Merkur 34C HD – a most resplendent razor

In which G.M. Norton cuts straight to the point and recommends his favourite safety razor.

For gentlemen searching for the perfect shave, the straight (or cut-throat) razor is undoubtedly the best option available. Especially if you’re looking to introduce a touch of danger into your morning routine. 

The wand chooses the wizard, Mr. Potter

However, for the vast majority of traditional wet shavers who don’t want to bother with the strops, stones and scales of straights, the double-edged safety razor is the preferred weapon of choice.

All the fun of the (vintage) fair

In which G.M. Norton shares his experience of being the Finder of the Fair.

On the second Sunday of every month, a rather splendid event takes place in Stockport, in the town’s lovely Victorian covered market hall – The Vintage Village.

The Vintage Village is a pop-up fair boasting stalls offering quality authentic vintage goodies all under one roof.   

Each month, they ask somebody to act as the guest curator and select their favourite treasures from those available for purchase from the mix of vintage vendors. Thanks to the power of Twitter where an appeal was issued for a chap to be February’s Finder, I was kindly nominated for the honour by Old Fashioned Susie and Gent Cyclist.

The rules of romance (Jane Austen-style)

In which G.M. Norton explores the romantic rules of two hundred years ago with a little help from a literary great.

I currently have my pomade-covered head submerged in a Jane Austen novel. Pride and Prejudice to be precise. It was first published in January 1813, making it an incredible two hundred years old.

I must confess to knowing very little about the story until recently – my only vague recollection being the iconic scene in the BBC dramatisation where Darcy, played by Colin Firth, emerges dripping wet from a lake. Upon spying the novel on the charity shop bookshelf, something urged me to pick it up and part with 99 pence. I’m awfully glad I did.

Pomade - a hair product for the discerning gentleman

In which G.M. Norton looks both ways, taps his nose and sagely informs his readership about the best hair dressing product for gentlemen. 

When it comes to a gentleman’s hair dressing, there is really only one option – pomade. If you’re not familiar with this particular hair product, please allow me to enlighten you.

Pomade makes hair look slick and debonair, giving it a sophisticated shine. As well as being used by luminaries such as this periodical’s favourite Cary Grant, it was also widely used by teddy boys to create sweeping, gravity defying pompadours.

In the 18^thcentury, it was a rather exclusive product, accessible only to the gentry which is fitting given the gentrified hairstyle it helps to create.