I'm just plain ol' shaving now

Ah, the newbie excitement and enthusiasm has gradually worn off during the past two years of straight razor shaving, and now I'm "just shaving". I have used no other method since I started. I fully committed to the bare blade from the beginning. I tossed all my cartridge gizmos a long time ago. If I don't have the 15-20 minutes it takes to shave like a man before I go to work, then I don't shave. Fortunately, my office is a "shave-optional" workplace, so nobody has a problem on those few days a month when I come in with stubble.

But the real point is that I no longer feel the need to go around smugly telling people (mostly other guys) that I shave with a straight razor unless the topic of shaving comes up in normal conversation (rarely). To me, I'm just doing something perfectly routine and normal when I whip up a lather with my badger brush, strop my razor, and make the whiskers go away.

I've also been fortunate not have contracted a major case of Razor Acquisition Disease (I only own 5 straight razors, with the most expensive one costing about $80, which doesn't even put me on the RAD Scale). For that, I am grateful (so is my wife). Besides, one of my main motivators for wanting to switch was thrift, so to remain true to that end, I've had to resist temptation after temptation (not easy). My sympathies to those with hardcore RAD.

Sooner or later, I'm sure a lot of straight razor shavers get to the same point as me. I'm not saying that I don't feel a personal sense of pride in knowing how to do something that so few men (and women) know how to do; I just don't go around putting it into people's faces any more (no pun intended). Perhaps that's why I got an Email reminder from SRP that I hadn't posted anything for a while. It's not that I'm disinterested, I'm just not all that excited or enthused any more about this rare skill that I share with so few other other men (and women) who, fortunately, share their knowledge and experience through postings to this website. We are privileged as a group to have this valuable resource of information.

Nonetheless, with all that said, the bottom line for me is that I'm at the point now where I'm "just shaving". Does anybody else feel the same way?

I have that, "Hey:shrug:, it's just shaving, no big deal." mentality. But I still get happy when I restore and hone a dull razor up and it gives me a smooth comfortable shave.

But I like working with my hands, and despise our throw away culture.
I wouldn't say I have bad RAD, I only have about 25 ebay and antique store rescues, at an average cost of $15 each. I would sell em for cheap here, but I can't seem to part with them.

Shaving? Yeah, it's just shaving... Restoring? That's where the fun is!:D

Stangman, I can see where you're coming from! I don't even have 1 year of straight shaving under my strop yet, but I can see your point. I'm still at the point of wanting to try many of the soaps/creams/aftershaves that get recommended here and elsewhere, but can see settling down to a couple of each at some point, at which time shaving will probably still be enjoyable, but not quite such an "experiment/adventure"! I think I could be happy the rest of my shaving life with no other razors than my Dovo Tortoise 5/8 and Merkur HD. Although I did recently buy a Wahl "Groomsman" beard trimmer for when my skin is too irritated to run a blade over it.On those days, I'll just trim as close as I can with this trimmer--no irritation, no ingrowns!! I've read that this is a good way to avoid ingrowns without growing a full beard-----luckily, I'm self-employed and don't have to be clean shaven every day!

I was just shaving for a few weeks, until I discovered that different razors performed differently. Now I am still embarked on my quest for the best close & comfortable shave I can consistently achieve

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Originally Posted by joke1176

I have that, "Hey:shrug:, it's just shaving, no big deal." mentality. But I still get happy...

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Hehe, I couldn't help but recall this post:

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Originally Posted by joke1176

I can't wait till they announce the winner.... I hope it's me!!!1!

I want it so bad, I'm doing a pee dance.

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I'm pretty sure I have always just shaved. I remain amazed at the SOTD section of this forum. I have neither the time nor the inclination to photograph my shaving equipment each day, any more than I would share my toothbrush or toilet paper choice each day.

That said, I enjoy experimenting with a variety of razors. I like restoring them and appreciate the distinct shaves different razors provide. The shave is the feedback for the restoration/honing work done but the shave is just a shave for me.

