Thread: The Future of Straight Razors

With the popularity of straight razors having increased dramatically in the past few decades, where do you think straights will be in the next 5,10,15 years? Do you think they will become popular enough that they will start competing with the cartridge razors? Or do you think they will remain where they are now? I'm thinking that they could have a shot in 5 or 10 years with the way they are increasing in popularity now.

Okay, maybe it was a little bit of a stretch that they would compete with cartridge razors. Instead, do you think they will at least start selling them in the big chain stores like Wal-Mart and so on?

I firmly believe they will remain a minor niche. People are too lazy to bother with something so complicated when there is a simple shortcut they can be brainwashed into purchasing.

Originally Posted by Skippy

Do you think they will become popular enough that they will start competing with the cartridge razors?

Are you serious? By then Gillette will have a flux capacitor in the handle of their razors; the mindless masses will, once again, be sucked into the vortex

The popularity of straights is relative; while I don't have numbers, I don't think there's a large percentage of the shaving population using them on a regular basis.

It requires dedication and skill to use one, so it's really no competition for a disposable one that is almost impossible to hurt yourself with and can be used without complications right out of the gate.

There's also the issue of exposure and tradition. I learned about straight razors from my grandfather, who by and largely was using safety razors before he decided I had to pamper him. My father never used a straight, despite the fact there were several in the house; he chose DE, and later switched to disposables having made a detour through the Phillips (Norelco) electric ones.

I feel they may maintain their current popularity with minor fluctuations, but will remain the ambit of the few. And I can't see them overshadowing the disposable razors ever. Let's face it, they are not exactly disruptive technology.

I think the wetshaving niche will grow until the point that it hits the large shaving companies' radars, at which point they will send their lobbyists to have laws banning straight razors passed, and we will be here debating the merits of Fusion vs. Mach 8.

Or maybe it will be like Utopian says.

Originally Posted by LinacMan

Are you serious? By then Gillette will have a flux capacitor in the handle of their razors; the mindless masses will, once again, be sucked into the vortex

Ya never know. I bet there's a lot of people out there that think straights don't even exist anymore. If they knew that they did, maybe there would be a lot more users of one.

I don't know, Skippy, I'm with Ron on this one:

Originally Posted by Utopian

I firmly believe they will remain a minor niche. People are too lazy to bother with something so complicated when there is a simple shortcut they can be brainwashed into purchasing.

I tried to convert my older brother and his response was "Are you out of your mind? I hate shaving with a passion and resent the 3 minutes I spend every day using a safety razor. Why on earth would I want to do anything that makes it take longer?"

As long as there are guys like my brother (who obviously has his faults) Gillette will always have customers.

Originally Posted by LinacMan

I don't know, Skippy, I'm with Ron on this one:

I tried to convert my older brother and his response was "Are you out of your mind? I hate shaving with a passion and resent the 3 minutes I spend every day using a safety razor. Why on earth would I want to do anything that makes it take longer?"

As long as there are guys like my brother (who obviously has his faults) Gillette will always have customers.

It would be cool though if straight razor popularity got to the point where they would advertise them on tv.

It takes a great leap of faith , to put that insanely sharp blade against your face for the first time , and try to shave with it . Every guy that I've talked to about it , has no interest in trying a straight razor . I agree with Utopian , it's a small niche market , and will stay that way .

Originally Posted by dave5225

It takes a great leap of faith , to put that insanely sharp blade against your face for the first time , and try to shave with it . Every guy that I've talked to about it , has no interest in trying a straight razor . I agree with Utopian , it's a small niche market , and will stay that way .

Maybe it will, or maybe some famous person will be seen using one and will generate even more popularity, or at least consideration.