Thread: Why shaving with the featherlite blade is the better than the rest

Of all my friends and family who know I shave with a straight razor, none of them necessarily think of it as "bad ass." Nor do I think of myself that way. Those who know either think of it as backwards or else just plain crazy behavior to shave with a straight razor. I suppose one could make an argument for manliness because one is pressing an unrestrained blade to one's face and throat, but realistically wouldn't it be just as manly to grow a full beard -which is not only what differentiates men from boys but also women? It's all relative, I guess.

But there is a sort of ritual associated with it. Showering, beard prep, stropping, hot towels, etc., and all are involving. One spends a lot of time and energy engaging in an archaic ritual where time stands still. There isn't a lot of the "make it happen" mentality associated with it. It's almost meditative. It's luxury. Now, that doesn't interest everyone, but it interests me. I spend all day rushing and trying to make things happen. Shaving now is elevated to a hobby, almost an art form, and I get to relax and let it happen.

Also, I have total control over the process, from how sharp the blade is, to the thickness of the lather, to the closeness of the shave. I like that. It's elegant and gentlemanly, as mentioned. There is a skill necessary for proper execution. It's not like the cartridge "system." There is also a bit of experimentation involved. I like those things, too.

In addition, I think of modern society as disposable. So many things are meant to be used and discarded. We live in a time now where if it's old, it's no good any more, the new is better just because it's new; where if there's maintenance involved, it's not worth the trouble to have it, whatever it is. I think that's a symptom of our society, where everything must be done or gotten in an instant. Is food really better just because it can be made and served in seconds? Not necessarily. Is a product better because the maintenance aspect has been taken away? Not necessarily. Is an experience better simply because it can be done quicker and with less effort or skill? Not necessarily (think sex, here).

I can't knock it if someone has found a great shave with a disposable-blade razor, and that same person no longer has to do things like stropping, etc. which they didn't really enjoy anyway. That person has acheived a kind of liberation. But some of us found the same kind of liberation by committing to the ritual. While some may have been freed by no longer having to maintain the blade, some of us delight in the maintenance.

So far, I have never shaved with a feather razor. But I don't plan to. It seems to me to be a cross between the straight and the disposable blades. And that disposable aspect taints the thing for me. Personally, if I want a disposable blade razor, I'll go for a safety razor.

And as for closeness of the shave...let me put it this way: Yesterday I had the best, closest shave I have ever had. I learned the exact angle I need to go ATG on the third pass to get a perfect shave. No irritation, either. And my face was left perfectly smooth, even in the "problem" areas like my chin. It doesn't get any closer, and this was with a blade I had to strop. (100 times is my norm.)

Like I said, if you have found your perfect way, I'm happy for you. But my perfect way includes the maintenance, the attention to detail, the preparation and ritual, the blade in which I am invested, and the magic of time standing still for me.