Thread: If you had 30 minutes to discuss Wet Shaving...

Am doing something similar come oct here in the retirement community I live in.
Theme is: lost arts that should be saved.
We have some bread makers,some canners,some gardeners,quilters,a horseshoe guy (ferriar?) some old time woodworkers.
am just going to do a show and tell on wet shaving,no demos.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

I would probably stay away from how-to's and talk about the history and then all the advantages of straights and wet shaving. The history of modern means and all the bad aspects of the modern methods would be next.

I agree with this approach. But it depends on your audience. I'm assuming you're trying to "sell" straight shaving to an audience who only knows these blades as "those sweeny todd knives". Its difficult to keep in mind that shaving to most people is an annoying chore and razors are no more than the tool required. I've found that those who aren't part of the shaving community are more interested in the benefits of SR shaving or fun facts than soap/cream comparisons or how-to instructions. "If you take a few more minutes to shave you'll actually enjoy the process of shaving AND have fewer problems like razor burn or ingrown hairs!" Give them a tip to try on their own that can improve their shave with whatever they're currently using. Offer it as just a piece of what straight razor shaving can offer them.
And like earcutter said (ironic...), explain how hard you have to try to seriously hurt yourself with a SR

curiosity: who, exactly is your audience? What kind of event have you been invited to speak at? seems like an uncommon discussion topic

The need to shave is a PITA.
However, straight razor shaving is the best way to get it done.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

I would probably stay away from how-to's and talk about the history and then all the advantages of straights and wet shaving. The history of modern means and all the bad aspects of the modern methods would be next.

I agree with Nelson.
Most people will be interested in the history, so that is a good start. The ones who are 'considering' using or at least trying a straight might be interested in the advantages of our way: less pollution of disposables, much cheaper (barring collecting), better for the skin, smoother results, etc. It is easy to talk a couple of minutes about that.

And then at the end I would give a quick demonstration. I would not go into any detail about sharpening and things like that. I think most people will lose interest at that point. If you don't have the option of doing a live demo, have someone take pictures of you going through the shaving process.

And of course, tell the people about SRP if they are interested in more information

TheBigSpender has this one spot on. Talk about the history, what was used in the past and how it was used. The development of metals and the evolution of the blacksmith creating small tools, ultimately razors. Show pictures, if you can, of men during the 1850s 1900s. How facial hair was uncomfortable, place for small bugs to hide, relate to how dogs scratch and how shaving spared us from that plight. I would not get into a how to do it. But I would give info on where to learn how to do it. Lastly, I would encourage questions from your audience - find out what experiences they have witnessed, from family members or old stories about family members. Sounds like a lot of fun and I wish you joy as you do this.

Thanks for some great ideas. I will add that my discussions will take place during a "Steampunk Event." Lots of Victorian era related activities. Imagine Jules Verne meets HG Wells Sci Fi. The interest in "old school" ways is quite popular at these events. Very big interest in the history and everything related to it.

I'll be pointing folks to a certain Straight Razor forum for anything and everything shaving related Great place!

I agree with the talk of benefits like most have said taking shaving from a chore to something you look forward to. I would also suggest to talk about the possibility for financial savings for some and the waste you are cutting down on by not throwing away razor heads every week or so.

Be sure to let them know that if they find a straight razor (or even a DE) a bit intimidating, that they can drastically improve their shaves just by switching to a brush and soap/cream. A lot of people are a bit wary at first of traditional razors, but there's nothing scary about a nice brush and cream, and, later on down the road, they might just decide to try traditional razors, too... ;>

The success of your presentation will be tottaly dependant on the age group,what type of age group is it?

Originally Posted by pixelfixed

The success of your presentation will be tottaly dependant on the age group,what type of age group is it?

Looking at mid 20's to 50's - Many folks have already indicated..."I want to...I just don't know how to go about getting set up." Which is perfect. When I started, I bought a POS straight from a "not going to be mentioned" company...which soon was sent back...and I got my first Dovo. That...started everything rolling.