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

Originally Posted by sidneykidney

"Hmm, you know it would be kinda cool to have a real old-fashioned working pocket watch.... "

Second that idea, don't know what my wife would make of it though


oops

I am still pretty new to this whole thing, but there are really two things that attracted me. The first and main reason is the skill that is required. I enjoy learning new skills and always welcome a challenge. Judging by everything that I've read to this point it will be challenging, at least for a little while. The second is the simplicity. No moving parts to break, nothing to replace, just you and the steel. As long as you maintain it could potentially out last you. Sounds like with the right care it could do just as good a job on your first shave as it will on your last.

I already responded to this once, and here's another thought (and I don't even have a str8 razor yet!!), but I suppose as related to my reason for deciding I want to give it a whirl. Over the past year, I have been trying to "discipline" myself into a variety of good habits, in the pursuit of self-expansion. I think one of the best ways to do this is to practice some sort of "art" on a regular basis, not only because you can get better at doing activity x, but I think it really helps you grow overall as a person. You can appreciate finer/simpler things. For instance, every day I read portions of a selection of books. I'm a fairly right-win/conservative Christian so usually I go through a chapter or 2 from the Bible, and currently also reading "Mere Christianity" by CS Lewis (of Chronicles of Narnia fame). Then I'll round that out with some "Daily Drucker", which is usually a single paragraph relating to good management/business techniques on adding value in an organization, and when I'm in an especially inquisitive mood, I throw in some EA Poe just for good variety. Then I have a nice leather bound journal and I try to think critically about everything I read and how I can apply it to my life, and just some general thoughts I have.... using my waterman fountain pen, natch!

For whatever reason I picture that straight razor shaving is consistent with this sort of ideal. Just setting aside time to make a routine activity really the practice of an "art" or skill not just a chore to be gotten done.

Shaving with a straight is just something different. It's nice engaging in something that has tradition and craftsmanship behind it. Not to mention once you get the hang of it gives you an amazing shave

For me,initially it was the visual appeal, self sufficiency (stropping), the process of lathering with soap instead of canned shaving cream. I admit that the straight razor itself was a major attraction. I'm a machinist, and enjoy using high quality tools. There is some appeal in using the straight razor itself, being another type of tool.
Now it has become the learning the new skills required to shave and achieve a quality shave.
The visual appeal of the straight razor itself gets stronger the more I shave.
There is a coolness factor, and a traditional masculine appeal.

Regards,
Mitch

For me it was the idea of an older way of doing things. I couldn't stand paying all that money for disposable blades, although I now pay more for all my straight stuff.

I also didn't like the idea of canned shaving cream, but I guess I could have done that without the straights.

Mostly it is just the idea that I have razors that are over 100 years old and should continue providing good shaves for another 100 years. I just love that. It goes back to how people thought before we became disposable junkies and land fillers.

I've come to learn that every aspect of shaving with a straight razor is truly amazing. I've always been fascinated by straight razors all my life from seeing it in films and TV shows.

There is something truly romantic and fulfilling when you use a straight razor, you also get an even better confidence boost when your shave is so much more smoother and knowing that it took some skill and concentration to achieve such a shave.

Plus there's the fact that nobody else you know can do it and your manhood is secure in that sense!