Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 55
Like Tree237Likes

Thread: Inquiring minds want to know

Hybrid View

  1. #1
    The Hurdy Gurdy Man thebigspendur's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2005
    Location
    New Mexico
    Posts
    33,233
    Thanked: 5027
    Blog Entries
    4

    Default Inquiring minds want to know

    If next week Gillette came out with a cartridge razor and it actually did shave every bit as good as a straight and it was super comfortable and it was reasonably priced and it was fast would you switch?

    Really the question boils down to, do you use a straight because you want to use one or because it gives you the best shave or is it more complex than that?
    No matter how many men you kill you can't kill your successor-Emperor Nero

  2. #2
    Senior Member blabbermouth
    Join Date
    Feb 2018
    Location
    Manotick, Ontario, Canada
    Posts
    2,814
    Thanked: 563

    Default

    The answer is no I would not switch and yes, I use a straight whenever I can and a DE at other times, because I want to. And yes, it is more complex than that.

    There is an entire perspective on life associated with taking the time and developing the skills to prepare and use the wet shaving instruments, including my face, for a personal and reflective experience. I slow things down and think about things differently when shaving with a straight. It isn’t a chore; it’s a pleasurable retreat.

    For the same reason, I prefer real, tangible books to e-books even though I buy both, but the ones I reread are printed on paper and the ones I treasure are hardcover. Reading a real book is a much more intense and personal experience for me than reading an e-book, which I have usually purchased for a specific purpose.

    I also used to wear tie-it-yourself bow ties, because I felt good about being able to do it and I enjoyed the unique look, the challenge of tying one just right and the connection to another era. I have recently started to. wear suspenders instead of a belt because this aging body finds it more comfortable, and funnily enough, I like the look.

    Maybe it’s about enjoying the experience instead of focusing on just getting things done. It makes me happy.
    David
    “Shared sorrow is lessened, shared joy is increased”
    ― Spider Robinson, Callahan's Crosstime Saloon

  3. The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to DZEC For This Useful Post:

    FatboySlim (01-17-2019), ScottGoodman (01-19-2019)

  4. #3
    Senior Member blabbermouth Haroldg48's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2013
    Location
    Clayton, NC USA
    Posts
    3,341
    Thanked: 866

    Default

    No, I wouldn’t switch. I shave with a straight because I get a kick out of doing it, and with a DE when I need to because it reminds me of my youth,and that’s nice.

    I will admit that when the local drugstore puts the nicer disposables on a deep sale because whatever company is coming out with a new model, I buy a few to use when I travel by plane (I don’t check bags).
    32t, BobH, RezDog and 5 others like this.
    Just call me Harold
    ---------------------------
    A bad day at the beach is better than a good day at work!

  5. #4
    Senior Member blabbermouth RezDog's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2013
    Location
    Haida Gwaii, British Columbia, Canada
    Posts
    14,457
    Thanked: 4830

    Default

    I would not switch.
    It’s more complex than just time and comfort. Of course for me comfort is everything. However at this point I have gone way past knee deep into the whole realm of straights. It is not just about shaving anymore.
    It's not what you know, it's who you take fishing!

  6. #5
    Str8Faced Gent. MikeB52's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2013
    Location
    Orangeville, Ontario
    Posts
    8,465
    Thanked: 4207
    Blog Entries
    1

    Default

    Wouldn’t switch, but I would buy one to add to the experience.
    My fav shave shall always be from a straight since finding the interest in 13.
    But I do appreciate a quick shave, or car shave in a pinch when I hafta so yup, I’d buy one.
    32t, petercp4e, MikeT and 1 others like this.
    "Depression is just anger,, without the enthusiasm."
    Steven Wright
    https://mobro.co/michaelbolton65?mc=5

  7. #6
    Senior Member blabbermouth
    Join Date
    Mar 2012
    Location
    Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada
    Posts
    17,367
    Thanked: 3228

    Default

    Yup, it is more complex than that.

    Bob
    32t, MikeB52, MikeT and 1 others like this.
    Life is a terminal illness in the end

  8. #7
    ~ Life is but a Dream ~ petercp4e's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2014
    Location
    Oakham, Ma.
    Posts
    3,844
    Thanked: 1218

    Default

    I wouldn't switch.

    I love everything about straight razor shaving.

    I don't ever remember anything coming close to giving me as good a shave as a straight razor.
    The daily ritual is total "me" time which is peaceceful and zen like.
    I have too much invested in over 100 razors to consider anything else. I love the hunting and collecting.
    I love the challenge of honing razors. I learn something from every one of them.

    So...no new Gilette's for me.

    Pete <:-}
    "Life is short, Break the Rules. Forgive quickly, Kiss Slowly,
    Love truly, Laugh uncontrollably, And never regret ANYTHING
    That makes you smile." - Mark Twain

  9. #8
    W&B, Torrey, Filarmonica fanboy FatboySlim's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2008
    Location
    Atlanta
    Posts
    605
    Thanked: 252

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by DZEC View Post
    ...There is an entire perspective on life associated with taking the time and developing the skills to prepare and use the wet shaving instruments, including my face, for a personal and reflective experience. I slow things down and think about things differently when shaving with a straight. It isn’t a chore; it’s a pleasurable retreat.

    For the same reason, I prefer real, tangible books to e-books even though I buy both, but the ones I reread are printed on paper and the ones I treasure are hardcover. Reading a real book is a much more intense and personal experience for me than reading an e-book, which I have usually purchased for a specific purpose.
    ...
    Very well and succinctly said, thanks.

    Besides the whole culture, devoted-monk-order brotherhood, history, technology, lost-art skills, cool toys, zen, man-pampering, and whatnot, I consistently get great shaves. My sensitive skin just loves the straight. After a great relaxing shave, I slap on some ice-cold water followed by good bay rum, and feel the toner effect freshen and tighten my skin. For a few hours I'm 18 again, playing with my smooth face. I just never get tired of it, nope.
    Last edited by FatboySlim; 01-17-2019 at 04:29 AM. Reason: Fixed a typo

  10. #9
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    May 2014
    Location
    Bryan, TX
    Posts
    1,251
    Thanked: 228

    Default

    Nope, I would never switch back. I do wish I had started straight razors sooner. Just imagine all the people that may have used the same razor I am using a hundred or so years back in the past. Mind boggling just thinking about it!

    Mike

  11. #10
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Jan 2019
    Location
    north florida
    Posts
    125
    Thanked: 10

    Default

    Never switch.... maybe try

    It’s all about the zen, the ritual, the practice, the way, the commitment

Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •