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Meet Harry’s, the Shaving Line That Might Actually Get Your Boyfriend Excited About Grooming Products



Raider is still on the board of Warby Parker and spends about 10 hours a week working for the company—which recently raised another $41.5 million in funding—but he’s been more focused on his own investments than the day-to-day workings of Warby for some time. When Katz-Mayfield came to him with the idea of bringing the principles of Warby Parker’s business to the men’s shaving industry, he quickly committed to the project. “Much like eyewear, a couple of companies essentially dominate the industry,” Raider says. “The other thing that got us excited about the shaving space in general is that there are mass market brands that tend to be branded around tech performance, futurism, and then there are really, really expensive brands that harken back to the old world of shaving. What we found when we tried those expensive brands is that they didn’t work very well.”

The solution? Create a cool-looking product that is technologically advanced and affordable.

Of course, Raider and Katz-Mayfield will be relying heavily on the Warby halo effect, as well as the support of the menswear industry, to make Harry’s something guys actually want to buy. But they’re also betting on the quality of the product, along with the company’s social mission. “It was important that we have a broader mission than selling products,” says Katz-Mayfield. Adds Raider, “I think that companies have a responsibility to do good.” Like Warby’s “buy a pair, give a pair” program, Harry’s has launched Give a Shave. With every pack of blades bought, the company donates one blade (or the equivalent in dollar value) to a do-gooder organization. First up is The Mission Continues, which supports veterans when they return from combat.

Also like Warby Parker, most of Harry’s business will happen via Harrys.com, “direct to the consumer.” But you will find the line at select stores and barbershops around the country–including, coincidently, Persons of Interest. I have a feeling my husband might partake.

Get your Harry’s starter kit at Harrys.com. (Obviously the razors work for girls, too, but Raider and Katz-Mayfield do want to launch a women’s-specific line in the future. And they promise it won’t be pink. Or smell like spring break.)


Published on Friday, March 22nd, 2013 at 2:45 PM

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