A comment in praise of straight razor shaving

I just got home after spending the best part of a week (Monday AM to Sunday AM) in hospital with what's ended up being gall bladder issues which will require further surgery, but in that time I have have been unable to shave for several reasons.
One, I was being given anti-coagulants during my stay, so ANY nick would be an issue
Two, I flatly refuse to use a cartridge razor
Three, cut throat razors are forbidden for safety reasons (kids, unaware orderlies and LOTs of people, including the owner, on some funky drugs don't mix well with open razors)
As such I let it all grow. That's plus two additional days before I attended btw.

Now I'm home and more relaxed I took a shower and shave.

If anyone is reading this and still undecided about learning to use a straight/CT, this could be a turning point for you.
Consider how much work there is in removing that lot with a NASA inspired techno-marvel. First the clippers to get the length down, then in little tiny motions, having to rinse the hair (not stubble) out of the cartridge after every little wipe you start to chew your way through the forest. No long passes, no grand motions like they show you on TV, you have to hack through the scrub a quarter inch at a time possibly replacing that expensive plastic-fantastic several times because it won't rinse out. You finally finish smooth, but sporting nicks, razor burn, several discarded cartridges and exclaiming that you'll never leave it that long again.

Now we consider the exact same job with the straight. You shave like normal. No additional prep, no fuss, no cuts nicks or razor burn, no more expense that normal (no need to even use more lather in this case) just more hair in the sink. Job done.

Now why in all of God's creation would I ever consider using anything else?

You make a good point Sir! I might just have to take up this ..... what did you call it? Straight razor?? :D

Hope the gall bladder issues run smooth and safe mate.

James.

good comments Mick, what you're saying is also a reason i started straight shaving, working on the rigs, you don't alsways have the energy at the end of the day to shave.. and when you tried it was an exercise in hacking. now i just wait till i come home and have the pleasure of all the hair (somtimes three weeks growth) coming off in a single glorious smooth stroke.

I've decided to grow a beard these past couple weeks. My better half likes it, so once in a while I give it a go. I've been at it 5 weeks now, and it's pretty much like the rainforest. Don't get me wrong, I do like the beard.....but all I keep thinking about is "oh man....I can't wait to take this off with a straight". Since I began using a straight razor, I've not let my growth go for more than two or three days, so this is truly going to be one of life's pleasures.

Oh mate, you have NO idea how much fun it is. Seeing that growth fall away in a stroke is just satisfying as hell.. it's like.. better than popping bubblewrap..

I consider myself very lucky i get to do this once a month, and it never gets old.. When i'm at home, i'm clean shaven most days.

Nice read and good luck with the operation. After two years with a straight razor, I tried a Mach3 cartridge and was so dissappointed at the result. It felt cheap and unworthy. I had to use my straight razor to get the desired BBS shave, nuff said on this one.

Pabster

Thanks, Mick, for a great post and best wishes for your recovery.

Testify, brother! Testify! And here's hoping that your surgery goes as smoothly as possible.

I just started using a Straight Razor as well and I must say I agree, I very much like the feel of shaving with a straight razor better than with my old MachIII or whatever razor you might be using.

I always hated having to try and clean the hair out of the razor so you could shave, no longer an issue with a straight razor, simply put it under some running water and everything comes right off like it should.

I also really hate having to pre-shave in order to shave if I let my stubble grow out a bit too far lol. With a straight razor it doesn't matter how long your beard is, one swipe is still all it takes.

I am really enjoying using a straight razor, it does take a little more time and prep, but it's less of a hassle and feels better.

I believe that with a straight razor, we have the ultimate control of the cut, angle, grip, and the sharpness. Our razors don't clog or rust (as long as we properly care for them). Plus our razors were made by craftsmen who take great pride in their work and product; moreover, their razors are not mass produced like disposables. Plus our craft is eco friendly, no gasses, propellants, empty cans, or old disposables in the trash cans.

Heck, I keep my empty shaving soap containers, leave the lables on them and use them for storage. In fact, I use an empty SRD soap container as a shaving mug. The nice thing about that is if I make up too much lather, I can screw the lid on and save it for the next day - no waste.

Straight razor shaving is a living art, you gotta love it!!

But the ultimate is the enjoyment I get from the smell and feel of the lather, the satisfaction of leaving my bathroom with smooth feeling skin.