My “personal belongings” are familiar to me but foreign to others. It may seem insignificant at first, but the thrill of personal belongings is found in sharing their meaning with others. Her belongings were exactly that. She had rejected the ordinary, in search for something that reflected her own unique taste. Maybe we could say that it was her singular freedom from society’s unspoken rules? Her leather wallet and her heavy watch went against all conventions, almost as much as her peculiar tone of voice. She was always discovering things that spoke to her preferences.
How far did this stubbornness, which only added to her charm, extend?
Perhaps we can find an exception in her bathroom, the most private space of all. The square, aqua scented soap and the simple toothbrush, as well as the thick towel hanging in the washroom, were all items that did not betray expectation. Swept up in anticipation, I focus my attention to the shower. I spotted bristly bath brush and, lined up side by side, bottles filled with her shampoo and body wash. But that hadn’t been what caught my attention.
What really drew me in was her razor, sitting on top of her bathroom counter, colored in orange. Something that you couldn’t quite have expected, and showed her unmistakable tastes. It was the epitome of her.
The reason why we ascribe meaning to razors is rather simple. Because we desire for all the moments we spend in life to reflect our sense of self. Shaving, to women as much as to men, is a time filled with meaning. During the busy hours of the morning, as we prepare for another day, and shave the coarse, overgrown hair that’s found it’s way above our skin, we create a time and place for ourselves that is precious to us. Our time grows more valuable and meaningful when we manage to find the right design to compliment our preferences, complete with the perfect force and style, two birds with one stone.
With that introduction, let’s take a look into the peculiar world of razors. The electric razor, commonly preferred due to its ease of use, falls behind the traditional blade razor in terms of cutting power. Not only that, but there are times when debating the purchase of an electric razor leads one to think that perhaps its shape and price are beyond justification. Nevertheless, one’s personal preferences are always respected.
The double edge razor, often dubbed the safety razor, is not the kind of blade you would trust to handle sensitive areas like your legs or underarms. The reason why the double edge razor is called the safety razor is easy to grasp if one knows the history behind the term, but may seem unreasonable to an unknowing audience. This razor, however, represents the most classic form of shaving. And, with a price set no higher than 200 won (20 cents) it can be praised as the most economic option.
Now that we've covered the electric razor, and the safety razor, the only weapon left in our arsenal is the manual razor. The manual razor's blades, which need frequent replacing, do have a tendency to create a burden on one’s wallet. But by taking one look at the award winning design and breathtaking German 5 blade artistry, one's heart can't help but to be captivated. The timelessness, modernity and economy of the manual razor makes it an object of desire and affection for many.
All three razors mentioned above come in a variety of buying options, such as color, style and size, which provide their own sense excitement to the process of picking one’s own unique item. Not only that, but each razor will need it's own stand or cradle, which brings a unique presence to the interior of one's bathroom. The razor is a tool that invites the excitement and potential of all five senses.
When one finds the perfect set, it's similar to the feeling of preparing a present for a special day. Moreso, the packaging that one razor's sits in presents it's own need for inspection and care.
If you’ve found the right razor, modern and colorful, complete with the right blade, it's now time to focus on shaving cream. Shaving cream plays the role of lubricant, protecting the sensitive layer of skin that is stimulated by the razor as it cuts down the unwanted hair. I'd like to recommend it as that perfect finishing item to any user that is looking to achieve the perfect shave. You may choose to find a shaving cream that matches your brand of razor, or you can aim to be more specific in your ingredients and scents. Whatever you decide, I advise you to choose the item that suits you best.
In the end, it's these little details that reveal so very strongly who we are as people. And it's my hope that the razor becomes a small but significant belonging to those of us who are worn down by everyday life's obsession with dichotomy.