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

Hey ladies
I was sitting here wondering, does a straight razor make a man appear classy, or debonair.
Its something i was considering for a while, as i do enjoy a good cigar.. and they tend to look more classy rather than trashy. For example, here's george clooney with a cigar, he appears quite classy.. or so i think.


I dont know.. i guess to me, doing things that are more traditional or old school is the definition of class or debonair.
Hence cigars, usually for celebration and in a classy establishment. Not on some street corner to get your fix.
So, if a man cares more about his personal grooming and uses a straight razor.. does he come off as having class.
If you where to see him shaving that is
I always thought a man had to have class to use a blade. especially in todays world where everything is about getting done as quickly as possible.

I prefer the old way of doing things...
Just some food for thought i suppose, something thats been on my mind for a while
(before joining this forum even)


I guess i compare straight razors to cigars in my mind, and disposable/electric shavers to cigarettes
One takes time and is something you do because you enjoy it. Its more traditional and respectable
The other is something you do each and every day out of sheer habit, because you have to. You dont necessarily enjoy it


Thank you for your thoughts ladies

You can't buy class you either have it or you don't and no amount of accoutrements will change that.

Bob

Not a lady but I wouldn't recomend getting in to this because it's "classy" as you call it, do it because of the quality of the shaves, or the enjoyment you get from learning and using the skills associated with this type of shaving.

Most people, including some women, who know I shave with a straight think I am NUTS not classy or are just plain ambivalent to that fact.

Bob

I asked my wife that while I was shaving with an 11/8 Otto & Reynders to get her opinion. I think she's still laughing.

I got asked if i fell out of a tree by a lady today because of some cuts and irritation marks from my first attempt at a full XTG shave this morning if that counts? Surely Tarzan had some class?!

But to answer your question, no there wasn't protestations of undying affections for my method of removing facial hair being classier than a fusion.

Originally Posted by BobH

Most people, including some women, who know I shave with a straight think I am NUTS not classy or are just plain ambivalent to that fact.

Bob

Yup... +1 to Bob...pretty much my entire family thinks I'm completely nuts! Both my brother-in-laws actually shuddered when they started asking questions. Others just think you're eccentric, or at the worst, "putting on airs".

The only nod of acceptance I get is that it's better for MY skin...less razor bumps and irritation.

Main reaction is why? The cartridge razors work absolutely fine, give a great shave, and you won't slice yourself open, so what's the point? Remember I came in with a small nick on my face once and a couple of buddies immediately started laughing and saying, "so how's that straight shaving working out for you!?!" When I told them it was my cat, no-one believed me!!

I've found, as mentioned here quite a bit, it's not exactly a conversation starter or topic to bring up...most people just think you're nuts and why would you bring up how you shave??

Sigh, as I sit here writing this, wearing my Classic Edge t-shirt with a straight razor on the front and a large W&B logo on the back....



Or the short answer to your question: No.

Originally Posted by BobH

You can't buy class you either have it or you don't and no amount of accoutrements will change that.

Bob

The use of the word, ""accoutrements," exemplifies your own class. Bravo, good sir, bravo.
Also, I would like to add that you are 100% correct. You are either have class or don't. It cannot be bought.

My wife is at best uninterested, and friends at work show mild interest sometimes.but they are boys. I think this question is a bit like "does driving a big car and doing martial arts make you cool?" It would depend who answered the question, but generally if you have to ask if you are something, you probably aren't.

Originally Posted by edhewitt

My wife is at best uninterested, and friends at work show mild interest sometimes.but they are boys. I think this question is a bit like "does driving a big car and doing martial arts make you cool?" It would depend who answered the question, but generally if you have to ask if you are something, you probably aren't.

It does if its the biggest and your the best! Otherwise your just paying stupid prices for fuel and there will still be someone out there that can kick your ass regardless of how many UFC fights you've watched.