Thread: How do you explain straight razors to other people?

Thanks for all the suggestions. I'll keep working on my husband. Wouldn't it be funny if I could convert him? He's never been particularly happy with his shaves either.

Lori

Originally Posted by LoriB

Thanks for all the suggestions. I'll keep working on my husband. Wouldn't it be funny if I could convert him? He's never been particularly happy with his shaves either.

Lori

Wonderful. I like how you think.
Way to go

I've often got the "You'll Shoot Your Eye Out!" response from people. Including a lady at the Flea Market that I've bought probably a dozen straight razors from. Yesterday she seemed quite surprised that I actually used them for shaving (funny I thought that's what they were made for). She then seemed quite concerned for my safety and asked my wife to intervene before I was grievously injured. My wife just smiled and said, "I asked him to stop when he first started because he seemed to be getting cut pretty often but he just kept on and now he shaves with a straight every day and doesn't seem to cut himself much at all." Once her appeal to the voice of reason had clearly failed she sold me another razor and told me to be very careful not to cut my ear off. I too am often puzzled by this almost pathological fear of straight razors that some people have. After all, wasn't this the only way to shave for the better part of 300-400 years? Everyone who shaves with a straight (or anything else for that matter) gets the occassional nick but it seems to me that even if you totally didn't know what you were doing your odds of serious injury are pretty slim.

classic shave has a link on this site,they have good soap ect..good luck and dont worry what others say,youll soon find that we are the sane ones

Originally Posted by LoriB

Hi! I'm new to the forum and straight razors. I'm in the process of collecting what I need to get started although I do have a vintage Clauss razor already. I remember my grandfathers using straight razors but they passed away decades ago so they aren't available to help me out. What causes me the most trouble so far are the reactions I get from other people that do not use straight razors even including my husband. It usually starts with a horrified look and then a question about whether I'm suicidal or if I'm joining a gang or if I'm a big fan of Sweeney Todd or if I'm having a strange craving for meat pies. I've given up on finding shaving supplies in stores because I'm tired of explaining what I'm looking for, why I want it and the questions about whether I know the number for suicide prevention or not. The general public around here seem to be terrified of straight razors. They seem to think straight razors are only good for killing or hurting oneself or someone else. At first I thought it was so absurd it was funny but now it's just getting ridiculous.

I really hate modern plastic razors with multiple blades because they rough up the skin on my legs and they nick me a lot. I hate shaving so I can wear a skirt for a special occasion but then get a cut on my leg that looks awful and doesn't heal until it's time to shave again. That explanation doesn't sway people. They say it just proves I'm terrible with razors and I shouldn't be allowed near a straight razor. I've spent plenty of money on electric razors over the years and have yet to find one that does a good job. Waxing gives me bruises that look terrible. Nair makes me gag. I think a straight razor is the way to go but I can't convince others of that. So...how do you explain the desire to use straight razors? Could you point me to a good thread on the subject so maybe I can at least persuade my husband that I'm not insane?

Lori