Thread: If you're not looking for a hobby ...

I offered an opinion in chat that maybe not everyone shares, and thought I would kick it around here.

Someone asked whether he should change from a safety razor to a straight razor. I said that you can get even closer shaves with a straight, but you should figure on another 10 minutes a day, mastering some skills, and putting out some money.

It's a hobby. If you just want a close shave without spending time and money on a hobby, straight razor shaving doesn't make sense.

Do you agree with this? For the record, I'm enjoying this hobby ... but I can't explain it to my wife on purely practical grounds.

It does become one heck of a hobby, but if your looking for a smooth shave I dont think there is a better choice. I havent tried a DE before so maybe the difference isnt that great but there is no way to get a comparable shave from a cartridge or electric as far as im concerned.

For me, an electric is useless, and a cartridge is nowhere near as close a shave as a safety razor or a straight razor.

A straight razor does give a closer shave than a safety razor, but for me, the difference is not all that huge. However, the process of shaving with a straight razor is much more enjoyable, the toys are fun, and I look forward to shaving with a straight razor in the morning.

That enjoyment requires more time and money, though. So if I were deciding how to shave on purely practical grounds, I'd probably go with a safety razor. Of course, I'm not a purely practical person ...

I think I could make a better case for str8s being practicle. The convenience argument would be lost pretty early on and I think is the main reason str8s were replaced with other options in the first place. As long as someone keeps their aquisition disorders in check str8 shaving makes economical and enviromental sense. Most of us have one or two vintage razors, recycling, and right away we dont throw much away. It also makes us less dependent on others, who cares if the power is out or if there is too much snow to make to the store for more cartridges. What ever the curcumstances we are capable of getting a great shave.

I disagree. You can get buy for a long time with 1 razor, 1 strop, 1 brush, 1 soap, and barber hone.

No worrying about replacing blades. Every shave is good.

You see the same thing with DE shaving. People collect the various safety razors,brushes,soaps,creams,blah blah blah

Once you get a straight down, it does not take any longer to shave than a DE

I think many of the things we do and skills we develop can't always be justified on practical grounds.
Some of these skills could be regarded as pure pastimes, others can be put to practical use. Most men need to shave every day, but not ride a bicycle or swim. Some people can go their entire lives without either being able to or needing to drive a car. One man's hobby could well be an essential skill for another.
If you have to be clean shaven, whether you use a cutthroat or a Braun Micron, the use of neither could be said to be a hobby.
A large collection of shaving tackle couldn't be justified as purely practical. Nor could my wife's collection of shoes or earrings.

The DE was never a hobby for me. The razors are easy enough to find for cheap or free. The blades cost 10 cents each, and last for a week or more - at that rate, I can shave for a long time before justifying the price of a straight.

The straight really is a hobby for me. I've only been doing this for a week, so it definitely takes me longer. But I like the straight better, and that's what I'm using unless I'm in a hurry.

I'm hoping to keep it simple with straights too ... wish me luck!

Whether you're into it for a hobby or just like the closest shave possible: everyone has their own reason.

As there is only very few who actually shave straight we need a forum to teach and get taught. In times gone by you would turn to your father or the local barber for a shave or for help when needed.

You dont have to spend $200 on a straight razor.

a $20 vintage razor will outlast you and probably your children. Same with a strop(which you also dont have to spend big $ on).

For the cost of one year of DE blades, you are buying one straight. $0.10 a blade is if you are using a Dorco blade or equivalent. If you decide to start using blades like feathers, your investment goes up.

When I used a DE 3 or 4 shaves was about all i got. I refuse to shave once the blade got to a certain point.

The transition from everyday task to hobby is all up to the person. Just go look at b&b. there are people spending big $$ on DE related items.

More than most spend on straights

Originally Posted by Bootstrap

The DE was never a hobby for me. The razors are easy enough to find for cheap or free. The blades cost 10 cents each, and last for a week or more - at that rate, I can shave for a long time before justifying the price of a straight.

The straight really is a hobby for me. I've only been doing this for a week, so it definitely takes me longer. But I like the straight better, and that's what I'm using unless I'm in a hurry.

I'm hoping to keep it simple with straights too ... wish me luck!

Originally Posted by Bootstrap

I offered an opinion in chat that maybe not everyone shares, and thought I would kick it around here.

Someone asked whether he should change from a safety razor to a straight razor. I said that you can get even closer shaves with a straight, but you should figure on another 10 minutes a day, mastering some skills, and putting out some money.

It's a hobby. If you just want a close shave without spending time and money on a hobby, straight razor shaving doesn't make sense.

Do you agree with this? For the record, I'm enjoying this hobby ... but I can't explain it to my wife on purely practical grounds.

Honestly….

I think it turns into a hobby for many of us.

By the time one gets settled with shaving soap, brush, mug, razor, strop and a hone they have put out some decent cash. Then you need to learn how to use each piece you just bought.
With all that time and money spent, it would only be natural for it to become a hobby.
Just my thought on it.