Thread: What caused the 'boom?'

I'm sure this has been discussed but to re-up the subject...

What do you think caused the 'straight razor boom?' I've read countless threads that suggest this has happened slowly but recently. Antique stores and flea markets tell me as soon as razors come in they go out. Prices are soaring also.

I know I am personally part of this, but I blame my girlfriend. She bought me a shave brush for Christmas which led me to researching soaps and creams and that led me here. Through reading the forums I decided to give straights a try.

In my opinion, it is the success of this site that brings so many into the 'hobby' (or should I say addiction). I feel many find their old family straights, come on here to "get an appraisal" and realize there is actually still an active community of straight razor users.

Is my premise even correct here? I just assume the practice has gotten more popular but as I am new myself, I can't be one to judge. I'd love to see what you all have to say.


PS: Is it just me or is there an endless supply of NOS fillys on eBay?

Some people are sick of paying ridiculous prices for cartridge razors.
Some people are looking for "greener" solutions to daily activities.
Some people have become anti-technology in certain areas of their life.
Some people are looking for a closer or more comfortable shave.
Some people are fascinated with the "connection to the past."
Some people are looking for sustainablility in their daily routine. (which may or may not go along with being "green")
Finally, once you start wetshaving you pay more attention to trends in wetshaving, so it seems that more people are getting into it than were before, simply because you didn't notice it before.

Re: endless supply of NOS Filarmonicas: you are right. They are just released for sale slowly enough to keep the prices up.

I originally got into straight razors because I wanted to not have to be reliant on a supply chain to be able to shave. I like being self-sufficient. My dream retirement would be to have a cabin in the woods, miles from civilization, and be totally self-reliant. (or as much so as I possibly can be)

Lynn Abrams caused it with the help of the internet. He published how to use them and where to find them on the internet for everyone who wants to find out anything about them to see and share and discuss in one place

Couple that with people wanting to find a better way to shave and we see the boom (if one can call it that). Seems like there is also a parallel renewed popularity in old-style safety razors too as opposed to fixed-blade cartridge safeties

I blame Don Draper

I would agree with Eric. Of course then there's the question what causes the interest 'green', 'sustainable', 'cheap', 'interest in old stuff'... There is definitely a bit of a fad in all these areas that didn't exist say 10 or 20 years ago.
There is also a resurgence of male grooming that helps...

Luckily we have these forums where people can find really good and objective info and hopefully enjoy this type of shaving for a long time.

And, of course there is plenty of filarmonica razors, that's the largest manufacturer in Spain and one of the largest worldwide. There are even more bokers, but once something gets hyped up it can turn into a Veblen good.

Information is power. The information available has sky-rocketed due to sites like this and others.

Availability has skyrocketed due to online vending.

The "shaving product" industry has slit it's own throat by coming out with progressively worse and worse products regarding function in order for their marketing prowess to continually turn a profit disproportionate to the "demand" side of supply-and-demand. It takes a loooooong time, sometimes much longer than 50 years...but when people figure out, or are suspicious of, being played for fools...they rebel.


I think all the stuff mention has contributed, but I think those are the biggest.

If straightrazor manufacturers would advertise their products the same as all what you see on the boob tube They might make a bigger come back. The cost alone on what you pay for blades over a years time would buy a good straight razor. Over a few years everything to keep in shave readt condition.

I would have to agree with almost everything said. It is a large combination of variables I suppose. I really think Gugi had a good point with male grooming becoming increasingly popular. Art of Shaving has probably sparked the interest of many just by having straights on the shelves.

It's not what rather who.

There's this man in Moscow,Idaho and his name is Slim and he has this thing for straights. He has millions of them and soon he will own them all. When you want one you will have to deal with him and pay his prices.

IT...HAS...BEGUN...