Thread: Straight Razor Shaving Reality

I've still trying to follow the money references, five bills, a grand, a buck and some change. You forgot, five large by the way.

Usually one has a reason or passion before undertaking a new interest. You seem to have purchased all of the gear without having a reason or interest.

I disagree that one should buy the best one can afford the first time. I hear this all the time (usually from a salesman) but it rarely works out.

It sounds good on some level but what is missing is that you don't know what you will want when you are more informed and experienced so whatever you buy now probably won't be what you want later.

Originally Posted by tcrideshd

Time to quit all this talking and researching, just shave! Tc

I agree TC and tomorrow morning seems to be a good place for him to start......clocks are set back an hour and the shave taking too much time is no longer an excuse. Let's cheer him on when he posts in the SOTD forum.

Originally Posted by Benz

I agree TC and tomorrow morning seems to be a good place for him to start......clocks are set back an hour and the shave taking too much time is no longer an excuse. Let's cheer him on when he posts in the SOTD forum.

Won't take anytime. Tc

Straight Razor Shaving Reality. Hm-m-m-m. Well, it is history, it is connection to the past, it is sharing the experience our forefathers experienced, it is zen, meditation. I started nigh on 40 years ago for one reason only. The damned multi-blade razors kept getting more and more expensive. What is it now about $30 plus for four or five cartridges. I pinch a penny till it screams. Every SR I now own is an antique, most never costing me more than $30 for the most expensive, many are five or ten dollars each and some were only a few bucks.
My origins with SR's came down to pure economics, yes I would love to have a $300 to $800 dollar SR, but that defeats my entire origins of economics. Every SR I have has paid for itself, and even paid for many of the accouterments I have purchased. I have connections with both my grandparents, my dad never used a straight razor, always a safety razor for him. I have not timed myself, but I really don't care how long it takes because it is a pleasure in multiple levels. Back to the time. I spend at least 15 minutes plus, there is pre-pre prep by stropping or some other touch up prior to shaving, then it is face preparation with a few rounds of hot face wraps, then shaving cream, paste or lather (I like the variety), then the shave performed ever so carefully, and thoughtful, face clean up, clean up of tools and area, then the post stropping. Most of the time I close the shave out with Witch Hazel--it doesn't burn if the razor is getting to the need of touch up.
well. It has been nigh on forty years plus, and I would not trade one moment for a cartridge razor. I do have a few tucked away in the event I must make a speed shave, but I am never at a race so speed is irrelevant especially since I am retired.
I think the reason many men (women) don't use a straight razor is that they are not so openly marketed, then of course there is the sticker shock at the initial investment (for many, but not here).

That's my prattle on SR's shaving. Do or do not. Simple as that.

Elegant point gcbryan.

What will 16 min of stropping achieve? My circuit is about 40 and 40. Could be more depending upon the feel of the edge.

Yep! Each if my razors ride differently.

Sounds like you bought everything brand new. Did anyone mention that straights are not shave-ready out of the box? In spite of what manufacturers tell you?
You may want to send at least one out to a honemeister for reference and buy a practice razor and practice strop before you put your C+Bökers on the CXLIX coticule yourself.
Did you get a bout with the coticule?

1. Whether you use the straights or not - please do not put them on display in your bathroom if it puts them in proximity to your shower. They will get rusty.
2. Many other have already said this, but if I have to get up early and go to work, I either take the time to shave with a straight the night before or use a double edge in the am.

I've given this more thought. I'm going to straight razor shave. While I can shave with a Fusion in about two minutes, I'd rather go with a straight razor. I love the entire concept of straight razor shaving.