Thread: Discrimination and Prejudice against Straight shaving

Originally Posted by HNSB

I rarely get that reaction from people. When it comes up in conversation I find most people are fascinated to learn that there are still a large number of straight razor users, and have lots of questions about wetshaving.

+1 to Eric's comments. Rarely there are those who question my sanity or say something like "Hey, I know a good plastic surgeon if you ever should need one". My standard response to them is similar to Ron's comment in your other thread:

Originally Posted by Utopian

... keep in mind that a hundred years ago every guy was doing it. That means that it is within the realm of capability of the average Joe.

Most I've mentioned it to are amazed that anyone would shave with a straight. When I show them how smooth it is, then they understand.

Why would you care what others think? They are lemmings heading for the open sea, and you want their opinion? For what?

I don't think most people care. I know I don't care how other people shave.
Then again I shoot a 1911 and wear a Stetson. Neither is for everyone.

When I choose to tell someone I am using a straight razor the response is usually, "why," and a quizzical look. That's why I choose to not tell people about my new hobby and enjoyment. Those who visit our home never fail to ask about the strop hanging in our bathroom. Ultimately, I do this for myself and the rest can go hang.

I've enjoyed every step of the journey to this point and expect things to just get better.

Originally Posted by chattersking

Does any of you feel that there is some certain discrimination and/or prejudice against Straight shaving? Do you feel embarrassed to talk about it and feel that the world looks down like we are some sort of weirdos? My co-worker caught me surfing SRP and looking at some shaving videos. We were in a discussion of straight shaving and me being very enthusiastic and eager thought to share all that I know about straight shaving. However his reaction was a bit uncomfortable like I made a social faux pas and like I'm in a cult or clan and straight shaving is suppose to be for "old timers".
This is not the first time where I have found this to be challenging, Im always on a look out for straight razors, hones etc and many times people have given me the weird eye.

Do you guys feel the same way, and feel that there is a certain attitude of the society when it comes to straight shaving?
Im sorry if I have touched on an uncomfortable subject, or posted in the wrong category but I rather clarify if its just me or everyone else who feels this way.

Trust me! We ALL know the feeling! Aint it great! If, in the words of a fellow SRP member, they don't walk away shaking their head, you've done something wrong!

Thanks to a clever and sustained marketing campaign by King Gillette, for modern shavers (and indeed most of their fathers) straight razors = extreme danger. While those of us in the know understand that this reputation has very little basis in fact, for the sheeple who still despise shaving and pay good money to do so, a straight razor user is an oddity of sorts, a sick freak bent on self mutilation. Not that I'm terribly concerned about what people think but from where I'm sitting, the sick freaks are those people who continue to dread shaving when so many enjoyable alternatives exist. Most of my co-workers already think I'm a few sandwiches short of a picnic anyway. Cheesy moustache, loud flowerdy shirts and panama hats, not to mention, I often think out loud, talk to my computer, and dip snuff all day at my desk. Talk of old straight razors, Florida Water and shaving brushes is only icing on the cake. Those who know me recognize it as my own brand of innocent eccentricity, and those who don't are convinced I'm some disfunctional veteran suffering from PTSD and about 5 minutes from a major break with reality. It keeps the riff raff off my a$$ and keeps work kinda fun.

Most folks think I'm nuts for driving a 60yr old truck. But they almost all think it's cool too. I haven't shared my recent foray into straights with many people. The only negative feedback I've gotten is "You aren't worried about your kids getting hurt?" I understand their concern.

The one's I've shared with also know how I've struggled with ingrown hair bumps like a man of much darker complexion, and have tried most every "modern" alternative. They also know my tastes and interests and straight shaving just falls right in line.

I think what gets people a little nervous is being super excited. So many people live without any real passion in life it's weird to them to see someone get that excited...especially an adult. As adults we're told that we're supposed to be sedate. So I curb my excitement over the things in life I'm passionate about until people get to know me and a little bit about what I'm passionate about. *Note: I don't curb my passion or excitement, just dial it back around the unaware/uninformed.

My $.02

It's not wierd, it's excentric and a good kind of excentric. I like acoustic guitar, not electric, I like fly rods not regular fishing rods, I like muzzle loaders not modern guns. I like old hand tools like planes and it is all about appreciation for the old ways and doing things that most people wouldn't take the time for. Every one is in a rush. One needs to take the time to enjoy life. Life is about the journey not the destination, as they say. It's a good kind of excentric. Being able to take time out to enjoy things.

I can understand that reaction, the straight razor community is quite a cult really, once you come across it, it's vast, but you need to be looking in the first instance. For people who have never questioned what they shave with, seeing a fellow watch a video of a man shave him self with 3" of the sharpest blade about is probably a little disconcerting because they don't understand the context.

Don't write them off, and don't be too defensive, in my experience once you mention the fact you're tired of spending x amount on razors, and throwing it all in the bin, they understand the whole concept a little quicker, and get over the initial surprise.