ACE Comb Quality

I've been using the ACE Combs since my teen-age years in the early 1950s. Continuing use was based on satisfaction with the hard rubber comb's durability, quality of finish and it's American manufacture. During the last year, I've notice a considerable decline in quality. At first, there was this change in logo from the historic scripted ACE to a plain font with a frame at one end of the bow. This prompted a check of the note on country of manufacture, now China, as with so many of our consumer products. Although the finish of the comb appeared to be good (smooth surfaces without perceptable mold lines that would catch hair), the duriability of the combs have dropped. They now last about a month when carried in my front trouser pocket (as always), compared to over a year with the historic hard rubber comb made in America. On close observation, the end teeth protecting the fine comb's (# 61586) mid teeth, have been made slightly thinner, presumably saving a few grams of whatever plastic now used. These end teeth are the first to break, with the inner teeth following by days.

Bottom line, I sadly bid goodbye to an old friend; the quality pocket comb. It's unfortunate, as Ace was never positioned as the cheapest comb product, but gained wide popularity as the best.