Does a straight razor make a man appear more debonair or classy?

my few cents:
when I came to live in a students-dorm I had 3 flatmates shaving with a DE and one with a straight razor; I thought, back then, it was showing that they lacked money to buy normal cartridges (DE) and the guy had a deathwish (straight razor) - for all those mentioned this confirmed my earlier thoughts of them: the DE-users were bums and the str8-user was in a constant depression....
Now my fiancee does it and he told me he did it for the closer shave (true) and because he likes the ritual. Also we're doing quite well so he is not doing it to economize.

Loosing this prejudice -though, as said, it was not solely based on their shaving methodology- needs knowledge on the advantages of the merits of alternative methods (from using cartridges). Therefore: no - you won't look cooler, except for the people that have some knowledge of (aforementioned merits) it as well (which are most probably people haven given up using cartridges as well - and they are certainly not the majority where I live) .

I think you're more cool though: hope this helps you ;-)

Don't know if my wife thinks I am more classy or ?? because I use a straight but I sure do think she is when she uses one and she does 100% of the time

Interesting Topic and very impressed with all the Replies! I think the most common reaction I get is the "You're nuts!" one as well... When I hear from another Wet Shaver or someone interested then it is all positive... But, for those that aren't, haven't, don't... They usually just shake their head, check to see if I'm serious and then make a remark about how I ".. must be one of the only ones.." as they have heard so little about or rarely, if ever, have seen them. Very interesting stuff. Even met a Barber that hated SR's... But, his loosely explained opinion made it appear that it was a PITA he just didn't like messing with. ??

I do get a lift from a close, comfortable shave and the old fashioned equipment made that possible. I really struggled with the modern equipment.

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Originally Posted by CaliforniaCajun

I do get a lift from a close, comfortable shave and the old fashioned equipment made that possible. I really struggled with the modern equipment.

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Agreed

I feel good after a nice shave. Part of it is the "me" time and the ritual. The other contributor is the sense of accomplishment.

Well straight shaving is not outwardly apparent. I cant see how any one can say "Hey that guy is using a straight razor hes got some class" It just doesn't happen. For me its personal just one of the very few ways I get to pamper myself. The very act of using one turns something that used to be a mundane PIA into something I look forward to and relish. By modern standards its an antiquated process only troglodytes would engage in, but how many men would say they wish their beard would grow faster. Its good fun lights up my day and wants me longing for more. Shame people don't know that.

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Originally Posted by DualNature

O and Edhewitt,
I do drive a big flashy car, and go to martial arts. . . XD
funny thats what you chose to say.

I do it because its what i enjoy, i could care less what everyone thinks.. Infact alot of people dont like my el camino

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DualNat
Lol, no one will see me shaving either. I have wanted to learn how to use a straight for a while and have wondered the same question as you. And el cominos are killer anway. All the new stuff is a social distraction with a drivetrain. Who needs yo surff the web while driving?
Oh and I ain't a lady :-)

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Originally Posted by Razorfaust

Well straight shaving is not outwardly apparent. I cant see how any one can say "Hey that guy is using a straight razor hes got some class" It just doesn't happen. For me its personal just one of the very few ways I get to pamper myself. The very act of using one turns something that used to be a mundane PIA into something I look forward to and relish. By modern standards its an antiquated process only troglodytes would engage in, but how many men would say they wish their beard would grow faster. Its good fun lights up my day and wants me longing for more. Shame people don't know that.

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Razorfaust, you should try the new pickup line " Hi, Razorfaust, and I use a straight razor. Do you use a DE your arms are smoother than a disposable. All my peeps call me BBS" :-p

I'd say that's the key...do it because you enjoy it regardless of the opinions of others. My coworkers overseas thought I was nuts for using a straight...well...my reply was "we're all a bit nuts, otherwise we wouldn't be having this conversation in Afghanistan huh"...lol...just enjoy what you're doing...