Thread: How many people have you already converted to straight razor shaving?

I converted one of the female teachers here at my school. I'm also working on a new generation, slowly. I have my collection of razors as my screen saver. Quite often my students ask about them. But I think it just confirms their opinions that I am crazy.

I don't know if it will count as a conversion, but my father now uses a DE. It was my birthday gift to him. Now he needs to use a badger brush and soap.

Gentlemen,

I do not believe in converting people to my way of doing something, whatever that might be, for it is not my place to do so. Whether I write with my fountain pen, or make tea in my samovar, it's my way, and it's right for me and not necessarily for another.

It might be right for some, but I will let them decide for themselves, not by telling them, but by showing them the pleasures of writing with a fountain pen or drinking quality tea made in a samovar.

Don't tell me. Show me. That's one of the basic rules of good writing.

Shaving with a straight razor, especially, fits in that belief. I think the only way I might try to convince others to embrace the joys of shaving with a straight razor is to show them the grace in this old art by practicing it myself.

What's more, shaving with a straight razor comes from the heart: you have to see something personal in it for you to embark on the adventure of learning the craft of it.

I had wanted to shave with a straight razor for years. Why, I don't know. Perhaps because of the romance in shaving with a straight razor. For me, also, it was because of the warm spot I have for the 19th century. Should the Universe give me a second chance, I will want my place to be somewhere in the 19th century. Then one day, when I had accumulated enough years, I decided it was the right time for me to finally embrace the straight razor.

Perhaps this way I am stepping back in time, and that's because I want to.

I know if ever someone at the gym — where I work out and shave weekdays — ever says to he would like to try shaving my way, I'll say I'll be delighted to train him. "Anytime you're ready," I will say.

Regards,

Obie

I have converted two other people but cant vote again.

I've discussed my use of straight razors with many people, but not of them look at me like I'm sane anymore after that... Needless to say, I don't have any converts to my credit. However, I agree with Obie in that I don't really try to convert people to my way of doing things.

So far, one and a half.

One has just started and the other is building his shaving kit. I might have convinced a brave lass to consider trying one for her legs, though she doesn't think she could use it on her underarms as it's much more difficult to get the skin taut.

And, also like Obie, I don't think I have actually "converted", as I'm a big believer in 'live and let live', but my enthusiasm at times for the things I love has been known to pique interest in others.

Zero for me. I have mentioned it on knife forums. There are several knife forums on the internet and they have a huge following. These are people that are not afraid of sharp edges and appreciate the beauty of the steel blade. Straight razor shaving is a natural for these folks. In fact that is how I was converted!