A couple of months in... I HATED shaving! So why do I now love it?

Truly, I have always hated shaving and the razor bumps/ingrown hairs/discomfort that came with it. When I could grow a decent enough beard, I did (and still wear a mustache and goatee most of the time to this day).

Then a couple of months ago I caved in and got a straight razor and my current (favorite) soap. Dang!

Whereas I used to avoid shaving, I now look forward to it. Whereas I used to be fine with a poor shave and preferred to be rather profusely stubbly, I now go for BBS shaves about once a week!

I find that I LOVE my Merkur 34C razor, but something about the time and patience and -- almost -- meditation it requires fro me to use my straight makes it something special and a bit of a challenge.

I still get a little burn now and then. But my days of ingrown hairs are behind me. I just find it interesting that what used to be a chore is now something I look forward to.

It really does get better and better... well especially for us newbies! :)

Welcome Brother...it is hard to explain to the Non-Believers, those who only fear the Blade and have not yet come to be one with a well honed edge..

It's like Skydiving or Scuba diving...you are either willing to take that first step, put in that effort, to be able to get that experience...

Or you are not...

"I don't want to come to the end of my life and find that I have just lived the length of it. ... The world is all gates, all opportunities" - Ralph Waldo Emerson ...

I am only my 6th shave in with my Dovo Carpe Diem and agree that it's is hard to explain to others the beauty in the shave. The preparation, the calming sound of the blade on leather, the control required for the correct angle, the ritual and zen like focus the entire routine takes. I'll never go back.

I had the same feelings after I learned how to SR shave.
I used to go for days unshaven when I was on cartridge, now sometimes I wish I can shave 2 times a day.

it's all part of the plan. Now that we've got you hooked you're into it forever.

Same boat! I HATED shaving, did it as little and as quick as possible. For me it's nice to disappear for a while and focus on something other than all the other junk I have to deal with. It's a wonderful hobby.

I'll chime in here too with the same experience. I truly look forward to my evening shave all day long. Before the SR I loathed it.

Sounds like it turning into a hobby with benifits ....there is soooo much ahead of you too. Like diff grinds,wedges to full hollows and everything in between, then the stones and strops and brushes oh my!!!! LOL Have Fun

"I still get a little burn now and then. But my days of ingrown hairs are behind me. I just find it interesting that what used to be a chore is now something I look forward to.

It really does get better and better... well especially for us newbies! "

YES!! This is where its at.

To the outsiders, i just say: " I love to shave now and you don't. " that's usually sufficient.

Thanks for posting. As you can tell, you're not alone. Anything that puts "joy" or "love" in the same sentences with "shaving" is a huge thing. 'Glad you're enjoying.
Almost 2.5 yrs into it - it shows no sign of letting up. I hope it never does.

I used to stop shaving in october for about 6 months, when you shave your entire face after 6 months it feels so smooth, now since in shaving with a straight i get that smooth feeling just about every day!!! I always look forward to shaving!

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Originally Posted by pinklather

To the outsiders, i just say: " I love to shave now and you don't. " that's usually sufficient.

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Well spoken....

Gotta say...i totally agree. I look forward to my shave time. No kids, wife, stress. It's just me, a warm brush filled with lather & a freshly stropped razor. Its my time to relax.

Eeeeh, it's okay....