Thread: Serious Withdrawal Symptons...

Hello Gentlemen!

So, I’m having straight razor withdrawal in a very serious way and wanted to check in to see if anyone else has had a similar experience.

Had surgery to remove a tumor in my salivary gland a couple of weeks ago and the wound managed to hemorrhage inside calling for a second surgery to get the swelling down. I’ve added before and after images to pull at your heartstrings.

The cut runs from the top of my left ear to underneath the left side of my jaw and is still numb around my cheek, neck and the entire ear. Doc says that in a few months everything will be fine but that doesn’t stop the severe SR withdrawal depression I’m suffering right now! Anyone else have experience with this? If so, tell me that you’re shaving with gusto, like never before and how long it took you to recover. This is rough stuff gents. I looked forward to each morning’s shaves with tireless abandon.

On the up side, my DE’s are working around the area with some light complications as my collection of over 200 straights sit in despair as well. I’m heading out to a new antique shop two hours away tomorrow morning in hopes of finding a Hoffritz or Pomco (same company I believe) vintage slant bar to assuage my current circumstances. I know how you guys would feel in the same straights (HA)! Probably not going to find one but if any of you do have one you might want to sell, would LOVE to hear from you. At least post some images!

I rarely post but felt the need and I do read most all of your forum posts daily with much enjoyment! Looking forward to hearing from you and keep up the great work of promoting such a classic way of life!

Chef

I hope all gets better soon so that you can get back to using your straights. The longest I've had to go without using my straights(other than by choice) was a couple of weeks due to a large cut, made by a sneaky sneeze while shaving with one of my straights.

Oh you poor fellow! And I mean that in all sincerity. I do hope it all works out OK for you.

In regards to withdrawals, I've never been through it, but posts by some hinting at bad hands, tremors, my aging parents, my aging 'me' etc have made me ponder on this. It'll be horrible when, at some stage in the future, I can't shave with a straight any more.

I hope you heal well, I'll be thinking of you.

Carl

Well, thanks Gents! Tumor was benign, but I was (and still am) more concerned with the downtime from my shaving cycle! Just now starting to feel energetic and hopeful for my return to a great shave! Again, I'm hoping to hear any war stories that membership has regarding similar circumstances to get me through the dark days ahead!

I had just picked this set up through a friend where 35 of the 38 razors cleaned up flawlessly:

d

Something to look forward to!

Hi Chef,

Thanks for posting, I'm glad to hear your on the mend. I've never been forced to give up the straights by illness or otherwise so I can't comment on the withdrawals - I can however assure you that when the time come to strop up and shave again it will be just as sweet as ever - nothings quite as satisfying as an SR shave right? All the best! EF.

Thanks EF! No, nothing quite like an SR shave and it's rather odd the passionate attachment one acquires for it. For me, it started with one of my dad's old blades which progressed to a purchase from Lynn and now the constant obsession for more!

I'm looking forward to my road trip today in search of that elusive Hoffritz DE! Wish me luck!

Well, if you are that desperate get yourself an Eboy special and take off the edge and just go through all the motions of shaving with the prep and all that just to get the effect. I know that sounds lame but it's like a drug addict taking a drug substitute just to keep the cravings away.

Speedy recovery.

Bah - shave your legs!! You are healthy!!! WOOT!

I had a lump taken out of my neck - it sucked, but knowing I was healthy trumped my "need." Family has a history of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, so I was just so relieved.

But that's not to say I don't understand. I got it in my head that I wanted to grow some friendly mutton chops this past summer as my wife was away for three weeks. It didn't take long for that to become just sideburns... and then back to clean shaven.

It will go fast - congrats on your health!

Definitely grateful for the good news from the doc Earcutter (very appropriate for this post)! First time for a surgery and haven't dealt with doctors since I was a kid. The adjustment to the second half of life! So, I can play shave like a kid again AND shave my legs. My better half is going to raise her eyebrows on the latter!

Water haul today on the razor front. The shop owner promised a great selection of vintage razors and upon inspection, a large selection but not one worth a plug nickle. The search continues.

Thanks for the humor gents. Just the support I needed! Happy shaving!

Originally Posted by Chefgordon

Definitely grateful for the good news from the doc Earcutter (very appropriate for this post)! First time for a surgery and haven't dealt with doctors since I was a kid.

It's kind of spooky isn't it!? Lights off - lights on. I hate surgery, but life is for the living .