Thread: Need some advice

Gentlemen, I have a dilemma that I need some advice on. I am trying to make a decision about myrazors and my future involvement in straight razor shaving, and I have reacheda point where I must make a difficult decision.
I started using straight razors in late 2006, and joined SRPin 2007, and basically enjoyed the hell of out. I purchased several razors (mostly from other members here) and had agreat time learning how to use them and take care of them. I never really got the hang of honing,although I did manage to keep a good edge on them with a leather bench honefrom the well shaved gentleman (when he still made those).
In 2009, I got a medical condition which prevented me fromusing any kind of razor kind for several months, and I had to use an electric(shudder!). Eventually, I got back tothe point where I was able to use DE’s (2010), and then I could sporadicallyuse my straights. Over time, because of workand the travel associated with it, I began to depend more heavily on the DE,and much less on the straights I own. Ithas reached a point where I am seriously considering selling the vast majorityof what I own and just going to a feather style razor. I know that defeats a few of the reasons forhaving straights in the first place, but I have been thinking about it quite alot lately. I would love to shave withthem every day, or even just every week, but life has intruded and I feel likeat least someone else should enjoy the items I have and get some use out ofthem, versus them just sitting in a drawer every day.
I suppose that some may think it is heretical to just say I wanta straight razor, but I don’t want all the inconvenience associated with it, andI know I thought that way for a long time. But, the nagging part is I just don’t have the time for honing, stropping,and other associated activities anymore.
Anyways, just to hear some thoughts about it would helpimmensely. And no, I won’t tell you whatI have, you damn jackals

Hey Jimmyman.

Sounds like you may have already made up your mind mate. And that's OK, we all have to do what we have to do. But perhaps a small suggestion - keep one or two, and maybe a strop. Just store them away carefully for a later time, when life may get simpler. After all, forever is a long time and none of us know what the future may throw up at us.

You may even find that you can put aside one day a week, on the weekend say, to just treat yourself to a nice straight shave - just go all out with hot towels and stuff. That way you could still keep your hand in, and it would be infrequent enough that you could get your razor(s) honed by a pro without breaking the bank.

Anyway, just a suggestion. Good luck with whatever you decide.

James.

Jimmyman,

I like Jimbo's advice of holding some back just in case. You never know when you'll have more time. You mention work kind of intrudes on your time to shave. Well, hopefully you'll get to retire someday.

If you have any sons or nephews or grandsons (or daughters, who knows?) or other family who might be interested in what you have, I'd consider that before selling your stuff; so long as you know they'd appreciate what you're giving them.

It may be more difficult to gain a collection of what you have later. I'm not advocating you horde stuff, just ask yourself the question, might you have the time and inclination one day to use and enjoy your collection? If you're pretty sure you wouldn't, then you might want to unload them. Otherwise, keep them, or at least your choice favorites.

Good luck to you.

-Mark

Thanks to both of your for the advice. I hadn't really given much thought to just holding on to a few of them, I suppose that would certainly be better than getting rid of all of them and getting a disposable.

I favor only using one razor as I don't care for the idea of tending to a large flock of the things. A CrOx pasted balsa and a barber's hone keeps mine up and running and haven't had to send it out. There you have it one razor takes about 5 minutes of maintenance a week besides the everyday stropping which only takes a minute or two.

Nothing wrong with using a feather. They make some very nice models I think anyone would be proud to own and use. They also give great shaves.

I agree you should keep a few straights around and just use them every now and then when you have the time. When they need honing send them out. That should only be required very infrequently.

Yeah, I don't remember the last time I had to use my honing stone, it has been that long. I was never very good at it anyways. I think you guys have definitely helped me out on this, and I am going to hang on to two razors and sell the rest along with my honing and lapping stones. Heck, the stones are pretty much unused anyway.

I think the guys have given great advice, its not a fun hobby anymore when it becomes a chore. Save a couple of the favorites and let the rest go. Another day it may be a different story.

Since I only shave with, primarily, one blade, I would second keeping something back. You only need one razor if you are using another system. I would keep a razor, personally, as a momento of the past learning experiences. I, too, have quit shaving with a straight razor many times over. It only lasts a few days and then I'm back to needing the thrill. Yes, it is an addiction.

I would also like to share that I tried every possible "shavette" style blade, including the Feather, which I hate. I picked up a Parker blade system and I really loved it when I used it, because it was so similar to a straight razor and is about 1/8 the price of a Feather. Just another data point.

Grow a beard and eliminate your problem. I'm sure some of the new guys to straight shaving could benefit from your knowledge and/or equipment that you dont care for.....Investigate some avenues to give them a hand in their new endeavor...........I'm sure they would greatly appreciate it..........We are all supposed to be a family here.