Originally Posted by
gsurko
Alright here goes. Why do I want to use a STR8?
This is really a question that I'd have to turn around on you... why did you ever want to try a straight in the first place? Does the idea seem cool, are you trying to get a closer shave, are you a collector of some kind??? There has to be something about it that is drawing you in, and we all have our reasons.
Let me try to list a few things that I like:
1. I love the whole nostalgia thing of using an old technology and taking the time to learn how to use it.
2. I get really comfortable shaves (the best I've had)
3. I think it's cool
4. My hobby has turned into somewhat of a social thing for me... now I have a group of friends with similar interests, challenges, expertise etc. and I really appreciate the fun chats and posts of my buddies on SRP.
i could really keep listing things that are probably much better reasons than what I've said already, but the point is that I enjoy straight shaving. That is something that everyone will have to figure out for themselves... There are many paths to a great shave, the path I enjoy most is with a straight razor.
"committed the ultimate sin and bought a Gold Dollar razor and Philly strop from Rup Razor and gave it a go a few (Maybe 3) times."
There are many worse sins out there... regardless of the debate about the GD razors, Ken's edges (the few I've tried) have worked fine for me.
My hands don't know where to go or what to do, I look at that razor up against my neck in the mirror and I want to poop my pants.
I think that this is the crux of the issue, or at least a large part of it... IMHE, success with a straight razor requires a level of confidence in your approach, and in your actual razor strokes. If the razor scares you at first, do what Lynn suggests and only shave your sideburns/cheeks for a while. It's ok if it takes a bit until you are comfortable. Pretty soon you'll have the feel for things and your strokes will become more confident and fluid. you'll figure out your angles, and your blade pressure (the lack thereof).
Then something strange will start happening... your edges will start feeling sharper/smoother, your shaves will get closer, and you'll have fewer problems with specific areas of your face/neck. This could take some time, but you'll get the technique and things will get much better.
I'm looking at the razor and strop sets at SRD. and before I pull the trigger on a nearly $200.00 purchase, is it worth it?
this one all depends on you... if you are interested in learning how to use a straight, or think it's cool (or whatever reason you have for trying a straight in the first place), a set from SRD would be a good investment. If the only thing you are after is a close shave, you'll have to weigh out whether the learning curve is worth it to you.