In my seventh-grade year, an unusual scene began to unfold as I stood before the mirror with duct tape securely fastened to my lips. This was no kidnapping or practical joke. No, this was far more brilliant. I had convinced myself that this was the manly approach to embarking on my first-ever shave. Filled with excitement, I anticipated emerging from the washroom with a brand new face, and in retrospect, I wasn’t entirely mistaken. This was it — the moment of my inaugural shave. I took a deep breath and made my move. It was a rip heard ‘round the world! I can confidently say that I have never experienced such excruciating pain, and I truly hope to never again reach such heights of misguided ingenuity.

Fast-forward four years to the present, where I now find myself at 16 years of age, having left behind the sophisticated tape-and-scissors contraption. I have acquired a proper razor blade, and with it, the un-bandaged, smooth face of a now-changed youth.

Shaving has become a transformative experience for me — a gateway from a sleep-deprived, bewildered teenager to a well-groomed, accomplished gentleman. While the act itself may seem trivial, it is the first of many rituals that contribute to a man’s self-cultivation. I have noticed that nearly every achievement I have pursued in my life — be it business ventures, academic scholarship, or personal growth — has required a physical affirmation of my intent, much like how making one’s bed is associated with a productive day. For me, shaving is one of the primary physical rituals that motivate the transformation of my goals into reality. It forms an integral part of my morning routine, instilling in me a sense of control, and setting the tone for the day ahead. As I engage in this ritual, I subconsciously remind myself of the following truths:

The ability to shape the appearance of my face empowers me to shape the course of my day.

A clean face is synonymous with a clean slate, projecting an image of purpose and professionalism to those with whom I interact in any fruitful endeavor.

Achieving a clean shave enhances my confidence and overall well-groomed appearance.

The million-dollar question, then, is how does one ensure a “good clean shave”? I firmly believe that the answer lies in selecting the right razor. A suitable razor not only enables a faster and more thorough shave, but also accommodates those moments when I desire a leisurely grooming session. These longer shaves provide me with valuable time to contemplate the day’s tasks and, at times, allow for a cathartic experience as I silently observe my newly sculpted visage. The versatility offered by a high-quality blade, therefore, lies in its ability to efficiently cater to both productive and meditative shaving sessions, underscoring the broader significance of shaving in my life.

However, do not simply take my word for it! Outside of my scientific and business interests, I have developed a fascination with studying the Classics. Surprisingly, the works of great ancient figures such as Alexander the Great and Julius Caesar contain a significant and often humorous emphasis on the benefits of shaving. In those times, a beard was regarded as a liability — a mere tool for enemy soldiers to exploit by giving it a well-aimed tug on the battlefield. No doubt the people of that age were assured of the importance of shaving in their lives! While we may chuckle at these anecdotes, throughout history, men have found compelling reasons to shave, be it for practicality, adherence to cultural norms, or even gaining strategic advantages in business and war fields. Regardless, while the motivations for shaving may differ from person to person and across cultures, the significance and impact of this grooming ritual have persisted. I suppose I could sum it up like this: give a man a new blade, and he’ll come out of the washroom a new man, and if not a new man, at least certainly better than if he had walked out with a roll of duct tape.