Feb 17
Let’s be careful out there
I was always a big fan of the television series, Hill Street Blues. One of the oft-repeated lines in the show took place near the beginning of each episode, as Sgt. Phil Esterhaus (portrayed by Michael Conrad) was turning out his day-shift force. Every episode, he would utter the warning, "Let’s be careful out there."
I got to thinking about the incredibly sharp instruments we are using to shave with and how easy it can be to end up with some very serious cuts, if we’re not careful.
Everyone of us that has come to enjoy the experience of wet-shaving has discovered that the shaving soap or cream that we like best is one that provides good lubrication. That is what allows a razor to glide along our face. And the more slippery, the better.
But we need to bear in mind that it’s really easy to end up with all that well-lubricated lather on our hands. And then we’re picking up razors? 
Is this straight razor the kind of object you want to pick up with wet, soapy hands?!?
So I think it is time to remind everyone of the respect we must give our razors and razor blades. When we change out a blade in a double-edge razor, that old blade is still more than capable of slicing flesh to the bone. And if you’re like me, you have come to realize blood is best left inside, where it belongs.
Most shaving goods suppliers will have razor disposal banks available for a small amount of money. I have a nice metal bank that I got from Lee’s Safety Razors. A small metal box with a single slot let into the top, so blades can be dropped inside. Once inside, there’s no worry about anyone getting cut on a used blade.
There are other alternatives, in addition to these razor banks. For instance, I use an empty prescription bottle. I just drop in a used blade and when the bottle is full, I wrap a couple passes of duct tape around the bottle to secure the cap. Once again, there’s no worry about anyone getting a nasty slice. I’ve seen other gents cut a small slot in the side of a tin, so they can insert blades in the slot. Once the can gets full, a couple of swats with a hammer will close the slot and the tin can be disposed of.
For those with small children in the house, please, please, PLEASE make sure that blades and razors are placed well out of reach, preferably under lock and key.
Wet-shaving is meant to be a pleasurable experience. Trips to the hospital emergency room are definitely not pleasurable.
Let’s be careful out there.
