Thread: On My Birthday

Ladies and gentlemen:

Today is my birthday. I am 27 years old. I have been 27 for many decades.

I began to shave with the straight razor late in life, concluding that anytime is a good time to fulfill youth's dream. I wanted to shave with the straight razor many decades ago, but, as I have written here, life has a way of getting in the way. Mine did.

So here I am, on my birthday, at a late 27, with a modest collection of 20 straight razors, one of which, a gorgeous little 4/8" Wostenholm hollow point, I use for traveling.

I like all my razors. Some I love: the Filarmonic 13 Doble Temple, the Wacker 6/8" 1st Edition Sheffield steel with bone handle, and the 6/8" Revisor muted spike. The Thiers-Issards, however, outnumber all the other brands.

Yet, for me, shaving with the straight is less about having a large collection and more about the pleasure of shaving. I would be satisfied with just one razor, as long as I can lather up every morning and listen to the dialogue of the blade and my face.

No, a baby-bottom-smooth face is not my ultimate goal. The pleasure of the shave is what matters: the making of lather, the adventure of stropping, the feel of a great razor in my hands, and the final delight of applying aftershave. Life is full of sweet moments. That morning shave with the straight razor is one in a string of sweet moments in my day.

I shave every day. Of course, I must because of a heavy beard. Yet, if I had a light beard, I still would shave every day — as long as I can enjoy the ritual of wet shaving with the straight razor.

This morning, on my birthday, I lathered up with Castle Forbes, a 24 mm. Thater silver tip, and shaved with the 1/4 hollow Le Grelot. I had a great shave. Not, not because of the products I used; rather, it was because I did something l love today to celebrate the day I was born — in a far off land many decades ago.

So here is to the age of 27, my age, where I intent to remain for many more decades.

Regards,
Obie

Obie, you are an inspiration!!!!

Lynn

My dear Lynn:

Thank you.

As my friend and shaving guru, you have given me much of that inspiration.

So here is to you and to all the other ladies and gentlemen at Straight Razor Place.

Regards,
Obie

Happy Birthday Obie. Here's wishing you all the best. And may you turn 27 for many more decades to come.

Once again, Happy birthday, Obie! Here's hoping for many more years and many more posts!

Cheers,
Jeremy

Congratulations Obie!

BTW I'm reading "Obie's Opus" right now.
You have given me many a good grin, my friend.

I hope you stay 27 for a long time yet.

Obie,

So happy birthday. You really are the master of the beautiful words.
Enjoy your shaving and your day today as well as many more years to come.

Obie,

Happy birthday to you young man...May you have many more.

And what an awesome birthday present to yourself.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY OBIE!!! I love all your posts.

Hoping yours is a wonderful birthday, Obie. Many years more of 27 for you, friend, filled with concerts and good books and loving family insha'Allah.