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!
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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 I got tired of reaching for a new cartridge every time my razor tugged, only to find the container empty...
To turn a hated task into a pleasant ritual.
Because there are no options, are there?
After today's first shave I think it's because I'm "Special". ;)
One day, I was too broke for my cartridges so I was buying disposables, and I just got a "can't stand it anymore," feeling looking at the package.
My answer is on two levels.Quote:
Originally Posted by Machete
First, it was a practical matter. Shaving was a miserable experience for me (skin irritation and poor results) with the electrics and multiblade cartridge/disposables. I'd change when something new was introduced and wind up dissatisfied. Then I'd give either the electrics or the multiblades another try. This went on for about 40 years. I finally lost my temper in early 2010 and surfed the internet for a better way to shave. To my surprise I found out that DE and straights were still available and being used.
Second, I solved my problem with DE razors but was captivated by straights. After 3-4 days I'd get bored shaving with the DE razor even though it did the trick. That's why I continued to pursue straights. I don't get tired of them and have developed my skill set to the extent that I get the best possible shave with them.
1. Nothing like shaving with a custom straight
2. To find and restore something a hundred years old a put a edge on it and acutlly shave with it.
3. Love all the different sents and creams,lotions ext..
4. Pulling that bad boy out at the hotel spa,gym and watching the reaction to all those looking.
5. My wife finds it super HOT
#2!!!Quote:
Originally Posted by PLJ
I need to try #4 and see what happens!
Every time I saw it in old movies, I thought it was just cool....I mean Clint Eastwood, Lee Marvin and Steve McQueen did it! On a more practical note, I just enjoy the entire process of shaving now, whereas I used to avoid it.
I moved to DE shaving because Mach snot razors irritated me and I got ingrown hairs. I said I was going to go right to straights but I chickened out. I kept telling my wife I was going to get me a straight though. Now after 4 years or more of shaving with a DE I finally took the plunge. Glad that I did too.
I shave with a straight because that is how they used to do it a long time ago and that is just cool. Modern razors require no skill and are one gimmick after another. Plus what PLJ said. Restoring DE was ok but restoring a 1800's blade to a shave ready edge is awesome.
Because there's nothing like an adrenaline rush fresh out of the shower? :shrug:
In all seriousness, it's because I get less irritation and a closer shave combined with the fact I can use the same ~100 year old blade (well, in theory anyway... when I don't have a bout of RAD going on) for the next 100 years and get as close of a shave the last time I use it as I did the first time.
I have always thought it was cool and manly looking, I too grew tired of buying cartridges. Last year while watching HBO Boardwalk Empire I told myself thats it's I'm going to get a straight razor. Bought a Dovo 3 months ago :tu
I needed to rejuvenate my marriage.
My wife digs scars :).
It was a "saving money" thing for me. Not that you'll get rich by making the switch. Once I realized the shave was actually better, it became more than that, I enjoyed shaving for once.
Much like a lot of the other guys I want to make a necessary task enjoyable.
Because James Bond endorses it.
James Bond: Skyfall - "Close Shave" BLU-RAY CLIP HD (2013) DANIEL CRAIG MOVIE - MEGATRAILER TV - YouTube
because it can,
And i like te smooth skin, never had that result whit a DE or a mach 5
Prepping my bunker, I noted the bags of carts took up too much space... :)
Assuming you don't have multiple aquisition disorders this hold true :-)Quote:
Originally Posted by earcutter
Never had a problem using other shaving methods, with the exception of electric razors, so it was out of curiosity more than anything else. Liked it and stayed with it.
Bob
Moved to DE's because I hated cartridges. Found I was getting the best shaves of my life (wife really likes them too!). Giving straights a try out of intrigue and nostalgia. I really like how the whole process slows me down in the morning and gets my day started right. It's no longer a task that I have to do.
Ray
Originally to save money. Still so I can meet a daily need without adding to the garbage stream. Ultimately because it turns a chore into a meditation.
