Disposable shaver or old-fashion shaves

Disposable shaver or old-fashion shaves

One of the most difficult products to find outside the supermarket is the disposable razor.

This can be understood, its growth is closely linked to that of plastic and hypermarket.

BIC and Gillette were the first to market in 1975 a disposable handle-blade assembly while France had only 284 hypermarkets and discovered the plastic industry.

Four decades later, the disposable razor has become the hallmark of the bathroom! ... And our garbage cans.

BIC, market leader in volume, sold in 2016 nearly 2.6 billion disposable razors in the world.

Adding in this sector the sales volumes of the main players in the BIC market, Gillette, Wilkinson and some private labels, we reach a figure of 8.2 billion units sold per year worldwide, that’s 22.5 million disposable razors every day on the planet.

But what is a disposable razor?

To put it simply, a plastic handle, a plastic head, 1 to 5 steel blades, and a protective cover.

  

Then, depending on the model, a lubricating strip, protective covers, a swivel head, and non-slip rubbers will be added. Range entry products will in fact have a majority of plastic for an average life of 6 shaves. Remember that plastic only recycles up to 20%.

What do we do next?

We simply throw it! Or, in the best case, we eject the blade set for rechargeable models. Have we thought about recycling?

Yes but in vain.

BIC notably proposed two ecological attempts in 2009 before abandoning them two years later because of lack of public support (it is assumed that the failure of the reprocessing circuit was too complex and the price was too high).

What quantity of waste?

A small approximate calculation brings us to an annual mass of discarded razors of 73,800 tons , the equivalent of the weight of a cruise ship - just that!

This can be compounded by counting the plastic bags that surround the batches of razors or rechargeable blades.

And the worst part of all this

The shaving foam that accompanies it supposed to accelerate the action and soothe the skin.

Take the time to look at his composition, it's instructive. You will find butane and propane in the formula (ideal for propelling the foam). You will also notice palm oil (palmitic acid) and if you are "lucky" parabens ... Foam that you will obviously throw in a month when there will be no more gas.

The electric razor

This may be a solution however the cut is less clear and you will depend on an electrical outlet.

The cabbage cutter

Real zero-waste razor that requires some dexterity to avoid scarring

The safety razor

My favorite choice that has recently plunged me into the world of traditional shaving

 

This razor reminds me of good memories, it was the one used by my grandfather when I was eight years old. It combines security, economy, efficiency and ecology. Some even find it elegant or even "trendy".

Where to buy it?

Personally, I bought it in Lyon in a specialized shop “Shaving Razor" near Place Alverstone Road London.

The seller made me test several models. I opted for a razor butterfly opening with a striated nickel handle. Class and easy to use.

Tips for use and first reactions...

The badger must first be prepared by allowing it to soak for a few minutes in a cup of hot water. It can also moisten the skin of the face with hot water to facilitate the cutting of the hair.

You must then lather the soap, either in a bowl, or directly on your skin by doing circular movements with the badger.

After shave comes, always in two passages:

The first in the direction of the hair, the second to turn hair or across, do not forget to apply foam between the two passages.

I invite you to start with the paws, then the cheeks, then the neck and finish with the mustaches and the chin (the most difficult part with the Adam's apple). To increase the effectiveness of the shave, it is necessary to stretch the skin with the other hand or by swelling the cheeks.

The razor is much heavier than a disposable razor; it is "put" on the skin, we do not support otherwise stop at the cut. It is inclined by about 30 ° and several translational movements of 2 to 3 cm are made. It is allowed to slide on the foam. For my part, I make a first pass on a cutting edge of the blade and the second on the other edge.

The gesture is ultimately different, more meticulous, more precise ... more relaxed.

Unlike a modern disposable shave that can run hastily, the traditional shave will take a few minutes but you will taste.

Indeed, if you follow the steps and act with serenity, you will not cut yourself. You will ultimately have a smooth and soft skin like you've never had.

Initially, I invite you to shave at night to train. If you make some micro-cuts, I advise you to apply a little Aloe Vera gel, it's amazing! The bleeding will stop immediately. You can also spread slightly after each shave; it will complete the finish by moisturizing the skin.

Finally, economically and ecologically

The blades are made of stainless steel and are recyclable (we throw here only the blade, not the head, hence the interest). They cost on average 60 cents per unit and can last up to five shaves.

Thus, with a box of 10 blades at 6-7 euro’s, you will easily hold two months.

The shaving soap costs between 6 and 22 € and is consumed after 6 months. Depending on the size of the latter and the frequency of shaving, it is possible to maintain it for a year.

My wallet and my trash thank me greatly.

Moreover, since I started this type of shave, I do not want to go back; I discovered a kind of art there.

To you to try!

Your contributions will be welcome.

Published BY RealWebIdea