Thread: Logic question

Hi I'm new to straight razors and honing. I'm finding the art and science and zen of all this deeply satisfying...

So here's the question...
my brand name store cartridges last six months. Sure, I'm light bearded...

But how? They get no maintenance, sometimes jumble around in a gym bag, sometimes fall on the floor. No stropping, oiling, cleaning, loupe examinations ...

why don't we make straight razors out of that magic metal?

They're no fun, but how do they last even a few weeks?

I dont remember a cart ever lasting past 4 shaves for me. Maybe they make them different now. Its been 15vyears since i used one.

I used a cartridge before i started straight shaving.

I don't grow steel wool but i could get maybe 10 days from one, I didn't realize how bad they were getting until I put a fresh one in and OMG the expense.

Yes a straight needs to be stropped, honed and generally required more maintenance but that's part of the appeal.

You will never get a cartridge shave like a straight shave and the upkeep is so satisfying, how long will your cart last?

Use your straight and look after it, when you depart this mortal coil, your kids will use it, their kids will use it, ask about in here, compare the life of your razor to some of the several hundred year old straights that are in regular use by the guys here.

Do you do a lot, I mean a lot of pre shave prep?

The softer the beard, the more comfortable the shave.

Ya wanna see something scary. Take a look at cartridge blades with a loupe when their new, and after your first shave.

Scary...eh! And u gonna drag that thing across your face...how many times.!?

The maintenance is nothing, or as bad as it sounds. The more proficient you become with the straight, the less the maintenance becomes. Simple, proper stropping, will keep an edge going a long time. And having a few other razors on hand, extends that even further.

Ive never had to take a razor back to the hone. Unless I've found rust on an edge, or want to try a different finishing hone, all they get is stropped and used.

But, I also have nearly 40 years experience, and many straights to choose from, now.
Shaving with a straight, is no more than breathing air, to me. Just commit to it.

Originally Posted by rolodave

Do you do a lot, I mean a lot of pre shave prep?

The softer the beard, the more comfortable the shave.

i shower lather and have at it

Ok. Great idea louping the store bought cartridges. If I can do a pic, I’ll post. Reminded me that I tried one of those internet frenzy cartridges (pretty design, attractive ads, monthly subscription)

FOUR OR FIVE STONNE dull blades exfoliating my face was a big problem.

For carts, I need to buy old retired blades from eBay tgst come in doubles (not three or four or five). only so I’m now a bit apprehensive about how perfect a straight razor is going to be. We’ll get there.

Originally Posted by Scatterjoy

Hi I'm new to straight razors and honing. I'm finding the art and science and zen of all this deeply satisfying...

So here's the question...
my brand name store cartridges last six months. Sure, I'm light bearded...

But how? They get no maintenance, sometimes jumble around in a gym bag, sometimes fall on the floor. No stropping, oiling, cleaning, loupe examinations ...

why don't we make straight razors out of that magic metal?

They're no fun, but how do they last even a few weeks?

Not trying to offend you, but the logical answer to your question is that there is no magic metal and if your shaves with a straight are not yet better than shaves with a cartridge razors that you’ve used for six months and that has been knocked about in your gym back that only means that you still have some way to go.

Remember, a single mistake in honing, stropping or shaving may ruin an otherwise perfect straight shave.
And yes, it does take a long time and a considerable amount of resilience and perseverance to achieve proficiency in straight shaving.

Just ask any straight shaver who’s been doing this for a few years…


Continue on your straight shaving journey, even if at times you might wonder whether this all is worth it. It’s the journey that matters, not the destination.
And if you should decide that you must give up straight shaving, try a quality safety razor.


B.