I Couldn't Take It Anymore

I subscribed to FHM and just got sick of it. A magazine was meant to be read, not just thumbed through in under a minute. All the other men's magazines are for overgrown adolescents.

I noticed RAZOR at the magazine counter last year and was surprised by the content. Not every article interested me, but that was okay because the ones that did were incredible.

The dismantling of men on tv showing how women have taken all the macho roles was inspired. So was the in depth coverage of the Iraq situation providing a history of the country and its dictators. Also a story about how college girls are stooping pretty low to keep up with fashion trends.

The photography is excellent and the paper stock this magazine is printed on is world class. It actually feels sophisticated to the touch.

The publisher writes a cool introduction to each issue. Very personal and with a lot of attitude backed up by intelligence. He seems to enjoy putting the magazine out and sharing his lifestyle stories.

The women of RAZOR are beautiful and the pictures are generous and lush.

On top of that, I enjoyed a fashion layout that used some old character actors like David Carradine and Seymour Cassel. This magazine skews older than FHM and that's a good thing.

I'm glad that long form journalism isn't dead since that also is what put PLAYBOY on the map. RAZOR isn't cluttered with ads on every page like the other magazines, but I guess this will change as it hopefully gets more popular.

Tonight, I subscribed to RAZOR. No more buying it at the drug store. What a bargain price for ten issues a year.

The Best in Men's Entertainment Bar None

I have read my share of men's magazines, but for my money the best on the market is Razor. I have been following Razor for a while and while it has gotten better by the month, the July issue convinced me to be a subscriber for good.

I have read some reviews stating that Razor is not Maxim or FHM. That's true, it's not. And thank god for that. In my opinion, once you read Maxim once, there's no need to buy another issue. It's the same thing month after month.

Razor is simply a more sophisticated, more informative, more balanced view at the lifestyle of the average, mature guy.

The July issue, for example, hits that balance perfectly. There's the guide to Las Vegas, which covers where to stay, where to eat, the best pools for scenery and the recipes for feature cocktails at various hotels. There is a scathing, yet hysterical look at PETA by Penn Jillette of Penn and Teller fame which follows in the same vein of an earlier terrific expose on the Church of Scientology. Jillette's article is a pleasure to read. There's a look by Stephen Applebaum on Hollywood's marketing of violence to children and how Hollywood may have learned nothing from the Columbine High School shootings. Again, a terrific read that is not at all obtuse (See GQ). One more feature is for all the people who love those HBO autopsy shows, a nice piece that takes you into the lab. Again, well written and informative.

On a more fun note (balance), there is a look at six of the top convertibles on the market today. And this is where Razor shines as the choices range from reasonable for any working man, to luxurious for those who are fortunate enough to be able to purchase such a vehicle. The sex advice article is about where to find opportnities to meet the fairer sex; it is funny and enjoyable without being lewd.

Two fashion features consist of summer wear for day and night. Again, the fashions are reasonable and realistic for any working man.

Finally, there are the girls - (they are part of a man's lifestyle too right?) - but Razor presents them in a completely different light than the Maxim's of this world. Beautifully filmed and without that fake airbrushed look, Talisa Soto shines. There is another beach shoot (fashion) that is just perfect.

Throw in advice on style, travel, wines, finance and more and you can see why it's my opinion that Razor is the most balanced men's magazine out there. It's a magazine that I am proud to have around when company stops by. Even my girlfriend is a big fan.

For the record, I am 28 and an entrepreneur.

Razor On The Rebound

Razor lost its way for awhile but I read that the editor has been replaced and the publisher is taking a more hands on role and adding more of his lifestyle to the publication. That's a good thing. I hope some of the star contributors like A.J. Benza and Alan Spencer return more regularly.