Thread: What is WRONG with You Guys????

Originally Posted by toolarts

Why are you shaving with these Str8 Razors? Are you cRaZy?


That is the response I get from virtually everyone I mention this to. I work with a bunch of engineer techno-geeks so maybe that's why.

But frankly, I don't know why *I* am so caught up in shaving with a str8.

Why are you?

Is it a macho thing?--you know proving to yourself you are a real man? (I have to admit this is one of my motivations).

Is it because the shave is so great? ( I can't claim this as my starting reason because it wasn't for quite a while)


I have to admit, it is just absolutely fun, one of the best things I have ever done in my life--but I can't figure out WHY!!

Maybe it is a suicidal impulse? Self-reliance? Re-enactment of History?

Perhaps it was inevitable for me. Long ago I eschewed power tools and now work mainly with hand tools, especially 19th Century wooden planes and japanese tools. I guess I am a partial luddite in that I believe that just because a technology exists doesn't mean it is a good idea to use it. Hell my boat is even a sailboat.

Maybe I just like the fact that a str8 razor doesn't have a genetic code that can be cloned. Each one is an individual--like me.

And may be finally I feel that

*skill*

Is a rare and valuable thing--and worth developing and preserving.

Sorry. I had to get that off my chest.

Please chime in if you feel like it--or insult me if you feel like that. Have at it.

Regards,

Paul

Well... I first started because of both the economic (hah!) and the cool factors.

The economic... I was tired of throwing away my $$ on mach 3 cartridges every month. I figured that one or two straights and I'll be set for life.

...little did I factor in the RAD.. I now have 8 razors I rotate through, a couple I am working on restoring (this W&B, I have great plans for!), and two more WAPIs on the way from Stamps because I saw the thread about it and dammit... Those WAPI blades are my favorite shavers (I have two in my drawer right now but I ....I ...must have MORE).

The cool... That is what keeps me going. aside from the simple machismo of shaving with a large very sharp steel knife every morning, there is the skill involved.

There is no skill, no class in dragging a disposable across your face through a foam of harsh chemicals from a spray can. ...making your own lather, brushing it on, making that blade slide JUST RIGHT across your skin.. the simple act and art of stropping, that transforms shaving from a chore into a unique pleasure.

An auto is steering, a stickshift is driving.

Agreed! Str8 shaving is taking the time to learn a skill and do it well; Crap3 shaving is dragging an overpriced piece of plastic across your face to boost Gillette's profits while giving you ingrown hairs! Also agree about the coffee and fine pipe tobacco!

kinda sounds like we need to spur off on a tobacco thread in the off topic.

Don

My standard reply to people who ask questions like that is:

"Because I want to. Why do you ask?"

This of course is a polite way of saying "What business is it of yours?" I have never felt the need to explain myself to strangers, or even casual aquantences.

I at first was attracted by the Macho-ness of doing something a woman wouldn't do even if she could-- something dangerous and expensive, (I could see early on that it wouldn't be cheap, for me, anyway), something that required a skill approaching art. And now I see I have a few other traits in common with some of you; use a clutch, make my own (fill in the blank) when I can, see a good tool as a fine jewel, appreciate fine cigars and good scotch, a charcoal-american, vs propane-american barbeque chef.
I was surprised to find this group and surprised again to see how large it was, but then again, size is relative in this world.

Originally Posted by BenMVermont

Junkinduck – I’ve always liked the idea and image of steampunk, but aside from playing through BioShock I haven’t had much real experience with it. I am working somewhat on a wooden case with gears and stuff for a laptop mod, but aside from dabbling in that I’m probably on the same level as you.

I have been into steampunk for a year or so and I was just shaving and listening to Abney Park, and thought I would let you know about them if you didn't already. Just FYI

http://www.abneypark.com/

They are great to shave to. LOL

Originally Posted by Windcalmer

I have been into steampunk for a year or so and I was just shaving and listening to Abney Park, and thought I would let you know about them if you didn't already. Just FYI

http://www.abneypark.com/

They are great to shave to. LOL

Hey thanks, I like their sound... now I gotta go spend more money.

^^^ Glad I could help. Miss Veen has the most amazing voice does she not?

Just lisened to Abney Park. Sounds pretty cool. I will have to lisen more this eve when not at work. My co workers think I'm crazy anyway. I had never explored steampunk in music just in electronics. I like modern stuff but like to project an aura of old fashoned. Heak I lisen to bluegrass on an Ipod.

Don

Originally Posted by Windcalmer

^^^ Glad I could help. Miss Veen has the most amazing voice does she not?

Cool, kinda reminds me of one of my favs, Tristania. Three lead vocals and Vibeke Stene's voice gives me goosebumps..

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm...a-ccf21840024b