This announcement wasn't a surprise to me.Ranger000 wrote: ↑Sat Mar 11, 2023 6:39 amDoc Dan wrote: ↑Wed Feb 22, 2023 8:44 amWhat? They closed in KCMO? I wonder why?JD Spydo wrote: ↑Wed Feb 22, 2023 8:01 amThe timing couldn't be better. With the ridiculous, outrageous costs of disposable razors and other shaving gear I've really been considering going full stride with a straight razor setup. I'm sure Mr. Glesser could put out a product that could compete heavily with any of the newer straight razors that are on the marketplace.
There is a chain of stores that sell shaving gear and we had one here in Kansas City called "The Art of Shaving" which would be a great dealer to hook up with. Not sure why they closed their doors here in KC because they did a lot of business in the swank shopping district known as the Country Club Plaza.
I do think the overall trend is heading back in that direction however. Because the 3 major companies who make and sell disposable razors must have profit margins similar to the outrageous Pharmaceutical companies because they most certainly price gouge in similar fashion.
Do you really wonder why ??!!
Procter & Gamble plans to close a large majority of the company’s 83 retail stores operated by the upscale Art of Shaving brand, citing a drastic decline in the popularity of some malls and changing consumer habits that include a growing preference for online shopping.
Their products are average at best, tremendously over rated and their prices are super high!
I am surprised it took this long!
I had visited several locations, including my local one and the flagship store in New York City and both were incredibly pushy (trying to get me to buy an incredibly overpriced Gillette Fusion cartridge handle versus the Merkur double-edge handle I wanted to buy), the environment felt too stuffy and the products were not priced competitively.
With that being said, back when it was open, I did get a shave at my local one and that was an incredible experience (albeit expensive), however, I would say to find a local barber who still provides this service (unfortunately, it seems to be a dying art) and give it a shot -- it's something that everyone who shaves should try once.
Regarding the Straight Razor, I'm looking forward to seeing where this project goes -- I've never used a straight razor (just a Dovo Shavette), but would love to see what Spyderco brings to the table. Most days I unfortunately don't have time to do a proper wet shave (reserved for the weekends), but I do still use my shavette for sideburns, and would love to replace that.