I just got my new Sharper Image catalog and for 29.99 I can get a magnetic holder for my disposable razor. They claim the specially aligned magnets will keep my razor sharp for a much longer time. Am I missing something? Does this mean that the magnets are supposed to force the molecules on the razor blade to fill in the nicks and create a tapered edge? This whole magnet thing seems ridiculous to me.
“On two occasions I have been asked by members of Parliament, `Pray, Mr. Babbage, if you put into the machine wrong figures, will the right answers come out?’ I am not able rightly to apprehend the kind of confusion of ideas that could provoke such a question.” – Charles Babbage
As it should, since it is.
As I recall, the last razor blade scam was a little pyramid that the blade was to be stored in to keep it sharp.
I guess I am somewhat bemused at the fact that here we are in the year 2000, using computers and all the other accoutrements of modern technology, and yet there are still those out there that believe that sort of crap.
I strongly suspect that the magnets have exactly the same effect as the other, older, fad dealing with sharper razor blades – keeping them in a little pyramid to focus the energy on them.
Almost certainly a phoney claim. Though if you’re like most people, you may notice a difference. Why? Because most people throw away razor blades while they’re still sharp. When I shaved regularly, I could use a blade for almost a month – no special treatment required.
In the old days, blades got dull after a few uses and people got in the habit of tossing them out every week. Once the better blades were developed, the blade manufacturers neglected to mention this, since they make more money on the sale of razor blades than they do on razors.
“East is east and west is west and if you take cranberries and stew them like applesauce they taste much more like prunes than rhubarb does.” – Marx
On the subject, but way off the question;
I used to use a double edge razor, and a friend advised me to store the blade immersed in WD-40. This was supposed to prevent the edge from becoming tarnished, making it stay sharp longer. It worked. I got out of the habit because I used an electric for a while, but now I use a Bic disposable. Think I’ll try it again. Of course newer blades are stainless steel, so maybe it won’t do any good. How about a magnetic vial of WD-40?
Anyway, does anyone else remember this trick?
Sorry, TSJ, for worming into your OP.
Peace,
mangeorge
Well, I know they sell a container that holds a liquid that is supposed to make the blade last longer. I’m sure it doesn’t make it any more sharp, it just slows the dulling effect from oxidation.
I shave daily in the shower with facial soap and hot water using a double-bladed Gillette Sensor disposable. Afterwards, I dry off the razor and store it in a cabinet outside of the bathroom proper, in order to reduce the exposure to moisture. Usually a razor will last me at least 2 weeks if not 3. I think the hot water and soap also help in that they work together to soften the hairs and therefore reduce the dulling of the blades.
[I used to use a double edge razor, and a friend advised me to store the blade immersed in WD-40. This ]
Don’t know, but I would not want to use something that could possibley cut me w/ wd40 on it. Just seems like common sense
If you mean, Alphagene, does hot rinsing remove all traces of the WD-40, then no, probably not.
More impoprtant, how did I get so many commas in that sentence?
Peace,
mangeorge
I’m saddened to hear that The Sharper Image is pedalling that kind of snake oil. My absolute favorite modern convenience is something my wife ordered out of their catalog: A vibrating Mach 3 razor. It gives me the easiest, closest shave I’ve ever gotten.
The Sharper Image (there’s that name again) used to sell showermirrors - they mount on the shower pipe and divert some water to defrost themselves. Very cool.
You’re the first person I know of who uses one of those. When I saw them advertised, all I could think of was the meat slicers you find in the deli. Ouch!
I don’t know, guys… I have a pretty coarse beard and shave everyday with (I had to go look) Gillette double blades on a heavy handle and I use 3-4 blades a year. And no, I’m not known as Scarface.
I’m also a shower shaver. I use (facial) soap and water, a double-blade Bic, and no mirror. I find the razors last a lot longer when I use them in the shower. I don’t know why. I don’t dry them off or anything other than rinse them out. My current theory is that 1) my beard is softer and 2) I rinse the blade more completely.
Speaking of magnets, my wife bought me a little hook designed specifically to hold a razor in the shower. It uses a suction cup rather than a magnet. Scientific tests have verified that the presence of the suction cup not only prolongs the life of the razor but actually reverses the effect of oxidation and wear and makes the blade sharper than when it was new! It even works with kitchen knives and leatherman tools. I put a rusty old pocket knife next to the suction cup and three days later it had turned into a brand new Ginsu knife!
For further information on this amazing discovery please send me $19.99 (plus $3.99 S&H) and I will teach you something about suckers!
I thought of a clever new sig line last night, but I forgot it when I woke up this morning.
