Quick Answer
Clue: “Shaving kit item”
Answer: RAZOR
Length: 5 letters
Position: 8-Across
The New York Times crossword clue “Shaving kit item” is answered with RAZOR, which fits perfectly into a five-square Across slot in the grid.
Why “RAZOR” Is the Right NYT Answer
- The clue asks for a single, concrete item from a shaving kit, and the most essential tool there is a razor, used to actually remove hair. Other items like cream or aftershave support the shave, but the razor is what does the main job, so it best matches the clue’s focus.
- Because the clue is simple and definition-style, solvers can almost jump straight from “shaving kit” to RAZOR, especially once they see the 5-letter length.
What “RAZOR” Means in Plain English
- In everyday language, a razor is a sharp-bladed tool used for shaving hair from the face, legs, or other parts of the body. It can be manual (like a safety razor or disposable) or electric, but in crossword land the generic word RAZOR covers them all.
- The clue uses the everyday grooming sense only; it’s not about figurative phrases like “razor-thin margin” or specialized tools.
Crossword-Specific Help: Pattern, Crossings, and Variants
- In the grid, 8-Across will read R‑A‑Z‑O‑R, so with a few crossings you might see patterns like R_A_O_ or _AZOR, which strongly point to RAZOR. The Z is especially distinctive, making the entry easy to confirm once that letter appears.
- RAZOR shows up fairly often in crosswords and might appear under related clues like “Shaving tool,” “Barber’s implement,” or “Object by the sink, maybe.”
Solving Tips for Similar NYT Clues
- When a clue mentions a “kit” (shaving kit, sewing kit, first-aid kit), think about the core tool in that kit rather than accessories.
- Always check length: for a 5-letter grooming item from a shaving context, RAZOR is usually your first, best guess.
Getting RAZOR in early at 8-Across can give strong crossing letters like R and Z, which help unlock harder neighboring entries.
