Thread: Need Help

I have started looking in to buying a straight razor. I have told my Grandparents, and Great grandparents, (whom I live with) about this, and they don't think I should. For 3 main reasons: 1: The cost, 2: they don't want me cutting myself on accident, 3: they think I would mistreat it. I also want to know if I should wait until I get out of high school to start shaving with a straight razor. Any input is welcomed.

Hello and welcome. The original cost can be up there but not really unreasonable...if you shave everyday how much is the cost of those darn cartridges. If you go to the classifieds here or some reputable vendors that sell vintage shave ready razors that can dramatically cut your cost. If you do some reading..or your parents do..lol..a straight, using proper technique, is no more dangerous than those other razors.

As was already said there are several ways to cut your initial cost. In regards to cutting yourself you will do that even with a cartridge. Now I love straight shaving and despise cartridges, but I probably wouldn't have even switched if cartridges were working for me. They weren't and that's why I tried a straight. It's not about cutting yourself more or less, it's about getting a more enjoyable shaving experience. You will cut yourself to begin with, but there is a learning curve, and once you are proficient you won't (or shouldn't) nick yourself any more than you might with a normal razor. It just comes down to being careful.

Lastly, I don't think there is a right age to start. Relating to abusing the razor it's more on personality. Now I know some of my younger brothers high school friends and some of my friends when they were in high school would not have been good straight shavers, jsut because they did not posess the capacity/attention span/dedication to learn this craft and make it useful. However that is not to say that you are like that. If you are confident that you are willing to learn how to shave with a straight (and it will take time), and are vigilant about caring for your shaving equipment then I don't think there is any reason not to try it out.