RetroRazor and Finished Lines Barbershop were featured by Jesse Jones and Dino Delarosa for King5 Television’s Get Jesse spot on Friday, April 3rd.
The RetroRazor and the Straight Razor (wielded by Gino Reyes, owner of Finished Lines) were pitted against each other in a shave off. The faces of Orion Baker and Ben Gomes were the playing field; It was a close match – watch the video for the outcome:
RetroRazor vs. Straight Razor
RetroRazor: Faster, cheaper, convenient, darn close shave
Barber Straight: Slightly closer shave, community, perfect for special occasions
RetroRazor wins by a hair!
A couple of weeks ago, my publisher tossed a small package on my desk with a verbal message that went something like this: “They sent this to me by mistake.” Huh, I wondered as I took a look at what was inside the plain brown wrapper. To my surprise, the package contained an old-fashioned safety razor called the RetroRazor. Cool as a slab of South Dakota granite, I resisted the urge to race off to the men’s room to see if my beard looked particularly gnarly that day. Within an hour or so, I was able to quell the sick-to-my-stomach feeling that the big-boss might be telling me that he would prefer the fuzz off my face. Luckily, I remembered that I have never met anyone more direct and to the point than the captain of our ship. That’s when I decided to investigate this cool little shaver a little more thoroughly.
The RetroRazor is a lot like the device my dad used to hack his face to pieces every morning when I was a kid. Of course it was that he was so stingy with new razor blades that dad so often had those little bits of tissue stuck to his face when he headed out the door to work. I was as impressionable as the next youngster, so when it came time for me to shave – I mean really time – I chose a straight razor with strop. Heck, if the outlaw Josie Wales could shave with a straight razor, so could I. As luck would have it, I managed to avoid seriously injuring myself with the straight razor. I nicked my lip once pretty badly trying to trim-up my dripping-off-the-sides of-my-chin Wyatt Earp moustache, however. It was about then that I decided to enter the high-tech razor world; I’ve been looking for a simple, multi-bladed, fancy-named, tool that I could afford to use ever since.
Well, I believe that I have indeed found just the right razor. Actually my publisher found it and passed it on to me. The RetroRazor is a metalworking piece of art. It is fun to hold, it is beautiful to look at, there are no plastic buttons or snaps or levers to break off, and it uses regular old double-sided razor blades that are inexpensive and readily available. I used the RetroRazor to trim up my beard and shave my cheeks and neck over the weekend and it performed wonderfully. Not only did the RetroRazor work, but it worked better than my triple-bladed wonder with the super-expensive, proprietary blades. I am happy to report that my face, neck and Adam’s apple failed to shed any blood while receiving a close shave with the RetroRazor. This cool old-style shaver is now my all time favorite – so much so that I tossed all the fancy razors in the trash.
I still brood that our publisher was sending me a message when he dropped the RetroRazor on my desk. I suspect he was just being nice. In any case, I am tickled that he turned me on to the RetroRazor – it is the only shaver that, in my book, makes the cut.
Hank Will III is the editor of Grit Magazine.
GRIT is a bi-monthly magazine distributed throughout the United States and Canada that celebrates country lifestyles of all kinds, while emphasizing the importance of community and stewardship. As North America’s premier rural lifestyle title, GRIT publishes feature-length articles on a broad range of topics that appeal to those already living in the country and those who aspire to get there. Our readers are well-educated, successful and choose to live on the land for many reasons. Most do not depend on their soil for significant income – some choose not to work their land (in the conventional sense) at all. But all share an appreciation for life out where the pavement ends.
GRIT offers practical advice, product reviews, livestock guides, gardening, cooking and other do-it-yourself information, humor and the inspirational stories of folks who moved to the country and love it. Each issue covers topics related to country living, land management, wildlife, gardening, livestock or pets, skills and techniques, seasonal food, community, machinery or tools, and lifestyle events.
