How this global problem will affect our hobby?

Italy is no longer the epicenter of wet shaving. That ship sailed a few years back. American artisans make better soap hands down and Gillette will continue to make blades in the Third World. China will be the unknown in the equation as shipping for now is shot in the butt entirely and that will affect brush knots, both badger & synthetic for awhile. Other than that, I see little if any other effect(s).

You like it or not, Italy will always be the epicenter. Italian companies existed way before artisans made their appearance and will hopefully exist when they are no longer a trend. There are companies whose turnover is bigger than all the American artisans together. The same with other famous European companies. We're talking about serious companies here, not about people who make products at their homes, have no certificates and comply with no regulations. Who cares if John, a random name, stops making soaps at his home? I and I am sure many others care about companies with decades of history.

What do you think it makes shaving companies so special that they will see little to no effects of this economic crisis? In the meantime, there are companies which face huge economic problems just a few weeks after the virus outbreak. What is this very special component of the shaving companies? We're just at the beginning.

Edit: Do you consider Russia a third world country? Welcome to 2020.

I was having all kinds of thoughts till now on which razor or brush to buy next. Yesterday night I placed order for a few perfumes, which I now regret.Your post has made me rethink....thanks Nikos.

I want to put all my buying spree to rest for next few weeks. These are turbulent times, not only because of the virus but in general too. It will be immoral of me to still continue buying luxury items just because I can, when people are dying all around and the virus is gaining magnitude.

In India, we are in stage 2 and Govt is doing its bit to check and control the spread. Ours is a highly dense country, almost 3 times more than China. I can't even think of a full blown Stage 4 scenario here.

I do acknowledge the sentiment that many business /artisans may perish in the turmoil but I see a silver lining too. We can still continue buying stuff when all this gets over. Hopefully, all our dear artisans will also survive this patch.

To be safe yourself, you have to pray for the safety of all in your environment. This Buddhist concept looks so apt in the present scenario.

Lets ensure that we send out prayers to Italy, Spain and other countries who are still grappling with this health hazard.


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I saw a news report that in Israel, all paramedics who sport beards are being forced to shave them off as  a precautionary measure to reduce the spread of Covid-19. Facial hair is an ideal place for pathogens to gather around the mouth, nose and eyes. Although I do not have a beard, I did shave off my mustache a few days ago. I have have not shaved that area for several years.

Thus, you never know, the virus crisis might just make shaving more popular as those with beards decide that they might not be such a good thing in these uncertain times.

Italy is no longer the epicenter of wet shaving. That ship sailed a few years back. American artisans make better soap hands down and Gillette will continue to make blades in the Third World. China will be the unknown in the equation as shipping for now is shot in the butt entirely and that will affect brush knots, both badger & synthetic for awhile. Other than that, I see little if any other effect(s).

You like it or not, Italy will always be the epicenter. Italian companies existed way before artisans made their appearance and will hopefully exist when they are no longer a trend. There are companies whose turnover is bigger than all the American artisans together. The same with other famous European companies. We're talking about serious companies here, not about people who make products at their homes, have no certificates and comply with no regulations. Who cares if John, a random name, stops making soaps at his home? I and I am sure many others care about companies with decades of history.

What do you think it makes shaving companies so special that they will see little to no effects of this economic crisis? In the meantime, there are companies which face huge economic problems just a few weeks after the virus outbreak. What is this very special component of the shaving companies? We're just at the beginning.

Edit: Do you consider Russia a third world country? Welcome to 2020.

Russia is Second World and the demand for Italian shaving goods has diminished greatly I would wager since the advent of good ol' American capitalism in the market. The same economic engine that saved all of Europe from speaking German.

Italy is no longer the epicenter of wet shaving. That ship sailed a few years back. American artisans make better soap hands down and Gillette will continue to make blades in the Third World. China will be the unknown in the equation as shipping for now is shot in the butt entirely and that will affect brush knots, both badger & synthetic for awhile. Other than that, I see little if any other effect(s).

You like it or not, Italy will always be the epicenter. Italian companies existed way before artisans made their appearance and will hopefully exist when they are no longer a trend. There are companies whose turnover is bigger than all the American artisans together. The same with other famous European companies. We're talking about serious companies here, not about people who make products at their homes, have no certificates and comply with no regulations. Who cares if John, a random name, stops making soaps at his home? I and I am sure many others care about companies with decades of history.

What do you think it makes shaving companies so special that they will see little to no effects of this economic crisis? In the meantime, there are companies which face huge economic problems just a few weeks after the virus outbreak. What is this very special component of the shaving companies? We're just at the beginning.

Edit: Do you consider Russia a third world country? Welcome to 2020.

Russia is Second World and the demand for Italian shaving goods has diminished greatly I would wager since the advent of good ol' American capitalism in the market. The same economic engine that saved all of Europe from speaking German.

It surely isn't a third world country like you implied in your original post.

What you can't seem to understand is that forum members are the minority of the consumers. The demand for Italian products has not diminished at all, except if that helps you to feel more proud about your country's products. If you believe that American artisans make more money than established EU companies, then, I'm sorry, but I can only laught at this. Check your facts again, if you have any.

You're talking to a Greek right now, so be more cautious about the WWII facts. There is no other EU country that fought Nazis as hard as we did. What I know for a fact is that your economic engine actually helped Germany at the end of WWII by giving them the largest chunk of the Marshall plan money.

I’m closing this thread. It’s strayed too far off shaving and into politics.