Thread: Why I started to straight razor shave, why I still do, and why I’m never going back

Have you noticed that unless the movie is specifically about a caricature of work ala "Gung Ho" or "Wolf of Wallstreet" that you never see work? Every physical, mental, emotional, and situational circumstance of life is explored and depicted in movies as an incidental accompaniment to the plot EXCEPT what does on at work.

Why is that?

I dont know, maybe because of things like this? Lol

It may be semantics, but I don't see it as a "disposable society" thing.

It's all about time me thinks. We have become a time deprived society. Its everywhere. Half hour lunches sitting in front of our computers rather than our friends etc., etc... Disposable blades (especially the ones with the gel strips) are enormous time savers if used in the shower. And ultimately, what more do we want than ways to save time. Disposables give you that.

Whether its right or its wrong, the perception that disposables save us time and give us a close as ever shave - is real and here to stay. Were the market to demand different, manufactures would provide it.

I guess you could argue that the "big boys" aren't providing you with options but - here we are. We found an alternative. Not enough are - and why? No one wants to slow down. Speed and busy represents success.

Anyway - I like the fact that I am on the fringe. I like that I am on this forum with like minded people who have all committed to taking the time to slow down.

Maybe its semantics, but I don't think it's about disposable... I really think it's a time thing.

Originally Posted by earcutter

Maybe its semantics, but I don't think it's about disposable... I really think it's a time thing.

Good post earcutter. I think it's a bit of both though! Disposables, like you say, give us time. But I do believe there has also been a change in industry and quality of goods. What was the reason for Gillette (sorry to pick on them!) moving away from good quality DE shavers to plastic DE shavers in the 1960s? Their early DEs are still sought after around these parts! But, they opted for a cost cutting and money-making exercise - they took away the razors that would last us a lifetime and told us that we should pay less for something up front that would only last 10 years. And then 5. And now a few shaves with the 'true' disposable. If a company with factory can produce 10,000 items in disposable plastic for the same cost as 10 in life-lasting steel, I'd say we're certainly talking "disposable". The trend isn't limited to razors of course.

Originally Posted by Suavio

Good post earcutter. I think it's a bit of both though! Disposables, like you say, give us time. But I do believe there has also been a change in industry and quality of goods. What was the reason for Gillette (sorry to pick on them!) moving away from good quality DE shavers to plastic DE shavers in the 1960s? Their early DEs are still sought after around these parts! But, they opted for a cost cutting and money-making exercise - they took away the razors that would last us a lifetime and told us that we should pay less for something up front that would only last 10 years. And then 5. And now a few shaves with the 'true' disposable. If a company with factory can produce 10,000 items in disposable plastic for the same cost as 10 in life-lasting steel, I'd say we're certainly talking "disposable". The trend isn't limited to razors of course.

You know - you are right! It is both. Kind of the perfect storm. Thanks .