(An Editorial) I took a big step this morning, at least a big one for me. I switched to an old fashioned double edged razor, the kind my dad used to use before Bic came out with their early disposable razors. I’ve used various types and styles of disposable type razors and cartridge blades all of my shaving life. I had found one that gave me a great shave, but was really bugged at spending $4 per cartridge, with the recommendation to replace it every week. Not a big deal, I spend more on other things that give me less value, but it bugged me. One day, while Googling, I came upon a shaving forum on the internet (yes, they do exist, and there are lots of them). I started reading about how many men were returning to the old-fashioned double edge razor with great results. (Think there is a point to this story yet?) After doing some online shopping and comparisons, I took the plunge. My new Edwin Jagger razor arrived yesterday, along with six months supply of blades (Oh, did I mention that the blades are around 50 cents?). Forget that the razor cost as much as I might spent in six months for my old cartridges, it was both value and experience that I was shooting for.
Those shaving forums warned me about how difficult the transition could be from modern cartridge razors back to double edge, so I was initially wary of trying it on a workday. My wife envisioned bloody spots of toilet paper all over my face. But it went well, not a nick or scratch and my first attempt was at least as close as with those disposables…
The decision making process took me a few weeks, as most decisions do. Over that time I checked out a few stores to see if they sold any of the new/old style razors, but there were none to be seen. Was it that they didn’t work as well? Unlikely, at least based on my first experience. It couldn’t be the cost, because replacement costs are quite minimal. I believe they disappeared because we, as consumers, were led to believe, through strong advertising, that old fashioned blades were just that; old fashioned. I think an entire generation never even saw such a razor as mine. I know I hadn’t seen one in 30 plus years. Marketing can strongly influence what we buy and what we believe.
When I first considered starting my own line of seminars, I had to ask myself if I really had something to offer that was different to what was being taught at that time. Eventually I realized that what I had to share was indeed unique and entirely worthwhile. There is a lot of marketing in the myofascial release world. Some teachers claim that only one “brand” is the best (theirs!), and that all others are somehow less effective or painful or “old style” or produce only temporary results. Sounds kind of like what Bic did many decades ago. And if we hear it enough, we start to believe it. But should we?
Foundations in Myofascial Release Seminars teaches a gentle approach to myofascial release that produces lasting results. It is not protocol driven and is extremely effective. Period. You can buy the expensive blade as I did for years. Is it really better? I know now that there are many individuals who teach myofascial release that is highly effective, gentle, and long lasting. There are a lot of double blade users out there. Just as I did when buying my razor blade, you need to look past the marketing hype.
For now,
Walt Fritz, PT
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