correct shape by the strategically placed magnets within. Seems simple enough, and somewhat dubious. Could something as simple as magnets really make your razor last 20 times longer?
Short answer: I'm not sure.
My first razor definitely lasted twice as long as normal. Not a 4x improvement as the FAQ claims, but something I'd happily take given the exorbitant price of Fusion blades. Alas, the second razor didn't fare as well. Lasted about as long as it normally does.
I really wish I had access to one of those electron scanning microscopes that they used in this Fox News report to debunk a similar device which purported to extend the life of your blades. That way I'd know for sure. Here's what I should have done: alternate shaving between two blades. One always rests on the Razor Mate; the other doesn't. Keep all other variables (shaving cream, shaving oil) constant. Instead I reverted to my seven years old self and simply took the Razor Mate apart.
Which wasn't easy.
The Razor Mate is made of two plastic sections which are glued together. I nearly took my finger off opening the back. Do not try this at home.
But there were the magnets. And to my surprise, they were on a diagonal. Bizarre! I took a little physics in high school but not enough to explain this. Maybe some master of the right-hand rule out on the Interwebs can explain to me how this might work. The razor lays horizontally in the divot on top. The magnet is rotated 45 degrees. If I only had a bag of iron filings...
So I did the next best thing - I compared the strength of the Razor Mate magnets to my son's alphabet magnets on our kitchen refrigerator. Conclusion: the magnet in the letter W is stronger than the magnet in the Razor Mate.
So what does this all mean? I wish I could say conclusively. If I had devised a better scientific test I might have been able to tell you something meaningful. Instead I'm left with inconclusive anecdotal evidence. I fear I have failed you, my dear reader.
The Razor Mate is $19.99 and comes with a "100% Money Back Satisfaction Guarantee". Write in and let us know your experience with this device.
You may remember that back in December we got one these newfangled Razor Mates in for testing. A device which uses magnets to restore razors back to new? Please. Only NASA could do something like that.
Oh... the guy who invented it worked at NASA? Huh... Maybe we should check it out.
At first I was skeptical - a little box you set on your bathroom counter that sharpens your razor blade with magnets. But after reading the concept about how a blade's edge actually contorts after use, and how the magnets simply pull it back into place keeping the blade sharp, it started sounding logical. But too good to be true? I wanted it to work, after all. I hate paying $20 for a pack of razors, using them a few times, then tossing them in the trash. It makes me feel so wasteful and very "ungreen". So I gave the Razor Mate a go, and I'm so glad I did.
Click on over for her full review. Check back here soon for ours. Or head on over to SaveOnRazors.com to pick one up for yourself for $19.99.
Oh Slick! Say Hello To John Allan's Pre-Shave Slickwater
It's a new year, and it's time for a new product. Hot off the presses comes word of the latest addition to John Allan's stable of men's grooming products. It's Slickwater pre-shave solution, and it's ready to take your shave to the next level.
This revolutionary pre-shave creates a slick surface for the blade to glide over, reducing cuts, nicks and shaving irritation. Slickwater preps and conditions the skin without clogging pores and is specially formulated to lift the follicles for an even closer shave. Tea tree oil provides soothing relief to dry or irritated skin, and oat extract helps to reduce potential redness and irritation due to shaving.
Regular readers will know that we're big fans of John Allan. You can check out our many reviews of his products here, and in particular our review of John Allan's Shave Cream. Could Slickwater make the shave even better? Thankfully we're expecting a shipment of Mr. Slick in the mail very soon. Review to follow.
Titan Razor: All In One, but Why?
It has recently come to my attention that a disposable razor that also dispenses shaving cream is growing in popularity and has been picked up by both Target and Walgreens: the 
So you didn't get everything you wanted from Santa this year? Right now there are some great deals to be had on shaving stuff - as much as 50% off!
File this under: What. The. Hell.
According to the Ron Christensen Sr., inventor of Revolt Lubricating Liquid, by using the product on his razor, it allows him to get over 350 shaves from a single razor cartridge. That's a year's worth of shaves. 
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