Originally Posted by
RMarsh
Now, I have only been at the straight razor game for a matter of months, but for me the greatest advantage is the tactile pleasure I get from the whole experience. I can get a very good shave from 2 passes with my Merkur DE, but there are a multitude of things that it cannot provide, beyond simply cutting the stubble on my face. Let me elaborate-
Disposable razors are indicative of a disposable mindset, and a disposable culture. Most men think of shaving the way they think about doing laundry or taking out the trash, just a 5 minute chore that is tolerated but not savored. Furthermore, I am realizing more and more that many of the men on this forum are the type that can build things, repair things, maintain things, rather than the type to just buy something, use it once, and throw it away. We strive for quality, and workmanship. We enjoy the satisfaction of doing things the proper way instead of the convenient way. You care for a razor, sometimes repair it, sometimes modify it and elevate it to a work of art. This aspect of SR shaving is directly related to the enjoyment of the process. It is also a skill that must be practiced, evaluated, modified, honed (so to speak), and improved over many years. This is something for which few in the general public have either the aptitude or inclination. Learning the skills required to shave one's face with a potentially dangerous piece of metal just adds to the fun. Finally, there is a zen-like quality to it- you clear your mind and take the time to use luxurious and often expensive products and prepare your skin before taking an elegant instrument (that likely costs as much a year's supply of mach 14 razors) to it and then apply more nice-smelling stuff...you get the point. Basically I'm saying that all these aspects of SR shaving add up to a total tactile experience that cannot be matched by any other method.