Thread: Taking the plunge

Hi All:

New to the forums and straight razors as well. Just wanted to get an idea as to how everyone got interested and started with straight blade shaving. For me, 2008 was a rough year. What kept sticking out as a sore point for me was that modern day life lacks the integrity that I get to see in old movies and shows depicting the 40's and 50's. People took pride in the things they did on a day to day basis which I definitely don't see these days. Employees at places I visit can't even make change without using the computer or cell phone calcs.

Looking to straight razor shaving as a way to take pride in something even if it's for a few minutes a day. Looking forward to getting great advice from all. Thanks for taking the time to taking a look at the post.

I got sick of paying Gillette to send crap to the landfill. I also wrote this:

In The Deep End » Blog Archive » This Dying Art

X

Originally Posted by xman

I got sick of paying Gillette to send crap to the landfill. I also wrote this:

In The Deep End » Blog Archive » This Dying Art

X

+1 on the landfill not to mention the cost they are charging for something that has to have a tremendous markup.
For me, there was also the nostalgia factor.

A little of this and a little of that. I was thinking at the beginning I would be saving money buy not having to buy the disposable razors. Well, 5 straights later that is probably not a good rationlization, but it sounded good. Since I was already using soaps, brushes and aftershaves with my Merkur twin that was not part of the equation. But the landfill issue is quite reasonable. In reality, shaving is something inherently male. And doing it this way just feels good. 'Nuf said!!

Welcome to SRP ATWA327. Read articles in the WIKI here on SRP and them ask questions if you still have questions. There are lots of us here that would be happy to assist. You reasons to move to straights are noble. Good luck in your quest.

I got into straights because I don't mind putting extra effort into daily chores to make them more interesting, enjoyable and achieve better results. Everything else that comes for the ride is a plus.

Welcome to SRP. I'm a control freak. I don't like the idea of Gillette controlling my razor. I've been shaving for about 40 yrs and I noticed that when a "new, improved" model came out, my old, reliable cartridge became dull and miserable. There are only a couple of disposables that I will use and if they are discontinued or become unavailable locally, what will I do? Problem solved, I shave with a str8 now.

I have several hobbies that are relaxing because I must focus on them and I forget all the little unpleasntries of my life. My dad golfed. He said that when he golfed, his attentioin was on the little white ball and he found respite from the world. I get this when I hone knives, repair fountain pens, and practice Spencerian penmanship. I've found that Str8 shaving gives me the same mental break. I imagine that honing str8s will have the same effect, but haven't started yet.

Dave

im about in the same boat i switched to str8s as w ay to go back in time for a few minutes a day i put some glen miller on the radio and relax and get a great shave and i also got tired of the never ending disposable blades

Well my journey is unique for those that have replied thus far and is driven by the need to get a closer and ultimate shave. The shave has gone from unexceptable to BBS and beyond and I am still looking for that illusive ultimate shave.

Started at the age of 14 with a Remington DA-100 and progressed through approximatly through one electric every two years becuase the old one was not sufficent for the task until the age of 38 when I pitched all of the electrics in the garbage. Picked up a Proctor and Gamble Gillette Fusion (satisfactory shave, price per shave to high), then in progression a Proctor and Gamble Gillette Mach III Turbo (good shave, price per shave better but not adequate), Proctor and Gamble Gillette Sensor Excell (slightly better then the Mach 3, cost per shave not adequate). Gillette Super Speed (best shave yet and incredible cost per shave). Next logical step straight (best shave ever and $0 cost per shave) this is really what I want. I have two straights one carbon steel one stainless steel, only reason I have two is I really wanted stainless when I was working with the carbon steel.