Life, 1908-04-02 · page 43 of 44
Life — April 2, 1908 — page 43: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is a **straightforward advertisement**, not satire or political commentary. It's a Gillette Safety Razor company testimonial, likely from the early 1900s (the ad claims the razor has been accepted by "two million men in the past three years"). The page features a well-dressed man in formal attire demonstrating the razor and its case. The ad emphasizes practical selling points: no stropping or honing required, quick shaving (3-5 minutes), disposable blades, and portability for travel or outdoor use. The phrase "If my Razor wasn't good enough for me to use I wouldn't ask you to try it!" frames this as a personal endorsement from someone of apparent social standing. The text uses direct-address rhetoric common in early 20th-century advertising, appealing to logic and practicality while suggesting the product enables masculine self-sufficiency. The Gillette Safety Razor Set is priced at $5.00, with combination sets up to $50.00—substantial sums for the era.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
If my Razor wasn’t ise | wouldn’t ask you t You certainly cannot doubt the sound logic and wisdom of the many arguments I have advanced in favor of my razor. You will admit that unless the «GILLI 1 1” possessed many points of superiority it never would have been accepted by two million men in the past three years as the best, most simple and satisfactory shaving device in this world. In the first place my razor requires No Stropping No Honing. It is always ready. That's why it’s the most practical. You can shave in three to five minutes. The thin, flexible, double-edged blades remove a harsh or soft beard with perfect comfort. No pulling, cutting or irritation of the skin. They are so inexpensive that when dull you throw them away as you would an old pen. No other razor so durable. The triple silver plated holder lasts a lifetime. None so convenient; the compact little case can be with you always—if traveling, either in your pocket or grip. I know men who have shaved in the dark with the *(:!!.i.1.! | Many use it on the train, others while on hunting trips, fishing expeditions, etc. That’s the beauty of my razor, you can obtain a perfect shave under all conditions—wherever you are. And I will guarantee you will agree with me right now—that my razor just fits your case. A trial will prove it to you. Action must accompany right thinking or you have no vower of execution. Put this correct line of thought in action. Get a °I!.1.1.! to-day. All Jewelry, Drug, Cutlery, Hardware and Sporting Goods dealers sell it. The Gillette Satety Razor Set consists of a triple silver plated holder, 12 double-edged flexible blades—24 keen edges, packed in a velvet lined leather case and the price is $5.00. Combination Sets from $6.50 to $50.00. Ask your dealer for the «*«GILLETTE” to-day. If substitutes are offered, refuse them and wnite us at once for our booklet and free trial offer. GILLETTE SALES COMPANY 228 Times Building 228 Kimball Building 228 Stock Exchange Building BOSTON Chicago & NO 0 STR OPPING NO HONING Rawr! NET S stp PREGS OF REOFIELO DROTHERS. NEW YORK comicbooks.com