Thread: Taking the Path of Most Resistance

I'll never be a Navy Seal or the like, but I've always liked the concept of "taking the path of most resistance." I think the Seals have a saying like "get what you need" to point out the human tendency to take the path of least resistance. Maybe this is what attracted me to straight razor shaving -not the history so much , not the idea of collecting a slew of razors,brushes and the like--but the idea of using a very simple, pure instrument to achieve a superior shave while learning a specialized skill set. All of us who've decided to switch to this method of shaving have reasons to do so ---that moment when something clicked and the journey began. Anyone care to give their reason?

I've been quoting myself a lot today, but yes, I already have.

X

Xman, your article highlights the reason I started this thread. I have no understanding of what it is like to see the Northern Lights, to shovel feet of snow, to gaze at sublime mountains ands words like Yukon and Klondike? -- for me it's bayous, hot humid summers, live oaks and words like Atchafalaya and Baton Rouge. Your reasons for using a straight razor are equally unique as your culture and environment and I appreciate both.

For what it is worth, I've had a long fascination for the The Great Northwest. Maybe one day.

I wanted to become less reliant on modern technology and supermarkets (switched from electric). Ironically, since I started, I acquired a whole bunch of technological gadgets

My reason was that while serving in the National Guard I wanted to find a way to shave in the field that was easier than disposables or battery operated electrics. I read an article about str8s and so I bought a Fromm. It wasn't untill I transferred to a REMF (Rear Echelon Mother ) unit and later left the military that I got the waterstones and strops, etc. and learned to hone and shave with the str8. I still want to try shaving in the field, possibly if I ever go camping or backpacking again if I get time off from work and my feet recover.

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