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.

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.