“I got this last week and I just LOVE IT! I used to shave twice a week with a 5 bladed razor and had tried 3 and 4 bladed razors in the past and it was a chore…only a little better than having stubble. With the Weishi, it’s a real joy to shave. It took a little getting used to but it was so worth it. After 4 shaves, I had not nicked myself once and my face was baby smooth! Now I look forward to shaving!!!”
I have always hated to shave. I mean it’s tedious and often causes cuts and nicks (how very unladylike). And yet, being from a family where women are still women, I wouldn’t dare walk out that door showing hair that was not on my head.
I have tried every razor under the sun (and waxing to boot). Shaving has always brought on horrifying cases of razor burn. I even ended up spending an afternoon soaking my legs in freezing water to bring down the swelling before a night out. I turned to waxing. It was a great alternative until I got my credit card bill. Unwilling (and unable) to spend that much on beauty, I stumbled upon the RetroRazor.
The RetroRazor means I can shave, without razor burn, with very little monetary expense to myself. My legs are just as smooth as waxing, but without the painful ripping and the even more painful bill. Whoever says this is a man’s razor, has not met my legs. I recommend RetroRazor to every lady looking for the smoothness of a wax, without the pain and financial burden.
Every day, we get emails and comments about RetroRazor products and services; we strive to make every interaction and experience top-notch.
” I love the razor. Unfortunately, I now spend my time looking for new creams, balms, lotions, etc for my new addiction…I can’t believe the change already. The chronic bumps and irritations have all but disappeared!” Jed J. Local Buyer from Vashon, Washington
5 out of 5: “In our world it seems to be go go go! With this beauty I take my time and enjoy the shaving process again. The razor is well balanced and the blades are very forgiving. Have also tried the Derby and the Feather blades with my Weishi with great success. Excellent value and quality. ”
Reviewed by Meridith, Seattle
5 out of 5: “Excellent product and excellent bargain.”
Rated by Buyer: stardreamers
5 out of 5: “I have never tried a safety razor before, but after purchasing this retro razor, I have to say that I will never go back to disposable or electric razors ever again. This razor gives you a shave the Sweeney Todd would be proud of. Use it in combination with Bay Rum shaving soap and it is a truly excellent shaving experience. This razor gives you the closest shave you’ll every know.”
Rated by Buyer: Greg G.
“What a relief to find that the traditional double-blade razor and blades are still around. I get an even better shave with this razor than I did with the modern contraptions. I might be classified as a shaving geek, but this system has restored to me the pleasure of the daily shaving routine. I also recommend getting a mug, brush, and shaving soap to complete the traditional experience.”
G Newman
4 out of 5: “Item had odd translations on the box “needlessly load and unload shaver” which I very much enjoyed. And “inimitable rotating handle” I had never used the word inimitable. The razor works well, and will save me many dollars over buying disposable razor blade cartridges. I love the translations!”
Rated by Buyer: Connie N.
5 out of 5: “Great customer service. Even included an extra items as a special even though the special had expired! Excellent seller!” Rated by Buyer: bronco_mike
“I just bought this one after reading about wet shaving in ReadyMade Magazine. In addition i bought a shaving brush and a shaving soap bar from Herban Cowboy. I just got the best shave of my life. It’s so gentle and i had NO razor burns for the first time in my life! I can’t believe that Gilette has a total hold on the market with those useless triple blades. Old school wet shaving is the way to go! ”
P. Bratset
5 out of 5: “Fast shipping excellent product with the best price!”
Rated by Buyer: Alvin G.
5 out of 5: “The shipping of my razor was really fast and it was just standard shipping. It arrived in perfect condition and I got a really nice letter thanking me for my business. I will do business with RetroRazor in the future for sure. These guys are great!”
Rated by Buyer: David A.
5 out of 5: “First time I’ve ever had a hand-written note of thanks on an invoice. Will buy from again”
Rated by Buyer: Anthony L.
And here are more:
Amazon Seller Reviews
RetroRazor Reviews
