I'm getting there

After a few days of scrapes, cuts, burn and frustration, I did all but the chin today with the straight, WTG, XTG (sorta) and ATG and got a very nice, smooth shave with only a few spots that could be better.

Frustration turned to near euphoria. This got me to ponder the same question the few people I've confided that I'm learning to use a straight razor:

"Why on earth would you do that?" Because:

1. It's an art, and who doesn't want to be good at something?
2. It doesn't require the latest technology and include planned obsolescence.
3. It symbolizes, with me, at least, a simpler time.
4. It gives me a daily time to relax, reflect and decompress.
5. It has opened a portal to an association with true gentlemen on this forum. I cannot overstate the hospitality and help you kind contributors provide. I received a reply to my introductory first post from Lynn, the honemeister himself, inviting me to visit as I live within reach. Before I could even consider how serious the offer was, I get a response from BKratchmer suggesting this is a sincere offer from Lynn.

I communicated with Lynn and had the opportunity to sit at the feet of the master. Who does this? Again, I am simply amazed to find people who offer the same helpfulness and grace we don't often find in society today.

6. It's a manly endeavor. At my age, those are less frequent!
7. I get to buy new toys, and finally,
8. Dangit, it's just plain fun!

Didi I miss anything?

Yes, I am in the same position as you. I have been doing this for about 2 weeks and all going well and getting better all the time. Only the chin that remains a problem. I am experimenting with different skin-pulling directions and different blade angles in this area and I am making progress (slowly) but it remains by far the most difficult area to handle.

Also agree with your reasons for doing this.

Claude

You forgot that you are leaving behind the disposable era. You never again have to buy a blade that will end up in the trash bin. What functional object to we posses that will last as long??