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Originally Posted by hoglahoo

...Hehe, I couldn't help but recall this post:

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I'm sticking to my guns! Shaving isn't the fun part, it's the honing and restore. Well...at least not as fun...:o

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Originally Posted by Utopian

I remain amazed at the SOTD section of this forum. I have neither the time nor the inclination to photograph my shaving equipment each day, any more than I would share my toothbrush or toilet paper choice each day.

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I suspect the contributors to the SOTD threads are photography enthusiasts. Their regular contributions probably have as much to do with excitement about photography as it does with their excitement about their daily shaves. If they continue to be that jazzed about their shaves, more power to them!

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Originally Posted by stangman

To me, I'm just doing something perfectly routine and normal when I whip up a lather with my badger brush, strop my razor, and make the whiskers go away.

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LOL I had the same revelation a few days ago. I let a friend [cartridge user] tag along as I was meeting an SRP member for a honing session. He was fascinated by the experience. He never suspected anyone would use a straight razor nowadays. While he wasn't ready to start with a straight razor, he was excited to try a nice vintage Gillette DE razor. He thought the DE was way too cool! And I couldn't understand why. To me it seemed ordinary, like everyone shaved with a DE razor.

Christopher =)

I hear you loud and clear. I am totally enjoying "just shaving"--whenever and however I darn well please. The difference for me from most guys on the SRP is I'm happiest with simplicity. I use only one razor (Dovo Tortoise 5/8); only one Strop (one of Tony's); one stone; one soap until it is used up, but then I order a different kind. I do have a couple different aftershaves, however. Oh, well. No one is perfect! For me, less is more.
Ron A

Ron A.-

I hope to reach that level SOON where I know which of each product I prefer and can SIMPLIFY! Nice choice of razor----I have that one as well. I have a plain-ol' Dovo strop (linen/leather) and Spyderco stones. Works for me. My DE is an HD------well......I do have a "birthyear razor" too, a 1966 SuperSpeed. But I don't feel any need for any more!!

Guys, there is nothing wrong with just wanting a nice shave. For most of us, that is what brought us to SRP, or B&B, or SMF...and eventually led us to straight razors. The honeymoon has worn off for me as well but I still look forward to shaving each day and using the variety of products that I have accumulated. Luckily, my ADs have also subsided and I am closing in on the products that I plain just enjoy.

We all need to come to our own conclusions in life - and shaving is just another one of those areas.

Enjoy!

:)

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Originally Posted by Jfala

Guys, there is nothing wrong with just wanting a nice shave. For most of us, that is what brought us to SRP, or B&B, or SMF...and eventually led us to straight razors. The honeymoon has worn off for me as well but I still look forward to shaving each day and using the variety of products that I have accumulated. Luckily, my ADs have also subsided and I am closing in on the products that I plain just enjoy.

We all need to come to our own conclusions in life - and shaving is just another one of those areas.

Enjoy!

:)

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Jeff (and others)

I agree there is nothing wrong with wanting a nice shave; I'm 65 but not yet grown up so I'm still finding new things to try. I recently (two weeks ago) bought a Dovo SR from Nashville Knife and I'm just starting to shave a bit each day with it but finishing with a traditional blade. I need to buy good quality strop and honing supplies so any suggestions as to suppliers who are willing/able to suggest quality goods would be appreciated.

All the best from Kennebunk, ME

Líam

Liam,

Welcome to SRP and straight razor shaving. As for quality supplies: most here agree that Tony Miller at The Well Shaved Gentleman produces the finest strops around - and is very willing to help you out in selecting the right strop at the right price for you. As for honing stones, speak with Howard at The Perfect Edge. He sells a wide variety of natural and ceramic stones and will guide you towards the right stone for your purpose and honing intentions. Both Tony and Howard are regular contributors to SRP and you can also send them a Private Message to get things started. Here are the websites:

The Well Shaved Gentleman, Heirloom Razor Strop Company, Straight Razor Shaving Supplier
The Perfect Edge

Good luck, and keep asking questions.

I'm not sure how long I've been straight shaving now, but I still get the buzz when working on my razors (or others :) ). SOTD is dangerous to look through, I keep finding stuff I lust for...