Thread: Interested in Straight Razors

Originally Posted by snakyjake

I'm a person who spends a lot on hobbies, while the other side of me is trying to be practical. With straight shaving, it seems to be both. You can enjoy it as both as a hobby and a necessity. One way or another I need to shave. Either spending money on disposables blades/cartridges or spending money on electric razor replacements. I also enjoy knives, the techniques of a sharp edge, the techniques of the shave, the skill, the art of the shave, and the ritual.

I've probably spent more on electrics and disposables. And I think straight razors are more of an investment that do not devalue (just look at the vintages or classified).

For me to win the argument with my girl, I just ask her to add up all she spends on makeup, skincare, hair products, brushes, handbags, purses, accessories, perfumes, salon visits, magazines, etc. With all that added up, this is cheaper in the long run.

Jake

like your statement about being practical; it reminds me of myself. Like I've said, you can make it as cheap or as expensive as you'd want it to be. As far as honing goes, you can purchase an inexpensive barber hone for touch ups every few months or so. Unless you want to get into honing one day, the barber's hone between 10k-16k grit should maintain your edge nicely. Straight razor shaving should be something that needs no explanation to your girlfriend....but I can understand that it still does anyway! haha

Originally Posted by aznaod7

I know for a fact that at first it is going to take me much longer to get a good shave but after I get decently good at it, how long will it take if I do it in the morning before work?

If (and that is a big if while you are still learning) to maintain the blade properly, you can use it daily without any problems. In a squeeze, I can do a three pass shave in less than ten minutes, but find that if I am in such a hurry, a DE is the safer and easier option. Like I said previously, why not get cheap DE from a supermarket and try that first. Good preparation is essential for both kinds of shaving, anyway.