Florid Description for Plain Old Talcum for Men

I ran across this Boing Boing article while doing some product research for the store. It's a tad old (in web terms, alright, from last year) but short, sweet and guaranteed to make you laugh, or at least smile (some people are harder to crack than others). It refers to Bálla Powder's unusual branding of their talcum product into a wondrous testicle talc concoction. Make sure you read some of the comments too.

I still couldn't figure out what getting a "bat wing" means, but if a little well applied talc will fend it off, count me in. It's a time-honored concept, and it's by no means the practice of it that is funny, but just somehow the product description here, which was apparently dreamed up by Bálla Powder's marketing team to make and old product new again. Amazon didn't shy away from using this description, but other vendors use cleaned-up versions or more vague descriptions. Afraid of scaring off the faint of heart? Maybe.

P.S. Found the explanation for the bat wing syndrome: scrotum-leg adherence syndrome.

Bronnley: Traditionally-Made Grooming with a History

A new brand to the Fendrihan Shaving Store, but an old one to the world of wet-shaving . A paragon of the English grooming tradition. Their line of fine colognes, aftershaves and shaving creams can be found here.

James Bronnley was 19 when he founded H Bronnley & Co in 1884 after studying perfumery and the traditional art of soap making in Paris. Using only the finest natural ingredients sourced from around the world soon earned him an enviable reputation. His traditional methods and recipes continue to be upheld in the heart of the English countryside with this fine line of handmade superior quality soaps and toiletries.

Back by Popular Demand: the Blade Giveaway

There's another edition of the Blade Giveaway at the Fendrihan Shaving Shop. Starting midnight EST (that's roughly two hours after this post goes live) we're giving away a free blade sampler with each double-edge razor purchase. Eleven days only, it ends October 30, 2009.

Are fairer prices on multi-bladers on the horizon?

Katharine McPhee Unveils the Gillette Fusion Power Phantom Razor

British retailer Asda is slashing up to 40% off the prices of Gillette replacement cartridges lines Fusion, Mach 3 and Mach 3 Turbo. From roughly $16 a pack, Asda sells these now for the equivalent of $10.

The Mail Online article raises interesting questions about how a product that costs about 10 cents to produce ends up with a 4,000% markup, making this category one of the most shoplifted ones at the stores (you have heard the stories about secret cameras hidden behind the Gillette display, haven't you?). There seem to be a long line of suspects, from endorsing sport celebs such as Tiger Woods, a possible worldwide retailer cartel, and the manufacturers themselves. To what Gillette seems to reply "Us? It's the retailer who sets the prices!"

Other British retailers are expected to follow in the footsteps of Asda, and let's keep an eye open to see if the movement makes ripples this side of the pond.

Via Wet Shavers Blog

Safety Razors at the Fendrihan Shaving Store

Leather Straps for Watches

From time to time I indulge myself in a very slight obsessive compulsive behavior. No need to worry, the object of my short lived obsessions are superficial, mostly vanity items. One by one, my interests in mechanical watches, sunglasses, modern violins, double edge razor blades or fountain pens, all come and go. My latest meaningless area of interest is watch straps. For the past several days, I've researched the subject a little, and I would like to share my discoveries with you. Firstly, I discovered that the field of custom, hand made watch strap is as populated as the wet-shaving one. Secondly, as with wet-shaving, people are willing to spend significant amounts of money on a small non-essential item. So, without any further delay here are some excellent sources for some great watch straps:

• Europelli

They have some wonderfully looking cordovan leather straps. Never tried them or seen them in person (remember, my obsessions are short-lived) but their straps look killer in pictures and the person who runs the business seems to have a great reputation on Timezone and Paneristi, two very influential watch forums (they are like the Oprah of high end watches, the latter one dedicated to Panerai watches).

• Panatime

Great straps at great prices; and the guy who runs it is very good at marketing as well.

• Don's Straps

He's based in Canada, for the patriotic Canucks who want to put their money where they mouth is. Don seems to have a great reputation on both Timezone and Paneristi, and he's an active member on both forums. His prices are great as well; so, who knows, maybe when I buy my new watch, probably a MarineMaster, I'll contact him for some advice.

• Freda Watch Straps

Don't know much about them, except for the fact that people on Watchuseek seem to like them.

You can also find some high end factory straps (Di-Modell and Hirsch) on their web-site.

• Strapculture

Great straps, especially for Panerai. They are based in Hong Kong, and like the above members, they have a great reputation.

I'm sure, there are more great strap makers that I missed. However, if you have an interest in a new watch strap, here you have a good starting point (actually several of them). Also, for a far more complete list check this thread on Watchuseek.

Straight Razor Section Repopulated

There's plenty of new straight razors by Dovo over at the Shaving Store. Just a heads-up.

Semogue Hand-Made Shaving Brushes

Semogue is a family operated business with a tradition of brush-making passed on from father to son for generations. The brush master is at the head of the business and ensures that the highest standards are upheld in the brush-making process.

You can now find an assortment of these fine Portuguese shaving brushes at the Fendrihan Shaving Store. Classic-styled handles in oak wood, painted wood and Plexiglas, natural bristles from boar and high quality badger hair.

Mont St-Michel Traditional Colognes

A range of colognes that's one of France's hidden gems. Made in the traditional way with natural scents, Eau de Cologne Mont St-Michel has gained an enviable reputation over time, since its inception in 1920.

Now stocking these fine French colognes at the Fendrihan Shaving Shop.

Ingram Cooling Shaving Cream

Added to the Fendrihan Shaving Store: Ingram's quality preparation, introduced in 1932, and endorsed by no other than Babe Ruth.

Ingram Quality Lather Shave is a mentholated, ultra-lubricating, classic shaving cream produced in the UK.