Thread: Converting disposable shavers to straight

Originally Posted by superfly

Hey, I like it, it is like the Manifesto of Straight Shavers

here's a slogan for you:
Shavers of all countries, UNITE.

Actually, I started writing a straight razor manifesto a year or so back. I'll have to see if I can find it in my files somewhere and finish it.

The whole issue of "quality and permanence" vs. "disposability and low cost" actually reflects a much greater question that goes to the very core of our economy. Since the advent of the industrial revoloution, the actual cost of goods has plummeted, in spite of inflation (for a great explanation of this, read "Your Money or Your Life" by the late Joe Dominguez). King Gillettes innovation wasn't that he invented a new way to shave, but that he invented a new way to make money. The razor was an afterthought. His goal was to invent something that could be used only once and would require replacement and he spent months trying to think of something people used every day that could be made "disposable". You don't have to look too hard to see how this concept has transformed everything around us. If you need an illustration, take a peek in any trash-can.

Originally Posted by joesixpack

The whole issue of "quality and permanence" vs. "disposability and low cost" actually reflects a much greater question

That's really not the issue here, since the disposable costs a lot more in a very short time. And it is permanent, a permanent drain.

Originally Posted by Joe Lerch

That's really not the issue here, since the disposable costs a lot more in a very short time. And it is permanent, a permanent drain.

My thoughts exactly. This is why I think we can get people to switch over with an investment of only $100 and that initial investment should last them quite some time. All they need after that would be occasional strop paste and the replacement shaving soap or cream. Depending on the kind of beard a guy has, he can easily spend $100 or more a year buying replacement heads for his disposable.

Originally Posted by mgraepel

My thoughts exactly. This is why I think we can get people to switch over with an investment of only $100 and that initial investment should last them quite some time. All they need after that would be occasional strop paste and the replacement shaving soap or cream. Depending on the kind of beard a guy has, he can easily spend $100 or more a year buying replacement heads for his disposable.

Oh, I agree it's more expensive in the long run ( and it doesn't even take that long), my point is that buying something that'll last has a higher up-front cost. Convincing the typical consumer of this is the goal of your CL ad (which, by the way, I havn't been able to find)