I went through a little frustration phase earlier this summer, with regard to my razors.  I have never been one to use an electric razor; well I guess I did when I was a teenager: I snuck into my parent's bathroom and used my dads (he didn't necessarily like that).  But in my adult life, I've generally used disposable razors, and for a while I was counting on these "Gillette Twin Track Twos."  I think that's what they were called.  They had these two nice little blades, with a curvature and handle that was kind of neat, and manly.  However the good looking outside did not measure up on the inside.  I would use them once, or maybe twice, and then they were so dull they would start to nick my face.  What a drag.  And shoot darn I had to put up with them for about two weeks, because I had purchased a 10 pack.  Maybe it was just the bag?  Maybe it had been sitting on a shelf at Target for two years?  I don't know.  But I can't see Target holding anything for very long.  Then in a rash moment I was passing through Walgreens and picked up their $1.49 pack of "5 +2 free Twin Blade Disposable Razors" (which really means 7, they just want you to feel like you're getting a great bargain, and it gives them an opportunity to add that bright neon yellow color, to the blue and white wrapping, which really sticks out and grabs your attention).  I actually haven't tried these yet, but I'm pretty sure they are el cheapo.  I'm just hoping that they're a little better than the Track Twos, and I can get at least three runs out of them.  But, I'm not counting on it.  In between the Gillette and Walgreens episodes, I ran across these "Schick Slim Twin, Regular, No Slip Rubber Grip," pack of 10 razors.  And you know what, the rubber grips are real nice.  They've got these little bumps on them, and are kind of sticky, so they really don't slip.  Plus, and most importantly, I'm getting almost a week or more out of some of them.  That's pretty darn good, considering I've got a hairy face.  I've also been doing a little experiment on my own with them.  I keep track, mentally, of the sharpness of the razors, when I use them daily versus using them after a day off (it's always nice to have a day off from shaving).  To my surprise, it seems that these razors do better and last a little longer, when I use them everyday, versus shaving with them after days off.  Maybe the fuller shadow takes a greater toll on the blades?  I can't prove that right now.  I'm gonna continue to evaluate the situation, and maybe let you know later, because I'm pretty sure that all of you are hanging on the edge of your seats.  Well I suppose I should come up with a moral to this story: ok, how's this: "dwelling on the cutting edge can be a real adventure, but if you're not  discerning, you may bleed."

Fr. Michael