Thread: Str8 shaving, an elite fraternity????

Joe, I think people are threatened by others who are non-conformists. I'm not suggesting that str8 users are rebels - that's a bit strong. In our society, if someone dares not to walk with the rest of the ducks by doing something unconventional, others' defense mechanisms kick in because they don't understand their "differences." It's kind of like the way Harley riders were viewed - they weren't understood and thus became the "undesirables" of society. That's all changed once the yuppies started riding them too. I can't believe the negativity I get from such a benign activity such as shaving. They don't get it. It's like trying to explain to someone who's never ridden a motorcycle why it is so exhilarating and enjoyable. They won't get it unless they experience it for themselves.

-Rob

Originally Posted by robertlampo

Joe, I think people are threatened by others who are non-conformists.

The people on the other site are also non-conformists. They're all wet shavers, mostly DE and some str8s.

There certainly is truth to what you're saying about the reaction of people to what they view as strange. It's complicated by our enthusiasm for str8 shaving and our desire to spread the good word.

Like I said there are people out there, many women among them, who never get past the gleaming blade. It's so intimidating for them that you can't discuss it with them rationally. No matter how much you would like them to understand or discuss it with them, it's not likel to happen. In those cases you might best off just not pursuing the issue.

Most replies to the fact that I str8 shave are also mixed. Mody people think it is weird and the creams, brushes and aftershaves put them over the edge. They think it is not necessary. I can explain that with time it becomes second nature etc, but they don't understand. My brother and father both seemed a bit weary. My dad just tried to use the blade the other day after I coached him for a while. As he brought the blade to his face his hand started to shake and as soon as it touched his cheek he shot his hand out in the air and said he couldn't do it. I laughed so hard I cried, and I think I earned a little respect.

My brother on the other hand shaved his face and thought it was awesome. I have an old W&B I am fixing for him. I think he will be happy....

And my girl likes it...thank god!

I dont get this at all in the UK. People I meet have a sort of quiet awe if the topic of shaving comes up and I tell them my particular method. I think the general assumption is that straight shaving is on a danger level on a par with base jumping. They just want to ask questions like "Is it closer than a mach 3?", "have you ever sliced your face off?", that kind of thing.