Lynnae recently asked how people had fared with products “As Seen on TV”. As a rule, I’m skeptical of such products. I’ve had a very good experience with the Diva Cup. It’s not an “As Seen on TV” product, but it sometimes gives you that feeling.
Recently, though, we experimented with one As Seen on TV product, the “Save-A-Blade.” This was a $20 sharpener for disposable razor blades. Growing up, I watched my parents sharpen our knife set, so when Micah suggested that this might be worthwhile I said “Why not?”
I know, sharpening disposable razors sounds a little weird but if it works it makes financial sense. Just bringing a razor back to its original sharpness, expanding its life, would save us more than $20 if the sharpener lasted even a year.
So we gave it a go and got one from CVS.
It certainly made a loud noise, as though it was sharpening. But Micah said that though it felt sharper for a second, it seemed like the sharpening had made the blade uneven. One group who tested the Save-A-Blade reported similar results.
He tried it both ways–sharpening a blade after its very first use and sharpening a blade once it had been used for a while. In both cases, the result was the same: ruined blade. So we wrote that off as a “could have been cool and frugal.”
This was our second unsuccessful attempt to save money on shaving. Now, you can extend the life of your razors by keeping them dry. You can also try the old-fashioned method of shaving with a straight razor.
What about you? Have you tried things “As Seen on TV”? Have you tried the Save-a-Blade? Were you happy or disappointed with the results?
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i got taken in by that save-a-blade thing too… not only is it’s sharpening ability marginal at best, the fact that it did not have a reusable battery capability was a bit strange and inconvenient (and never noted in the advertisements).
i eventually stopped using the thing.
I bought a Table Mate from a store in the Mall that has stuff that they sell on TV and I love it. It’s very sturdy and the legs slide under couches and chairs. It’s perfect for a laptop in the livingroom.
But that’s the only made for TV purchase I’ve made.
I would suggest buying disposable razor blades from ebay. We are still using the 2 blade razor from schick and every few years I buy a lot on ebay of blades. I’ve never noticed a difference between the ones I get in the store and the ones I get online.
I save money on shaving because I’m a lazy, lazy bum and tend to wait forever between shaves. I’d feel bad for Mr, but he’s just as lazy about shaving his face.
When we do buy razors, we only buy Mr’s from Costco or BJs (the bulk packages or so much cheaper) or wait until the BOGO free coupons come out for mine.
Frugal Urbanite’s last blog post: But is it really frugal?
I’m so glad I read about the razor sharpener thing. I saw it at Walmart the other day and thought about it, but didn’t happen to have $20 extra on me at the time. I’m sorry ya’ll lost out though.
I did however buy the wrap around sunglasses that have been advertised on tv and am happy with them. I wear glasses and I hate clip on’s,especially when you have to flip them up. The wraps were $10 and it came with a neat little clip that you attach to your sun visor for keeping up with them.
I have also bought the picker uppers that “loud mouthed” Billy advertises and I really like them. They have come in handy many times. There are a few other things that I have considered looking at in the future, but can’t even think of what they are right now. ha
I enjoy your site,
Dawn
I tend to avoid the “As seen on TV” items because they’re mostly crap. I am considering the Diva Cup because FB gave it such a rave review..and if your experience was good too, then maybe I really should give it a whirl! At any rate, I’ve tried the Sham WoW and wasn’t impressed. It was alright, but it worked the same as the $1.95 cheese cloths from my local grocer. I saw nothing special that would warrant me paying $20 for the thing. My friendly recently bought the “Bump It,” some device that’s supposed to give your hair a lift. Yeah, no. Waste of money.
Overall, I just stay away from these products.
Kristy @ Master Your Card’s last blog post: Weekly Round Up
@Herb Ours is still sitting in the bathroom. We should probably get rid of it…
@Caro I could probably use one, though I won’t get it. My netbook often sits on the arm of the couch…but it’s small enough for that to work. Thanks for the tip about blades online!
@Frugal Urbanite we don’t have a membership to either of those stores, but perhaps I should ask a friend or coworker with one to pick some up for us. That’d be handy…
@Dawn Glad we saved you a loss. I never liked the look of those sunglasses, but then again I don’t wear prescription lenses, so I can just buy regular $10 shades without worrying.
@Kristy Diva cup is worth a try, at least. It’s inexpensive enough that the potential savings by buying and using it are worth the attempt. Give it a shot on a day you’re not working outside the house so you’ll have time to get comfortable with it!
I found the “advertised on TV” little green bags that are designed to keep your produce fresh at the store and gave them a try. And you know…they work! I have no way of telling if the nutritional value remains intact but the produce definitely does not rot as fast. The ones I have are a little small for some things (like whole bunches of lettuce) but I didn’t want to get a bunch of different sizes. As an added plus they can be washed out, dried and reused. I’ve been working the same bag of them for about 6 months.
Carol’s last blog post: Mindfulness Saves Money
I heard of another method instead of keeping razor blades dry. It was placing them in a cup with baby oil. It keeps the blade from exposure to air which is supposed to prevent rust.
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