A Moment of Reflection

I'm not a new-experience kind of guy. For years (back in the days when I ate ice cream) I would go to the 31-flavors place and always get.... vanilla. When I went to a Chinese restaurant, I would always order sweet-and-sour chicken. Even as a much younger child, for a time my parents had a dinner routine where once each week we would go to this little one-off restaurant called The Flaming Pit. I don't know what that restaurant's specialty was (probably steak if they had a specialty), but I always ordered fried, breaded, butterflied shrimp. Always. Without fail.

Therefore it's no wonder that I don't especially seek out new "experiences" using various DE razors. I've found the razors I prefer, and I'm not much interested in sampling others of different makes, models, designs, or eras. Thank you very much.

Don't get me wrong, I'm certainly not implying there's anything wrong with liking variety. Hey, get your Superman ice cream this week, rocky road next, moose tracks after that, then.... whatever. Same with DE razors; have at it: vintage open combs, German adjustables, slants, one piece TTOs, etc. .... the sky's the limit. Just not for me. I've found my mamma-bear razor: not too gentle, not too aggressive, it's just right for me.

In the search for my razor, I'm pleased and proud that I figured out the design characteristics that helped me understand the DE instrument. In some small way -- though almost no one was listening -- I've also taken some of the trial and error out of finding the right razor; well, more accurately, I've potentially taken some of the trial and error out of the equation -- especially if more razor sellers would offer close-up photos of the razor head with blade installed and the camera aimed directly down the blade edge.

Anyway, as a consequence of my completed quest to find the right razor, accompanied by my remarkable lack of desire for razor variety, I have been finding it somewhat difficult to get all jacked up about more and different razor reviews. This is despite the fact that I'm sure there are many DE aficionados who still have an interest as they still seek their ideal razor or more variety in their razor choices.

So in that regard, I apologize. For the time being, I just can't do more razor analysis and trials; my thirst has been slaked. There are my old articles on various instruments that I've sampled, however, which can be perused in the archives of this blog.

Even the subject of blades has pretty much run its course through my brain pan. I'm just not sensing that there are interesting questions to be answered, not a lot of problems to be solved -- and I do like solving problems and finding answers to interesting questions; it may be something I do best -- even though my intuitive methods may not always satisfy some of the more strict and rigorous among you. That's okay; there are many ways to get through life: many methods, many paths. And I'm not even saying mine is the best way for everyone, but it works for me much of the time.

I have tried to convince the world of the grace and perhaps slightly higher consciousness in the way Grandad shaved. Frankly, however, I have probably been preaching to the choir; I've saved precious few from the dark side of the multi-bladed cartridge razor and canned shave lube. I've been equally unsuccessful in enlightening those stuck in the twilight of electric-razor shaves. Ah well, like I said, there are many ways to go through life, and also many ways to get a shave.

I do want to take this moment to thank my readers -- both the enthusiastic and the reluctant, those who think my writing is genius, and those who are sure that I'm a complete blockhead. I appreciate the fact that we've had a chance to share, discuss, disagree, and occasionally get our dander up a bit.

If this article sounds like a farewell piece, I don't believe that it is. I'm just offering a bit of perspective on how things look to me at this moment.

Here's what I know for sure: I'm going to do my best to enjoy my next shave. I wish the same for you.

Happy shaving!