It Started With A Shave
(And A Cat)
I have always loved blades, ever since I was a young scout learning how to use them safely and skillfully. But it was not until a faulty electric shaver ruined my morning that I discovered a whole new world of possibilities. I embarked on a quest that led me to meet amazing people from different backgrounds who shared my passion. For us, shaving is not a boring chore, but an exciting adventure. We use traditional methods and tools to turn a daily routine into a thrilling experience.
Rummaging through my late father's travel kit, I stumbled upon a few razors, a worn brush, and a pack of blades. With an important interview looming, I turned to these relics, opting for Dad's Schick Injector and a can of shaving cream from the same drawer. It was a departure from my usual routine, and little did I know, it would set me on a path of exploration.
My cat, Mittens, joined me on this journey early on. He was fascinated by the fragrance of the soaps and wondered what I was doing. He started joining me for my morning shaves, taking his place in the right-hand sink and seemingly supervising me while I shaved. Soon, he would come if he heard me stropping my razor and would take his place. Shortly thereafter, the other cats, Buster and Noel, would also take turns watching me. I dubbed them my Safety Crew, and the Safety Cat adventure began.
Sadly, Mittens passed away several year ago, and Buster became too fat to get in the sink. Noel remains on the active roster as my safety team and comes to sit in the window nearby to maintain my safety.
From experimenting with better shave soaps and brushes to amassing a collection of razors spanning from the late 19th century to the turn of the 21st, my journey unfolded online, where I found camaraderie and knowledge over nearly a decade. This fascination led to regional and national gatherings, as well as the creation of video journals documenting my evolving hobby.
Now, these chronicles are compiled here for your enjoyment.