When I started wetshaving 4 years ago, I told myself that I would never use a straight. I was of the opinion that "cut-throat" razors were from a bygone era where most men had facial fur, those who did go "clean" shaved once a week and the shave was invariably provided by a barber. This helped me to wrap my mind around why someone would put an awkwardly held and extremely sharp blade to their face before their morning cup of Joe.


But there was always curiosity. As someone who does shave videos occasionally, I found myself scouring YouTube and watching guys like Lynn Abrams and Geofatboy shave with these gorgeous instruments of stubble reduction. There was just something about mastering the art of shaving in this way to me. Intimidated by the honing and stropping business, I picked up a Parker shavette. It wasn't a great experience. I probably gave up on it too quickly, but it just confirmed what I thought I already knew: why practice at misery when my multitude of DEs yielded amazing results almost every time.


Recently I have noticed a huge surge in straights on my Facebook shaving forums. My most trusted shave buddies are using straights daily. And so, I went back to the videos, talked to some friends and I'm willing to give it a shot again.


Now to find a straight and a strop. I've got this forum so at least I've got that going for me. Which is nice.