Thread: Straight Razor's single greatest advantage over DE's or modern day disposables?

OK, I'm new around here. I'm not even 100% sure why I'm getting into this. It's not just the quality of the shave - with a Slant DE or a OCMM SE I can regularly get a pretty much perfect shave. It's not just the cost, either one of those two saftey razors can be had for $25 and a 40 cent blade lasts me over a week. Plus let's face it, I'm doomed to contract a brand new kind of RAD. I wouldn't be bothering if those were the only reasons. A couple of people have touched on the feeling you get shaving and maintaining a straight. It's cool. It's bad. It gives a sense of accomplishment. It instills confidence. It's a connection with the past. For me it's more along those lines.

There are two sides to every story so if you are going to talk about the advantages of a straight you also need to consider the disadvantages.

So the question is, is the added labor and time and learning curve (among other things) worth the total cost versus the convenience of the modern alternative and it's total cost?

I already know the answer in these parts however in the real world........

I'm sorry but Mr Gillette made me write this post.

Pro:fun to use
Con:not as sharp

I agree that a blade can be too sharp. Feathers are too sharp (IMO) but Astras are perfect for me and are still sharper than a straight.

I use both but straight shaving is more of a hobby for me.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

There are two sides to every story so if you are going to talk about the advantages of a straight you also need to consider the disadvantages.

So the question is, is the added labor and time and learning curve (among other things) worth the total cost versus the convenience of the modern alternative and it's total cost?

I already know the answer in these parts however in the real world........

I'm sorry but Mr Gillette made me write this post.

Well said. Most of us who have been shaving for more than 35 years must admit that there is more time and care required of a SR shave. So there must be something very special about this experience to motivate us to invest the time and energy demanded of this hobby. It must be the experience combined with the treasured result of a baby-smooth shave. Chicks dig it too.

Yeah, the hobby aspect of it is a major part of it for me. For decades I used canned goo and cartridges. I got into wetshaving at first to save money. Then I contracted several shaving related acquisition disorders....... And then, shaving gradually went from being a chore, to being a hobby. Adding straights to the equation is just going to make it more enjoyable.