Thread: Why I gave up on straights

Originally Posted by cswann1

I have plenty of hobbies competing for my disposable income and I surely don't need another.

Well dispose of it my way!

Originally Posted by hi_bud_gl

i have nothing against your DE use.

That must be a relief for him

Originally Posted by cswann1

But where it all falls down for me is the extra time and maintenance required.

It doesn't have to take more than a few minutes and maintenance can be simply a few strokes on a barber hone every couple of weeks. Unfortunately too much of the emphasis on the forum is in the extremes. Not everyone photographs their razor, soap, brush, and aftershave every day. Not everyone takes 45 minutes to shave. My morning shaving routine unrushed averages 7 minutes from the time I get to the sink to the time I leave the bathroom. That includes building lather, stropping, shaving, cleaning my brush, and dipping my razor. I suppose if I used a DE, if I could get it away from my wife, I'd probably cut that down to 3 minutes. It's not such a huge time difference.

If you're interested, maybe you could occasionally try the straight again maybe once a week, just to see if it gains any further appeal. A big part of it is the learning process and developing the muscle memory. Your comment about how much easier it is for a barber to use a straight suggests to me that you are still struggling with how to manipulate the thing around your face. Just like learning how to ride a bike, it does get easier with time.

Originally Posted by Utopian

Your comment about how much easier it is for a barber to use a straight suggests to me that you are still struggling with how to manipulate the thing around your face.

Yes, absolutely. While trying to contort my wrist to accommodate angles I needed to achieve to employ ATG strokes, I often found myself unable to see what I was doing. Particularly when doing the left half of my face.

I appreciate all the helpful suggestions and of course you are all correct, that with more time I could get much better. I mentioned something to that effect in the OP.

My goal was to be able to get a smooth comfortable blade shave with little cost per shave and a smaller carbon footprint. Goal achieved.

You'll be back, frustration doesnt last forever, especially when you know there are so many others enjoying it! Take a break, watch some vids of other shavers and do a meet up/gathering when you get the chance. The world will turn and you will get your chance!

To each, his own. As with most things in life, straight shaving is not for everyone. I've tried many things that I decided were not my cup of tea and walked away. It's your choice and therefor, your right to make it.

"You lack discipline!" - Arnold Schwarzenegger

I only kid, because, really, at this point I'm not one to talk...but I do recall reading in the FAQ that it would take a little over a year to pay off a reasonably cheap priced SR setup...just saying.

I think what may be part of the problem in your case stems from patience and outlook. I don't view shaving with a straight as clearing of hair on my face (though, it is a nice little plus), rather as more akin to putting a brush to a canvas. Reverse painting? Heh. The best paintings are the ones that take time to complete. Sure, you can get a great shave and not have it take 45 minutes, but taking your time is never going to do more harm than good (unless you're a race car driver). I understand that I have a long, long road to travel down before I will be getting bbs shaves with no irritation, no nicks and no ingrown hairs, but what resonates with me is not the destination, but rather the road that takes me there. I may be making some assumptions here, but to me, once I have reached that point THAT is when this will really become a hobby for me. If you can no longer improve your shave, you begin to improve your razors, and broaden your selection of soaps, creams, lotions, oils, strops, hones, razors, scales, etc. Don't believe me? Take a look around the forums, that's why there are subcategories for every aspect of SR shaving. I don't mean any offence at all by that, but it is something I have noticed and it is precisely why this forum works. Many on here are absolutely taken in by this world (I'm already starting to feel it), and it's because of their desire to learn more and share knowledge that this forum stays alive all throughout the day.

Personally, every shave with my straight I feel like I learn something new. It might just be an "oh, i can pull here and make this easier!" or an "if I tilt my head, like so...", but I actually feel like I improve with every shave. This is one of the few times in my adult life where I actually feel those things and the reward for me is like nothing else. Sure, just when I'm thinking that I'm getting the hang of it I'll nick myself good, but it helps keep my ego in check.

All that being said, if you switched to a DE and are happy, awesome. If something doesn't please you, don't do it. If all your needs are met with the DE, stick with it. You're not going to be happier pursuing something you dont have a solid interest in just because the light on the other side of the tunnel looks bright. Straight razor shaving isn't for everyone, but personally, I'm happy you gave it a shot, even if it didn't work out for you. Cheers, and best of luck with your DE

Good on you for coming to a decision, only after sampling the product. So many people are all too unwilling to try anything new or that they may perceive as dangerous.
I don't see straight razor shaving as a hobbymyself, I feel it is a way of connecting with my fore-fathers, a link to the past and the Men from those times.
You gave it a shot and all credit to you for that. If your anything like me you might eventually get it right after dozens of false starts over the same amount of years.
Hang onto your gear and keep it well looked after, even if you never use it again, a future family member may just aspire to putting it all to good use, and may think of you when they do.


Mick

Just take a break from it. Nothing wrong with that.

I think you'll be back someday, and at least you know a lot more about wet shaving than 95% of joe public.

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YouTube - Eastwood- A Man's Got to Know his Limitations