I've done the whole ritual, complete witih making lather, in the Rec Center bathroom, and only kids notice something different. Either the adults don't or they're too scared to comment. I often share the mirror with some joyless man who wields his electric with neither passion nor panache. What an awful way to go through life!
Because straight razor is an art, made of history, culture and passion for bringing back to life old masterpieces. And art, as such, is a noble act, the expression of man's genius.
Used electrics, carts shavette and de. Couldn't find what I was looking for. Settled for straights and I finally have a first class shave. I didn't think it would be as good as it is. And the honing part is great.
The classic easy and clean style are what clinched it in my book. The smoother skin and calming effects are pretty nice though. Oh, the smells of good soap and quality aftershave aren't half bad either. :cool:
I started shaving with a Gillette Trac 2 in the late 70's ... I always thought i had a decent shave until the next greatest thing came along and it seemed the blades not longer performed, kinda like they started putting crappy steel in them and wouldnt hold an edge anymore. I tried an electric shaver once, ONCE :)
I reluctantly changed to the Mach 3 and was never happy with the blades so I rarely shaved everyday after that which then caused them to plug up and made the situation worse :shrug:
My son in law mentioned he wanted to get a straight razor and i remembered my dad had given me my grandfather's after he passed and i dug it out of storage. It sat on my dresser for a couple of months till i couldnt stand it anymore and i had to hone it up and give it a go.
I havent regretted a moment since, even considering the substantial bloodletting that followed during my "learning curve". It has always been my opinion that the Lord hates a coward so I soldiered on with the journey. I have no delusions that I need to, or could ever be "pretty" anyways, besides my wife dont mind a rugged lookin bugger like me. I have since considered the fact that is is much "greener" and frankly find my face in much better condition and I just plain enjoy shaving now.
Mike
Started out of curiosity and in hopes of saving money! I read how easily you can get started and quickly save money over buying expensive cartridges. Well, It was easy to get started, however in the long run I definitely have not saved money because of what we call RAD!!
Because I wanted a collectible hobby that I could use at the same time that would also relax me and help my rapidly aging face!
Because I have loved sharp things for over 30 years. I have loved making things sharp almost as long. I love taking edges to insane levels of sharpness (I once sharpened my lawn mower blade to arm hair shaving sharp, for no reason other than to do it).
All the knives in my house are finished to the same or higher grit that most finish their razors on...so it seemed logical to move into honing straights.
Straight razors simple give me another way to spend more time with sharp edges.
There is probably a disorder in there somewhere, but I don't hurt anyone...so what is the harm?
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.
I got tired of irritation and never getting a close shave. Did a simple google search for "how to get the closest shave for sensitive skin" and straight razor shaving popped up left and right. Delved into searching for 2 weeks and made the decision to go for it. The rest is history.
I showed SWMBO that picture and she stated she would have started using the razors on me long before I reached that point. I then said that at the most I might go for a seven day set to which she simply replied "NO !!!!!!!!!!!!!!"Quote:
Originally Posted by Tarkus
Because I am some what of a young fogey.
Have them shipped to work.Quote:
Originally Posted by LiamPBoyle
:what::eek::thumbup::thumbup::eek::what:Quote:
Originally Posted by Tarkus
Just. Freaking. Beautiful.
Because I deserve the best of everything. :)Quote:
Originally Posted by Machete
I was starting to have skin problems because of poor shaving results. After discovering wet shaving I read up on straight razors but thought it was too expensive. I then crunched the numbers on disposable expenses and bought my first straight within the week.
A year later... no nicks, no skin problems, perfectly smooth, and the respect of my buds for being a badass while they hide in the corner with their razor burn and plastic disposables. :rock:
If I thought work would let me have razors shipped there I would. However, there's also a lot of the flat broke factor that keeps me in check.
Sharp, shiny things intrigue me and also its a artform once mastered. It makes that mundane chore an experience. Its also a cool talking point at the pub.
