Thread: Why do you shave with a straight?

I started as a way to save money, but that was a red herring. I've continued because it is fun.... Well that and the enormous, testosterone laden cloud of machismo that surrounds me when I use one..... AND the looks that progress from horror to curiosity to jealousy when tell other guys I shave with a straight.


Oh yeah... the shaves they give are pretty damn nice, too.

Originally Posted by Scrapyard Ape

I started as a way to save money, but that was a red herring. I've continued because it is fun.... Well that and the enormous, testosterone laden cloud of machismo that surrounds me when I use one..... AND the looks that progress from horror to curiosity to jealousy when tell other guys I shave with a straight.

I agree with the first part but I have yet to note any of my friends being jealous about this mode of shaving. They are still at the horror stage..

ummm....I like sharp things...and they don't get much sharper than this...

I suppose you can throw in a dash of "saves money" but to be totally honest I never thought about the cost of Mach3 carts until the Fusion came out (I was already straight shaving by then) and I realized they were asking $15 for a 4-pack of blades that you're just going to be throwing away anyhow. That's $3.75 each down the tubes...I was never happier to be a straight shaver then when I made that realization.

The spark was the article you mentioned Matt.

After that, the Zen, challenge and pampering grabbed me. I also love the look of razors. Last, I love shaving with something that gives me a great shave and probably gave someone a great shave 75 years ago.

Cheers - John

About two months ago, I was using my (gasp) electric razor that I had for literally a decade, and when I took the foil top off to bang it against the side (to knock off someof the stubble inside) pieces of plastic began to fly off - and I thought I needed to start searching for a new razor, and I was dreading it - everytime I get a new razor, the damn thing tears the hell out of my neck, and as I wear a tie every day, the collars finish the job - really very bad burn; blood and bumps and the whole thing.

But, I had to do it, so I started shopping around and the latest new fangled razors were like $200.00! I said, no-the hell-way was I going to buy one of those, and my Bic days are long over - so I started researching, and hard - grew up with straight razors (long story, family for generations were accomplished wood carvers, and we would buy up old straights by the dozens -when they were cheap- and grind them into knives and delicate chisels-best steel in the world - just a travesty now that I think of how many Wostenholms and Ducks were crucified) - so, I researched over Christmas (while not shaving a lick) - bought a kit from Tony, and haven't looked back since, until two days ago, but that is another story...7 razors, 6 or so soaps, 5 creams, five aftershaves (nto including balms), four brushes, three bowls, three strops, a water heater, two styptics, an alum block and a Moss scuttle later...I would say I am off to a running start. Spend well over the original budgeted $200.00 but I am getting better shaves and no irritation, and enjoying the learning curve.

YMMV

K

Like Gawker, I was into sharp metal -- knives (got a huge collection since I can't buy firearms over here).

The catalyst was my electric shaver's batteries wearing out -- they were soldered into the unit. So, I either had to buy a whole new one, get the old unti maintenanced, or go back to a Mach 3. A straight razor at least tied back to my collecting/hobby of knives.

So, a year and a half in, and still going strong.

Because I can .... no, originally because I hated the money and waste of the Gillette disposables - but as someone said, that's out the window what with RAD and all...

James.

Originally Posted by Jimbo

=originally because I hated the money and waste of the Gillette disposables -
James.

Amen Brother Jimbo! In a very dull moment me and my friend Excel worked out how much Gillette and Co were going to cost me for the rest of my life! I then naively decided a straight would be much cheaper and kind to the environment....so I was kind of right on one count!

Originally Posted by Bradford Si

In a very dull moment me and my friend Excel worked out how much Gillette and Co were going to cost me for the rest of my life!

What as the final total?