Thread: Straightshaving missionary.

You cannot make someone take the straight path. They must find it for themselves.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the (5 o'clock) shadow of Death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me; Thy blade and thy hone, they comfort me.


Oh, and as for the argument re Mach 3s giving as good or better shaves.....well, that is just not true. Mach 3s are fixed angle of blade on skin - the head pivots to keep it on your face as you move over the jaw line etc, if I recall correctly. With a straight there are often unconscious angle adjustments which enables a much better and more comfortable shave. That's not even mentioning the control over the edge you have with the hones, which you most certainly do not get with Mach 3s.

James.

Did a gunshow this weekend and displayed a couple of dozen razors, some NOS brushes, and some gently used strops. I only sold a couple of razors,1strop and 2 hones. But I was busy all weekend long talking to people about the the wonderful world of straight shaving. I have to admit I generated a lot of interest and I am wondering if I should not expand on this endeavor, I think I'll try it again just for fun. I think my fingers are permanently cramped from writing "straightrazorplace.com" on scraps of paper!
PS: Maybe a live demo is in order!

I have converted a few. One guy went out and bought a Dovo and strop plus accessories that night. It's kind of true what Jimbolina said about you can't make them take the path- they must find it themselves. It needs to be a certain type of person who is ready to take the plunge. When you find them it's easy though.

As for the techology argument it's easy- First off, there was nothing wrong with straights in the first place to make Gillette start making DE blades- he was an inventor who wanted an ongoing sale. It was genius marketing. It is the ease of use with the new cartridge razors that is the only positive. The technology and coatings are fine and all, but 5 blades going across your face creates more friction and discomfort. The more passes- the more irritation is likely to occur. You can also make the argument that cartridges make more money for everyone- the producers, distributors, advertisers, etc. so why would they make you want to believe anything but "cartridge razors are the best way to shave"?

I'm getting most of my friends brushes and bowls for Xmas this year. I think slow exposure should pique their interest - once they see what a bit of badger fur can do, they should come back for more . . .hehehehe!

I have 2 conversions to my name
I only make an effort if people come to me and ask questions. Otherwise, I would just be 'that weirdo who always talks about shaving'.

I also taught a barber to hone, but I think he gave up on it and switched back to shavette. His problem was that he didn't shave himself with a straight, so he had no way to judge his edges.

As for how to convince a naysayer... If he is interested in it (or at least curious) offer to shave him so that he feels what it is like.

Originally Posted by xman

... didn't stop him from slicing one of his finger pads off at his first stropping.

I have cut my fingers a couple of times (very lightly fortunately) while freehanding a potato peeler on a 6x1.5 coticule.
always keep fingertips below the honing surface, boys and girls, or one day you'll slice off one of your fingertips .