Thread: What got you guys into straight razor shaving?

Originally Posted by Cutlersdream

I think I was in my mid 20's got my first straight didn't have a clue how to sharpen it or even what stones to use. Before that I was a cartridge banger not liking spending all that dollar on them so got given a electric one (utter crap when I think back) upgraded that but was still a crappy shave really, never close and got irritation from all the multiple passes needed. Thought I'd get a straight again already had loads of stones from my bushcrafting, managed to finally get a edge on one and the rest is history.

I love it because it's a time in the days I shave that is mine, I love it because you are forced in a indirect way to your fullest concentration and in today world it's helpful for my mind, I love it becuase it's about the only pampering I ever get,lol.. And I'm also a self confessed sharp object lover..

I only wish I started earlier

A motto I've carried thru life:

I have no use for anything dull, in my life.

Been putting steel to stone since I was pre teen.

I appreciate all your guys stories ! Happy to see this thread keeps going!

I hated my electric shavers, and decided to try something very different around 2005, experimenting with all sorts of wet shaving. I bought both a standard plastic Gilette multiblade and a straight razor at about the same time. At first, I was asking around why my straight razor felt so awful compared to the "normal" razor. I got confirmed from several people I trust (both in real life and online) that straight razor CAN be as good or better when sharpened properly and done right. So I got stubborn: unlike some friends of mine who gave up, I kept pushing to get it right.

My first shaves were with a brand new adjustable Gillette long handle, and I believe Personna 74 blades though it might have been Gillette Spoilers. After several years I gravitated to the new fangled Mach 3, bypassing all the other cart crap. Stuck with the Mach for a while, brief forays into Schick Injector which was still a thing, and electrics, both foil and rotary types. Then I saw a Dovo Best Quality and I thought, gee, the best quality straight razor for only 70-odd bucks? That looks like a really cool way to shave. Hey, you got any of those razor straps for sale, too? I need one, right? Shoulder shrug from the clerk, asked if I was buying or just looking and blocking the view for paying customers. I walked out the door with. It was horrible. Horrible, I say, but I stuck with it and now, here I am, but funny thing, I have a bunch of razors but not one Dovo Best in the bunch.

Thanks for information

fethiye tours

It must've been 2004 (or 5), not long after JimmyHAD moved into his condo (we're in neighboring developments). I was visiting, and while we were talking about wetshaving he showed me a few straight razors he'd picked-up years earlier, back in New Jersey. I was already a member of B&B, and thought it'd be interesting/challenging to "try my hand" at it. Well, it wasn't until late-November 2006 that I actually bought my first (a Red Imp #133 in 6/8) and, even then, a while longer until the habit "took root".

I wanted a straight razor shave and started researching barbers in the area that offer that service. In the search, I found the Dr. Moss article and thought, "wow, I can do this myself?" So I bought a shavette, a cheap brush, and some Edwin Jagger SeaBuckthorn to try it out. Not long after, I purchased three straight razors from the classifieds here: one fully hollow, one half hollow, and a near wedge. Still have two of those three plus many more. I have learned to sharpen on film and have restored a couple. I think I have managed to save money over store bought cartridges. Funny thing is I can use a mach 3 for over a month (but haven't used one since 2011).

I got sick and tired of razor burn and ingrown hairs, but also lack the capacity to grow a good thick beard as my facial hair is sparse. So in order to not look like a hobo I have to shave, but doing so with modern safety razors just lights my face on fire. Research led me to straight razors, and I haven't looked back since.