Thread: Why do you love "classic" shaving so much?

Hi
I have notice that many people here (include me), love shaving and we love talk about it and so on
Not only that but we spend a lot of $ for getting the best stuff for the "perfect" shaep, and we even gets things that won't contribute to the shave itself, like bowls made of steel,gold, nickel and so on
So
Why is that?
What makes this traditional "wet shaving" something so special that we spend so much $ and time about it?

I think that good answers in this post can really do something to convince people we are we so "mad" about "wet-shaving"

When I was in the military, I used to really enjoy the straight razor neck, and around the ear shaves. The skin felt so smooth and clean. I have shaved in the shower with only water for several years, and got a passable shave. Still I was not really satisfied with it. I started doing some research on straight shaving, and have incorporated some aspects into my daily routine. I don't have a proper straight yet.

It comes down to, I am more satisfied with the shave, the shave soaps leave my skin feeling cleaner, less raw. I have less breakouts since switching to shave soap. The warm soap feels better. My wife and kids notice a smoother husband, dad. I get up 5 minutes earlier to enjoy a few minutes of personal time instead of rushing like mad to get out the door. I feel a little more like me. I get up very early, 1:30 am. I need that wake me up to feel like a person when I get to work at 3:00am. That and several large cups of coffee.

Also, I actually attended Cosmotalogy school for about 500 class hours. Of course we did not learn any straight razor work as far as shaving, just one quick class on haircutting. This was a long time ago, around 1981. For me learning this skill is something that has always had a certain appeal. When I was stationed in Korea, I was the defacto barber for about 10 guys in the barracks. We did not like the post barber shop, so bought a barber kit and did our own haircuts. It was pretty much a Saturday lunch time thing. Set up a chair, an ice chest of beers, some music or movies, bitch about the last work week, and take care of buisness. Those were good times.

Well, I dont have a straight yet (Mostly just lurking here to learn about them until that glorious day that I actually have some cash and can afford one), but I've been shaving with a DE for a few months.
A big reason is the fact that it irritates my face less (Or not at all, usually). I have sensitive skin and tough hair, so cartridge razors tear my face up.
It's also more enjoyable to shave. It's actually nice and relaxing to take my time lathering up with a brush, and quite satisfying to get a good shave the "old fashioned way".
Also, it's pretty rare to find someone that doesn't shave with an electric or cartridge razor these days (Well, they're plentiful on the forums, but I've *never* met anyone in real life that uses anything else), so it's kind of nice to stand out from the crowd.
Hooray first post
=Vincent=

I think you'll find that for most of us this thing is a hobby and most people endulge themselves in their hobbies be it straight shaving or classic cars. There are some who just use a straight for shaving and don't give a hoot about all the fancy stuff and amassing collections of razors. I would think they are in the minority here but in the real world I'm sure there are more straight shavers than we think but they aren't into it as a hobby.

That does make sense. When I get into a hobby I get into it full time. This is just better because I get to do it every morning

At first, I just wanted to learn how to use a straight. There are so many aspects to straight razor shaving that is just gets more interesting and expensive the more you learn,

Who would ever think I would know the defference between Sheffeld Steel and German Steel. What the heck is Bakelight, Latigo leather vs: cowhide, cream vs: soap, and on and on and on.

Love it.

I also think that for me it has roots in old and fond memories. The smell of the brush,the feel of the blade on your face, the fact that you are reviving something that was almost lost.

If it wasn't for the few of us who take intrest in this type of shave, King Gillette would have his way.

I always enjoyed shaving, and always used a mach III as opposed to an electric. While I enjoyed lathering up (w/ can) and methodically shaving it off, it left something to be desired, and I longed to try a str8 and do it the “old fashioned way.” A few weeks back, I discovered a link on fark.com concerning str8 razor shaving, which peaked my interest and got me looking around, one thing led to another, and here I am, about a month later playing with a sharp knife everyday. I only have a few shaves under my belt (3), and I tend to scratch myself up a bit as both my skin and my technique need to adapt to this new ritual, but already I can see there is no going back. I enjoy the ritual of it, and the subtle pride of learning something most guys just don’t have a clue how to do. I have been using real soaps and creams for a few weeks now, and that is also a highly relaxing and invigorating part of my day. My dad uses pretty much nothing scented, and I grew up that way, and was never really bold enough to try anything, so that aspect is a whole new experience, too. Also, one can never really do multiple passes with a cartridge w/o razor burn and pain, and I would like to be able to achieve a smooth shave once I get over the learning curve. And cartridge replacements are friggin expensive.

-Michael

Originally Posted by floridaboy

I also think that for me it has roots in old and fond memories. The smell of the brush,the feel of the blade on your face, the fact that you are reviving something that was almost lost.

If it wasn't for the few of us who take intrest in this type of shave, King Gillette would have his way.

Remember King Gillette died a broken and poor man totally bankrupt. So see we got our revenge.

I was looking for the best shave possible, possibly save some money and to actually enjoy something I've hated for better part of the last two decades.

So far I've got two out of three and in the long run may save some money as well depending on how well I control the aquisition disorders.

Ant