I think that most handles are fairly flimsy anyway, even on top-end razors. Their ony real purpose is to protect the blade when not in use and provide a bit of balance when shaving as you only really grip the shank and tang of the blade when in use.

My local drug store has the Clubman Bay Rum and Lilac, as well as the eponymous version, but all in plastic bottles.

Still, I think I will pick up the Bay Rum and the Lilac--they smell nice.

I'd say it would be a very nice gift indeed! They are, after all, very nice to look at as well as to use. If you get him a quality blade (and strop) there's no reason why it shouldn't last for many, many years. You could even get the blade personally engraved I imagine.

There is an entire forum dedicated to wet shaving, www.badgerandblade.com , and I'm sure if you ask a few questions there they would be most helpful.

I've got a Dovo 'Bismarck' razor and I've had no trouble at all.

I am just now returning to using a safety razor, after using the Mach3 for anumber of years - the blades are cheaper, and more fun to use... but you do have be a little more careful.

Only two days in - we'll see how it goes.

I've always wanted a straight razor, though.

The New York Times has an article on shaving with a straight razor.

"Painfully alive."

That article got it just about right, Mina. As I've said - I'm using a safety rather than straight razor, but you've still got to slow it down, and you have to concentrate. I used to use a safety, but many years ago - I had forgotten certain rules... like "go slow, and shave twice (once against the grain)", and "pay attention to what you are doing! (which is holding a very sharp shard of metal against your neck, first thing in the morning)" Also - I had forgotten this: A new blade will shred you unless you are very , very attentive. A blade with a little wear is much better.

All-in-all, I would say that shaving has come a long way - the Mach 3 is an improvement overall. But - BUT - shaving the old fashioned way is a much more serious, manly, and grown-up thing to do.

My whole day's perspective is very different now that I've switched (back). That kind of mortality-facing right away in the a.m. will do that to you.

UPDATE: I am sold on "GEM" blades. Superior safety blades, altogether, with a long-lasting edge.

Back in November, I gave up the self-denial and went from weekly short haircuts to shaving with electric clippers. I just shaved it without a clipper guard. A week or so ago, I went to the next level and started shaving my head with a razor. When I shave my face, I use a triple-blade disposable with a brush and shave soap. The brush on my head seemed silly, so I tried the shave gel I had in the medicine cabinet. Easier, but still missing something. I got a decent shave but not quite as nice as I was expecting. Anyone got any tips on product?

In the distant past when I shaved my head with a razor I just used Noxzema foam and a Mach3. I used to get a smoother shave on my head than on my face.

Thanks, LS.

I tried some really old Barbisol under the sink today with one of those old "hot lather" can warmer doo-dads. It worked better than the gel.