Thread: Taking the Path of Most Resistance

For me, it was partly the appeal of a fine tool and acquiring the skill to master it, partly because it feels like my own small rebellion against the culture of mass consumption, and partly because I enjoy finding value for the present in things from the past even when they are no longer necessary, and carrying them forward.

Those are my noble reasons, anyway. The more mundane ones were disgust with the electric I was using and horror at the cost of a lifetime of disposables.

I think most of us, if we analyze our reasons have made this decision for the same reasons. having to learn a lost skill, being fed up with rip off razor systems and high price electric replacements, getting a better shave, a connection with the past and maybe a beloved relative.

For me the high point of my day is the decision on which razor to use, which brush to use, which soap to use, which aftershave preps to use and the luxury of it all.

For me shaving was always SUCH a chore

With a straight...

1) I get to pamper myself a little first thing in the morning.

2) I am a perfectionist and a blade care gets me my "perfection fix" early in the day.

3) There is something very zen about concentrating on shaving.

4) There is something very manly about straight shaving.

5) Zen and manly is a wonderful combination. Sort of like smoking a pipe or practicing your jurus. (martial arts word)

6) The wife used to ALWAYS be in my way when I was shaving, not any more.

7) I get to threaten with a straight razor anyone who bothers me while I'm shaving.

I think I just like it. I also hate changing blades, its inconvienent.

Maybee it's a personality thing, it's been mentioned in other threads that we seem to have similar interests. Shaving with a straight, pipe smoking, fountain pens, pocket watches, walking sticks/canes, black powder shooting, single malts, hats, waist coats, bow ties and who knows what, from days gone by.
Not all of us does all of that but I think there is enough for a common denominator.

Mats

Olav, I think you're right --- it seems from the threads I've read that many of the forum members do have common interests in the things you've mentioned. But I don't --I'm more minigun than black powder, more Porsche Carrera GT than 1930's Bently, more --well you get the idea. I do like using hand tools for woodworking though and fly fishing --- I guess it's the pureness/minimalist thing, not to mention the macho thing ---- hum? Maybe AFDavis11 says it best: "I think I just like it."

Gonna have to get back to you guys on that...as soon as mine gets here from Lynn...yep...should be here anyday now. However, I do have a 1951 Chevy. Nostalgic things seem to appeal to me in one way or another.

Originally Posted by Olav Vittfarne

Maybee it's a personality thing, it's been mentioned in other threads that we seem to have similar interests. Shaving with a straight, pipe smoking, fountain pens, pocket watches, walking sticks/canes, black powder shooting, single malts, hats, waist coats, bow ties and who knows what, from days gone by.
Not all of us does all of that but I think there is enough for a common denominator.

Mats

Yes! I like ALL of the above! Two regrets: not learning to ride a horse, or learning to sail. Too late for the horse, I'm afraid. Bones don't heal very quickly after 50. Sailing I still think about. Maybe someday I'll have time and money. Tho' I doubt it.

oh yeah, walking sticks and fountain pens and pocket watches too!!!
not so much in black powder but I do reload.

Only prob with walking sticks is that I'm only 26 !DOH!

Sailing is good. Actually, sailing is one of the main reasons I'm moving back to Michigan.

I miss sailing on Superior. Think I want to buy something in the 40 ft range.
SHHH....don't tell da wife eh!

Originally Posted by gratewhitehuntr

For me shaving was always SUCH a chore

With a straight...

1) I get to pamper myself a little first thing in the morning.

2) I am a perfectionist and a blade care gets me my "perfection fix" early in the day.

3) There is something very zen about concentrating on shaving.

4) There is something very manly about straight shaving.

5) Zen and manly is a wonderful combination. Sort of like smoking a pipe or practicing your jurus. (martial arts word)

6) The wife used to ALWAYS be in my way when I was shaving, not any more.

7) I get to threaten with a straight razor anyone who bothers me while I'm shaving.

Beautiful list. Sheer beauty. I started to compose my own list of reasons, then figured I should go through the rest of the posts. This hits the nail right on the head.

-Jorge