Thread: Straight Razor Shaving Reality

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.