Thread: Why Do You Use a Straight Razor?

Well, I shave with a Parker SR2 Shavette, so I don't know how much clout that I'd have in this conversation, but for me it was a cost issue at first. I used to shave with a Gillette Fusion 5 blade razor system. If anyone else here used to shave with them, you'll feel my pain. A pack of 8 normally runs about 20 bucks; a pack of Shark DE's run 10 bucks for 100. I got sick of throwing my money away on carts. That was the original turn-on.

As I've been going on, it's actually quite a relaxing and challenging process to master. All the different grips/angles are neat to learn and make me feel like a bad*** when I'm using it. The futher along that I get in my skills, I've found out that I can beat the snot out of the job that my old 5-blader used to. Take that, King Gillette!

Finally, it's very nostalgic for me to look at the blade against my face and think to myself, "This is the way my great-grandpa used to shave."

Nostalgia, Comfort, and a time to just think for a while (but enough of an activity to not think to much).

Originally Posted by Machete

I'm curious..

I know why I might use such a thing but what got YOU using a straight razor?

When people say to you "Why?", what's your response?

Bonus points for creativity!

Because it was less wieldy than the bowie knife I was using before...Edge quality is about the same though. I like 'em all sharp!


In truth though, I got sick of throwing money into the bin in the form of cartridge blades.

Mick

Purely economics,is very simple math.ballpark I think I have spent at least 15K on all shaving related stuff, that encludes Hones.
Running the numbers,in 27.3 yrs I will be even if I buy no more stuff.
I will be 92.8 yrs old at that time,I intend to break even.

Originally Posted by pixelfixed

Purely economics,is very simple math.ballpark I think I have spent at least 15K on all shaving related stuff, that encludes Hones.
Running the numbers,in 27.3 yrs I will be even if I buy no more stuff.
I will be 92.8 yrs old at that time,I intend to break even.

I've probably spent approx. $1200 on Cut-Throat/DE razors and accessories over the past 18 years, most of that in the last three years or so. A good chunk of that would have been re-couped on the making and selling of strops in my spare time. I would have spent around $3000 on cartridge blades since I bought my first cut-throat and failed to successfully shave with it (No one told me it wouldn't be shave ready, or that I needed to get through a learning curve steeper than the north face of Mt Everest!). I think I am already well and truly ahead of the game right now. I don't collect like some here though. I have enough for a bit more than a weeks rotation...More than I need.


Mick

I have decided that holding something in hand which is special and tight. Something which may have belonged to a rich man, a farmer, a genious, from several past generations the world over makes me feel exclusive and rich. Especially having the resources and abilities to make them perform as-new or better. Lovely hobby, historically fun, and enjoyable shaves! Not to mention some fine razor buddies! Sweet! Oh, and no ingrown hairs nor irritation either!
Catfish Belly Smooth!

Originally Posted by Tarkus

I once displayed some antiques in my china closet, one of which was a Craftsmen Sta-Sharp straight razor I got from a family member. It intrigued me and I wanted to try shaving with a straight but the Sta-Sharp was not in any condition to be used at the time. So I purchased my first straight razor and fell in love with the art. I've since removed the antiques in the china closet only to display and store my obsession.

Attachment 131677

And now the Sta-Sharp is a funtionable razor, that always has a soft spot in my heart.

Say! In case you don't realize it, your cabinet is BEGGING for shelves in between those shelves! Just saying!

Originally Posted by sharptonn

Say! In case you don't realize it, your cabinet is BEGGING for shelves in between those shelves! Just saying!

I'm seeing a scary domino effect if someone treads too hard near those razors.

Naaaa. He's a batchin! Nobudy there to make waves! ('cept him!)
Lord knows he is bad enough, those basement stairs and all!

Quite honestly for all the reasons said above, but for me it is a nice way to slow down and do something not everyone else can do. It is definitely a skill which is another benefit for me. For me it turned the daily shave into something I look forward.