How do you explain straight razors to other people?

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

I told my wife its cheaper then buying mach3 blades all the time wow what a lie I have major RAD

Welcome to SRP!
I'm glad you decided to join:)

I don't talk all that much about shaving in general, but when people see my bathroom I kinda have to:)
Some say it's cool, others call me "eccentric".
I really don't care all that much what others think about me using a straight. I like it, so I do it, period!

By the way, did you see that there is a Ladies corner in here as well?
Check it out! There is quite a few female members on here. I bet you will find lots of good help in there.
And, of course, we will all help in any way we can!
Good luck

Welcome to SRP, always good to have another lady with us!
Explaining to your husband why you want to start wet shaving should not be too diffucult, I gather. Just point him to this very website. There are tens of thousands of members and most of us are sane and not suicidal :)
There are many reasons why people start wet shaving, ranging from the "go green" thought to those that just want a nicer, more comfortable experience. Some also start for economical reasons, although I have not seen huge savings myself due to the fact that I have, alas, fallen victim to some of the acquisition disorders one may develop in this lane of trade. Willingly, I should add :)
Many also report that they started because of reasons similar to those you indicate - that the other alternative hair removal options were uncomfortable, produced rashes or plain hurt. You'll find there are many options for better skin care in wet shaving, and many report they manage to get rid of their problems.
We have a ladies corner here, I suggest you check it out. Here is the link to our Ladies Corner.
Don't hesitate to ask questions when they arise, and foremost, have fun.

Edit: Dang, 2 replies while I was typing up my welcome - ppl here are fast posters :)

I think shaving with a straight razor is difficult to explain. The modern cartridges are accepted by nearly everyone, so making
a point of going back in time to an open razor is counter-intuitive. Many here make a case for it in terms of economics, a case
I think is very difficult to make stick. Others say they've had bad results with cartridges. I haven't and still use them from time
to time. I can still get Gillette Pro Glide cartridge to last two months, so the arguments from economy and ecology aren't particularly
compelling.

I shave with a straight razor because it is interesting, challenging, and rewarding. It is a skill that has to be learned over time,
doesn't come easily or quickly, and can be uncomfortable at first and for a while. If I were you, I would avoid shaving with a
straight right before putting on that pretty skirt and sashaying off to a party, unless it's Hallowe'en. You'll need to put in some
practice before you can safely risk that. But give straights a shot because they're fun. It's worth it.

Welcome to SRP. Be sure to check out the "Ladies Corner" and PM member CarrieM to gain access to the "ladies only" section of the forum. Have you considered first trying out a double edge razor? They and the blades for them are faily inexpensive and easy to maintain. My wife recently tried out my Merkur DE and loved it so much that now I'm afraid it's her razor and I will have to buy another one.

Welcome to SRP. Just tell people it's "way cool" to shave with a straight and you get a great shave once you get past the learning curve. Tons of great info on this sight and the people here are great. Enjoy the journey!

When I first started straight shaving I tried to explain my new hobby to people, partly because I was excited about doing it, and proud that I was able to. I quickly realized that people thought I was weird. My really close friends chalked it up to "oh well....that's Nate", because I like lots of old styled sorts of things.

To others, I say that my hobby is resorting antiques. Usually that's enough for people....because most people don't really want to talk about restoring furniture or woodworking (two other things I enjoy).

There is so much obsession about "new" things these days. It's a bit unfortunate. But, like Birnando said "I do it and I don't care what other people think."

That's my rant.

I've given up years ago trying to explain to people. I can't even convince my younger son.

Good to have you here. get with our other ladies and probably one of them will come up with the best way of explaining it to your husband.

I normally get strange looks when i tell people about it. That's ok. I understand it does sound unusual! A lot of the problem is ignorance, i think - most people have the false perception that straight razors are dangerous to shave with. Movies like Sweeney Todd do little to help that perception.

On the positive side, i have had a few people show genuine interest. I lent my spare straight to a workmate who was interested, so i'm super keen to hear back about his experience with it! My best friend is also going to let me give him a straight shave on his wedding day.

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

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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

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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

Quote:

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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

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