Benefit of SR Shaving

In the past, with disposables and cartridge razors, shaving was always a chore......a thing that needed to be done. In fact, the sooner I got it over with the better. A shave of 2-3 minutes was average for me. Squirt the canned gel into my hand, one pass across the face, DONE!

However, now that I am converted 100% to a straight razor, a funny realization has overcome me. I never thought I would say this, but if I can't shave for AT LEAST 20 MINUTES, then I'm CHEATING MYSELF!

It's not about going through the motions, or getting cleaned up so I can rush out the door. This is about taking my time. This is about relishing in every moment of the experience. Smelling the soap as it's applied to the face, feeling the bristles of the brush massage the skin, and of course, the exhiliration and (dare I say, COMFORT) of the blade as it passes across the face.

Shaving has gone from being a routine and turned into THE EXPERIENCE. It's what makes you a MAN. It's what separates you from the animal kingdom. Ok, maybe I'm going a little far there, but damnit, it's a friggin' beautiful thing to actually look forward to shaving, isn't it!

These may just be the words of a rambling beginner, but I have a feeling that many of you feel the same way, and that this feeling never really goes away. I now have dreams of making my own shaving soaps, custom made strops, and continuing to help others on this journey.

In the words of Braveheart, "They can take away our lives, but they will never take......our RAZORS!"

You've just learned what everyone else here has.

It's very much about the overall experience. The means is equally important as the end. It's not just about whacking off the whiskers. Kind of like enjoying a fine wine.

Amen soul brotha' from another mutha'!! TESTIFY...

Even more than enjoying the long shave, I find it an odd feeling that I am looking forward to my next shave as soon as my current one is over with. I also wish my beard grew faster so I could shave more often than every other day. It is strange but one of the benefits to this hobby.

I look forward to it so much, I find myself planning the next day's shave as I'm getting ready to head off to bed. SR or DE? Cream or soap? Which A/S to use?

I would say I enjoy using a straight razor and wetshaving more than the usually routine, my skin definately does, but the excitement does wear off.

I think that is why you see a lot of the "ADs". People trying to recapture the magic by buying new peripherals. Similar to a drug user chasing that first high...

Next thing you know, you'll start writing with a fountain pen and purchasing stationary to write letters on instead of just emailing everyone...
(yes, I'm speaking from personal experience)

I love SR shaving. The multi Cartridge Hyped up stuff has become a costly annuity to support for those manufactureres. They gave me deep ingrown pimples that took 7 - 10 days to run their course and the trash only adds to the landfil.

I get a superior shave, a better experience, and a better looking face. Also, I splurged on Straight Razors, pasted strop, soaps, creams,..etc. and I will still come out ahead financially in two more years!

Pabster

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Originally Posted by bharner

Next thing you know, you'll start writing with a fountain pen and purchasing stationary to write letters on instead of just emailing everyone...
(yes, I'm speaking from personal experience)

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That's hilarious, because I actually found myself looking at fountain pens this weekend, wondering if other "old-timey" things would bring me as much joy as I have found in straights.
I have to tell myself "NO" though, becasue my hobbies always turn into full blown obsessions. I wouldnt just buy a fountain pen. I'd be on Ebay looking at 19th century inkwells, pens made from exotic materials... then I'd be joingin a fountain pen forum, learning all the new lingo, constantly wanting to upgrade my current setup........ :banghead:

I have a sickness..lol

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Originally Posted by swimlikehell

Even more than enjoying the long shave, I find it an odd feeling that I am looking forward to my next shave as soon as my current one is over with. I also wish my beard grew faster so I could shave more often than every other day. It is strange but one of the benefits to this hobby.

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YES! i wish my beard grew faster (or that I could even grow a beard) so I could shave more than just every other day. after shaving yesterday morning i got home from work and even though i had no need at all to shave again I was thinking "i wonder if it would be bad to shave again just to have an excuse to smell my shaving soap..."

As both a fountain pen and straight razor guy, I echo your sentiments and now find pleasure in activities once thought of as chores.

It's all about the experience. I wore a full beard for 27 years and now I actually enjoy shaving every day. My only regret is that I only get to shave once per day.

Happy shaving!

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Originally Posted by Slartibartfast

I would say I enjoy using a straight razor and wetshaving more than the usually routine, my skin definately does, but the excitement does wear off.

I think that is why you see a lot of the "ADs". People trying to recapture the magic by buying new peripherals. Similar to a drug user chasing that first high...

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I totally agree... my excitement about shaving ebbs and flows depending on whats going on around me as well as what's coming in from delivery.