Thread: Straight Razor Terminology

Is a straight razor that has changeable blades considered a "straight razor"? I know it's not a traditional one, but if someone asks me what do I shave with, is it right to say I shave with a straight razor?

Is this a joke????????????????

How about disposable blade straight razor................shavette............you doesn't has to call me Ray......you can call me RJ, yeah yeah, that's the ticket......or you can call me JJ.........yeah yeah........but ya doesn't has to call me Ray........

Have fun,

Lynn

Le Coultre framebacks have changeable blades....They are SRs and certainly not shavettes!

Originally Posted by frustratedSRuser

I know it's not a traditional one, but if someone asks me what do I shave with, is it right to say I shave with a straight razor?

Why would people ask you what you shave with?

Sounds like you shave with a SHAVETTE

Originally Posted by OLD_SCHOOL

Those are the genuine framebacks though yea? So the blades are re-hone-able, not disposable.

Firstly, FrustratedSRuser stated 'changeable' without mention of 'disposable.'
Although I guessed he was using a shavette and not a frameback, it is a valid point that those frambacks also have changeable blades.

Originally Posted by OLD_SCHOOL

They wouldn't. I can't say I have ever been asked what I shave with.

Second, I wasn't asking you!

Yeah i have the lecoultre with 4 blades marked "1", "2", "3", and "4".
There'sa book type of holder for them and a special pocket in the box to keep them.
I guess that falls under changeable blade, and I do call it a straight razor.

Or those 7-day sets for wannabe rich folk that come with only one handle....

Gentlemen,

My modest razor collection includes six straights of various makes, a Feather Artist Club, a Monsieur Charles and three double edge.

My straight razors are "straight razors."

The double edge are "double edge razors."

The Feather and the Monsieur Charles are straight razors with replacelable blades.

When asked about them -- in the locker room at the gym -- I say they are "straight razors with replacelable blades."

That terminology seems to work for me.

Regards,

Obie

To the non-initiated (all those poor saps that use cartridge razors) I would just say it's a straight razor. If they ask more, then you can elaborate the details. But most guys know what a straight razor is, but don't have a clue of what a Shavette, etc., is much less that there are straights that have interchangeable blades or disposable blades.

Gentlemen,

MinniesMate also makes a good point: that since to most people it's just a straight razor -- whether traditional straight or one with replacelable blades -- say it's a straight razor and get on with it. They would not know the difference, anyway.

Being a writer, reporter and former radio announcer, however, I am always compelled to give a little detail. The amount of detail depends on the story. That's why I go into detail when asked about the type of razor I am using.

Also, that amount of detail may be just enough to spark someone's interest to glance into the world of the gentleman shaver. You never know, for that touch of curiosity might lead to, at least, trying a double edge razor -- and sometimes double edge razors lead to straight razors.

If the curious must start on a straight razor with replacelable blades, that's all right with me, for that, too, might lead to the real straight razor.

That's why, then, gentlemen, I always like to provide a little detail. Already I have converted several people at the gym to, at least, try double edge razors. One even uses a straight with replaceable blades to trim around his goatee.

So you see, gentlemen, sometimes a little explanation can go a long way in marking change.

Regards,

Obie

I have no problem with detail. I often give more detail than is necessary, though. For that, I've been told on many occasions that my story is too long.