Thread: Has your attitude to shaving changed?

Yes. I've been meaning to learn to do this since about college, which was 40+ years ago. I finally got around to doing it and realize I should have started doing it back when I first wanted to -- just think how many razors I could have by now. Well, better late than never.

Yes. My attitude has changed from one of relaxation to anger. I attack my face like it's hoarding my food. Interestingly I've been experiencing closer shaves but wearing my styptic pencil to a nub.

Most definitely! For the past 31 years, I've used cartridges and found it to be something that I hated spending a whopping 5 minutes or so doing. But after an off topic section post regarding safety razors on a forum I'd frequent a few years ago, I checked the website (not SRD). It caught my eye but what really interested me were the SRs. Yet...most of them were out of stock and many of the DEs were out of stock for the cheaper models. But something about the SR just piqued my interest. But it soon fell by the wayside.

With the cost of Mach 3s going out of control and what I strongly believe was a decrease in their sharpness, companies like Dollar Shave and Harrys caught my eye. I was using a private label Dorco Pace3 that was ok and equal to the Mach3. But then, I remembered wetshaving and saw the MicroTouch One as well as VDH DEs in the stores. Yet I also remembered the SR. Doing some research and lurking here before registering, I thankfully learned to stay away from Gold Dollars and Razolutions!

However, would I like the SR? Looking at the SRD website, I was impressed at how well the stock seemed to be! So I was ready to go the shavette route and almost bought a Parker SRB but was waiting on more info on the blades. Then, out of the blue while shopping with my mom and a beauty supply store, I saw a Magic Shavette and 100ct boxes of Derby half blades. So..I grabbed it on a while. I then ordered my Omega 10049 and some MWF from SRD (It was then that I realized they were about 45 minutes from me. I was THRILLED to patronize an Ohio company!).

Well, my first shave was...an "experience." I was getting nicked like crazy and was having trouble maintaining a good angle due to inexperience. Plus due to my lack of technique, it took me over an hour and multiple passes to get a BBS shave. Yeah, I know Lynn says to do one cheek only. But I went in whole hog. And my face was RED!!! I felt I ran an angle grinder across my face! But...was it ever smooth! NEVER had my face felt so smooth. So after using some lotion plus going to the cartridge for my next shave and every third shave after that (for the first month anyway), I began to get my passes down to three and built up the tolerance for the shavette. I'd still use the cartridge to clean up those tight spots while my technique improved. And during that time, i actually looked forward to my next shave so I could try to improve upon my results and alter any techniques.

Now...I am hooked! In all of my 31 years of shaving, I never thought I would actually enjoy and WANT to shave! But I look forward to it. And it has been over one month since a cartridge touched my face!

SR shaving is like learning to drive a manual transmission (which I do. I like traditional ways). One is not going to work that clutch like a master on an uphill 10% grade! But once that skill is learned, the control and and abilities afforded are much appreciated. It is the same with wetshaving. Most definitely worth the nicks and learning curve.

By the way, I still have never have a cut more severe than from a twin blade disposable razor. it caught above my lip and took nearly 30 minutes of pressure with styptic to stop. My worst cut from the shavette took maybe 6 minutes to stop (caught the corner of the blade) but was hardly noticeable. My cats have scratched me worse!

Back when i started shaving it was just something i had and was expected to do. To be honest one of my school teachers told me it was time to start shaving. So i shaved only when i had to. then i went into the military and again it was have to. With the grain or against the grain wasn't a choice it was shave as quick as you can and get dressed and in line. It was just in the last few years i've come to enjoy a good shave. I've used straights on and off for a few years before i got into only using straights and finding this forum. It's thanks to this forum and the great folks in it that i've come to not only enjoy shaving but look forward to it. Yes my thoughts about shaving has change and all for the better i think.

always used an electric 'cuz that's what dad used. shaved as little as i could get away with (much nagging from SWMBO). after my son had me try a DE i was hooked. with a SR now i look forward to shaving. hate to miss a day.

When I shaved with a cartridge, I shaved as infrequently as possible. I hated it...it was a chore, unpleasant, and left my neck sore. When I switched to DEs, shaving became a pleasure (once I got the pressure bit down), and it got even better when I switched to straights. The shave itself is more comfortable, eventually, and closer. The process lends itself to a feeling of a ritual rather than a chore. I'm sure cartridge shavers have two thoughts when hearing someone shaves with a straight. The first is "I'd never do that, I'd cut my throat!" The second is, "It takes you 30 minutes to shave???"

I still think of shaving as a necessary evil, but with that being said if I have to do it it straights are the way to go.

I am confidant of my hand eye coordination. Where did this hone come from and why did it form? Geology is fun. Razor box's are cool maybe I should make my own. This lead to researching bookbinding. Metallurgy... I am going to spend a vacation to meet and learn from others that I would have passed on the street with no interest before.

Straights open up a whole new world. Compare that with a mach 10 or whatever!

It has definitely changed from a chore to a pleasure for me. My wife enjoys the end product....lots of great smells and a smooth face. I enjoy the few minutes of quite alone time during my otherwise crazy days.

Fezzik 77,,,,, Make sure she sees it before bed and if not make sure she is unarmed when she wakes up :<0)

I used to have a full beard because of my hate for shaving and the tools I had to do it. My morning daily shave is enjoyable and I hate to miss it. When I think I might have hands on my face I take the time to get smooth. With my whole morning routine now incorporating the straight shave I would say it doesn't take any longer using a straight than it did a cartridge I just enjoy it more and so does my face.

Yes, I feel the same. Shaving isn't a chore anymore, but a relaxing ritual. I look forward to my beard growing just so I can shave it off.