I currently have a beard, mostly because it takes less time to shave. I’ve probably considered the logistics too much: add up three minutes per day for 365 days–that amounts to 18 hours per year shaving.
But maybe it’s nonetheless worth it to shave. Many people say that having a beard suggests that one is hiding something, not being forthright. That’s apparently what politicians think these days based on the lack of beards.
Others argue that a beard makes one look more thoughtful. I don’t claim to have any answers–I suspect that the way people react has to do with the kind of beard one has. Is it well-trimmed, for example? Andrew Sullivan has a short post suggesting that consumers react in somewhat predictable ways to beards. And here’s more from the Chronicle of Higher Education.
This one looks good, 43 bucks. You will save about 1 minute each day.
Thats 6 hours per year.
http://www.amazon.com/Philips-Norelco-7310-Shavin…
I don't think that I've spent 43 bucks on shaving in the last 20 years. Most of what I've spent is on Williams soap and blades. My razor handle is over 20 years old, and I still can get blades for it. I'm on my 3rd shaving brush in 30 years (two were boars hair, then badger).
That "shaving system" needs electricity and probably has about a 5 year operational life (but a 2 year warranty).
It helps that I let it grow where it wants to, so only have to shave a couple of times a week.
In my opinion, should you choose a beard, it is best to have it look like you have chosen to have a beard rather than just chosen not to shave. It shows the respectability of intent rather than merely expedience or lazyness. This may involve some shaving and certainly some grooming and, in the end, may not save on that 18 hours a year.
Visit my blog on the subject
http://centuryofthebeard.blogspot.com/