Fellas, I'm new to all this but I'm enjoying my new hobby. I think this is an art form and the fact that I'm constantly learning and trying new techniques and products makes it fun. I feel as if I'm a part of an elite fraternity. I'm glad there are men out there who enjoy this like me.

With women, this hobby brings a whole new dynamic and opinions. Just the other day on a first date, somehow the topic of shaving was broached. I, being proud of my new grooming methods, mentioned the str8 razor. I was met with an almost indignant response and a scornful look. You guys know the scornful look. To her, shaving in this manner was archaic, dangerous, and unnecessary.

Gentlemen, I tried to prove a point to her with the following argument (can JerseyLawyer help here? come on counselor!!): Isn't a bikini wax archaic? Getting the hairs "down there" ripped out, by another person I might add, is barbaric and too close for comfort, in my opinion. We, as men like the results of that particular wax just as a woman likes a well-shaved man. Do we act as indignantly towards women with their waxing, manicures, pedicures, facials, exfoliations, shoe-shopping, etc, etc, etc?

Thanks for hearing my BS. That was cathartic for me!

Let me know of some of the reactions you guys get when you tell someone that you shave with a str8 or that you collect them or refurbish them.

Happy New Year guys.

My thoughts and prayers are with Ray. I'm so glad that we had a very enjoyable half hour on the phone together. -Rob