Thread: Ex-Military and Straight Razors, my theory

I was thinking today about the fairly high corelation between ex-military members and straight razor use as it is shown on the forum here, and I came up with a bit of a theory. I hope it doesn't offend anyone, it's just a thought and feel free to disagree.

Most people who were milatary became so at a young age, usually around 18-20 it seems. A time in your life when you're beginning to really find your feet as a individual. Military training, however, is in part meant to break individuality to a certain degree. To repcale it with a sense of team and so on. The milatary, as far as I've seen from anyone I know who has been involved with it is an organization that places a huge importance on heritage.

So, my thinking is that perhaps, later in life the youthful sense of individuality that was driven out by military training begins to emerge. Former military men want to do something individualist, something not everyone around them is doing as well. So, when you combine that with the importance of heritage that was driven in to them and their sense of masculinity... Something like straight razor shaving just makes sense.

What do you think?

USMC here.

Sounds reasonable.

Ex-Navy here.

ex USAF, could be

LIMIT

I was thinking the same thing the other day. Army.

US Army 81-93....could be....or it could be because it is sharp and shiny...

And I still cannot abide unpolished brass.....therapy time?

...Ex U.S.Navy

Not a bad thought process. Personally, I like multi-use, self sufficient things. I am one of those guys with a screw loose who is always thinking about "Well what if this happens or that happens how can I use this." This is something the military taught me. Hell, I haven't had laces in any of my boots for ten years, I always replace them with 550 cord.

Secondly, I like to do things myself. I've done my own laundry since I was 13 years old with and without a laundry machine. My wife doesn't do my laundry and neither do the Dry Cleaners. I can mend my own clothes. Maybe I LIKE this shirt and don't want to get rid of it (recent discussion with my wife.) I can hunt, kill, clean, and cook my own food if warranted/desired. And now I am getting to the point where I don't need to run to the BX/PX every week to shell out 20 bucks for little plastic razor cartridges. Give me my blade, strop, and stone and I will be fine for years. All of the above have been described as a Military Man Thing, but it could also just be a Man Thing. I wouldn't know since I've been in the military my entire adult life.

Third, I do have a strong sense of tradition, and I think you are right in your statement that this is a military trait. I find myself drawn to the "Old Ways" of doing lots of things. BTW the Foxfire books are awesome, I will build my own log cabin someday .

Fourth, I don't know, maybe I'm just a weirdo.

Aaron
USAF AD

P.S. Who ever said "Support your local medic: Double Tap" That is freaking hilarious. Morbid and rough, but if you haven't BTDT, you might not understand.

Retired Army

Originally Posted by Cobo

Former military men want to do something individualist, something not everyone around them is doing as well.

Not just former, plenty of active duty here on this site. Active Army, 14 years in...

Originally Posted by WireBeard

or it could be because it is sharp and shiny...

And I still cannot abide unpolished brass.....therapy time?

Yep, unshiny razors. What's the point, where has the pride gone?

Originally Posted by AF Medic

P.S. Who ever said "Support your local medic: Double Tap" That is freaking hilarious. Morbid and rough, but if you haven't BTDT, you might not understand.

ROFLMAO!