I've been using a straight razor for a couple of weeks now and love it. Most of my face is still intact - I am looking for an ear though ...

I don't know why, but shaving with a straight razor has been enjoyable - okay, very enjoyable. I'm on the downslide as far as age goes. When I was young someone bought me an electric razor and after using it a few times I stopped and went back to a razor blade. The electric razor hurt my baby face and burned my skin and yanked whiskers out and made my face red and ... know what I mean?

Plus, the electric razor made me feel like a sissy. Shaving with a razor blade was macho - back in the days when being ( or trying ) macho was important. Strange what harmones can do to a person - natural harmons.

I also found razor shaving advantageous in the Marines (see what macho harmones can do to a person! I volunteered for the Marines on purpose!)- it simply was easier to blast some cheap foam on my face and scrape it off with my safety razor. (safety - rrrriiiiight) It was easier in the jungle too.

Anyway, I've used a razor for at least 35 years. I have always wanted to try using a straight razor just to see what it was like. It seemed that I could make sharper edges on my beard and mustache if I used one. So I took the plunge and I just cannot picture myself going back to a safety razor. My beard is not large - runs along my jawbone - and the almost perfect line I can get from my straight razor really adds character to my face and facial hair.

So the jury is in and I am hooked on straight razors. I find it pretty easy to use - I think from all the years from using safety razors. I also think my lack of fear of the straight razor helps too. I certainly respect the blade, but no fear. I had to psych myself up the first time or two - guys talking about keeping such and such degrees - you know, people who like math or geometry. I would rather write a thick novel than have to do math - I can do it, but that doesn't mean I like it.

But setting aside all the scientific mumble jumble (please I mean no disrepect) I found that when I put the razor to my face and pushed it here and there and I found it very effective. I'm hooked. And think of all the other uses I can find for my razor: cleaning fish, cut up an apple for my sweetheart, use it for a steak knife, personal security the list goes on and on.

Anyone currently using a safety razor and desires to give the straight razor a try will find it easy to learn, in my humble opinion. And you can see exactly what hairs are getting cut and turn a stash or beard into a sleek and classy look to your face. Take the plunge and try it for yourself. I think you will like it, even if you are not a Marine.

Now, if I could only find that ear............

Best Regards,
Robert