Thread: Why Bother ????

I am writing this is the Conversation Forum to generate some points of view...

These past few months have seen some rather "Interesting" threads about honing razors, stropping, prep, and even what razors to buy, which prompted me to re-think the question above.. Why Bother..


Why bother going through the expense of getting a razor, strop, brush, soap and other toys...
Why bother re-learning how to shave
Why bother learning how to strop
Why bother learning how to hone or even maintain an edge
Why bother learning how to make a good lather
Why bother learning proper prep
Why bother learning proper post-shave techniques

This is all about time, and a small bit of hard earned coin (sometime a large bit) so you have to ask, "Why Bother???

If you look back in time King Gillette took out straight razors rather simply once, ask yourself honestly why, was it a superior product, or was it that face in the mirror.. He used the Faster, Easier, Cheaper, marketing scheme and it worked...Laziness or a perceived lack of time, made straight razor shaving a thing of the past for most men...

Some men have once again realized that by taking a bit of extra time and investing it, took them back to a more relaxed place, back to a more enjoyable time, even if it was only for 30 minutes each day, they got to experience a truly luxurious shave...
They talked to people about that shave, and with the advent of the Internet that talk grew, and grew, now we have a Gentleman's (and some gals) Club that we fondly call Straight Razor Place.. We talk of awesomely smooth edges, we talk of soaps and creams that actually are good for our Hollywood faces, and scents that delight the significant others in our lives...
We talk of minutiae, of stropping and honing that is of no interest to any others beside our Brother's of the Blade...

Now recently we have seen the awakening of Ole' King Gillette, his specter is rising from the grave, and speaking that same old pitch again, "Faster, Easier, Cheaper"... He is talking to you again, those of you that use straight razors, are you going to be seduced by him once again ??? Almost like a carnival barker you are beginning to hear the chant "Good Enough, it is good enough"

Why Bother???

Because I get the absolute best, most comfortable shave I can, Yes it costs me much more time, because I want the best, not just adequate, not good enough, not just better than canned goop and a Bic disposable.. I want the "Gentleman's Shave", I want to spoil myself...
And that my friends is why I bother... it is also why I bother to post so much on here, so I can hopefully help other's experience that special shave.

What about you???

Because it is immeasurably satisfying to not have to drive to the supermarket to purchase, yet again, more overpriced uncomfortable blades that only last three or four shaves before becoming unusable

I have a system that utilizes milk cartons that will make your cartridges last for 3 years. For more information send me $35 via paypal.

Originally Posted by hoglahoo

Because it is immeasurably satisfying to not have to drive to the supermarket to purchase, yet again, more overpriced uncomfortable blades that only last three or four shaves before becoming unusable

Originally Posted by Slartibartfast

I have a system that utilizes milk cartons that will make your cartridges last for 3 years. For more information send me $35 via paypal.

You're too late, I'm hooked on straight razors now.

I have a system that utilizes milk cartons that will make your straight razors shave ready for 3 years with no stropping. For more information send me $35 via paypal.

Originally Posted by hoglahoo

You're too late, I'm hooked on straight razors now.

It is about treating yourself to a superior shave, executed with skills and equipment, honed and refined with an effort.

When you look at how rushed our collective societies have become its nice to take a step back and remember that the newest thing isn't necessarily the best for us. In a day and age where everything is instantaneous we still need to take time for ourselves or else we'll lose our sanity.

And like previously mentioned I definitely feel a bit close to my grandfathers when I reach for an older blade and a well broken in strop.

Because I'm good enough, I'm smart enough, and, doggonit, people like me!

It's pretty simple for me...cause it's awesome!! From start to finish, the time, the relaxation, knowing that I'm doing something that few others (except for this wonderful group) can even comprehend. It's old school and I love it!

I do it now for the same reasons I first started wet shaving: it has been the only way I can get a close and presentable shave. Another one of my initial goals was to save money (ha!) and while I'm not sure if I've saved any money as of right now, it's good to know that most of the things I've bought so far should last several lifetimes.