Thread: Straightshaving missionary.

I managed to convert my business partner, but it wasn't any challenge! He was very excited by the idea. Had to buy him a cheap vintage razor & a 2nd hand strop to get him going though. When he's not using that he's using an old gillete de with feather blades that i gave him. No luck with my brother & my father just thinks i'm insane. Why would anyone go that far backwards?!

I thnk about the best way to convert anyone is to show just how good a shave can be. I am shaving more and doing a better job every time now. This is what people see- No cuts, scrapes, or missed spots! Always carry one or two razors in the pocket for show and tell. The razor gets the attention! The shave is secondary-but it must be perfect. So far, no convertees for me, but THE STORIES and history I am hearing! Straight razor shaving is definitely a link with the past. My banker is from Albania. She tells of her grandfather using a straight razor only. Maybe retro-shaving is making a comeback in the "Modern" World. People I witness to are not being bored by this hobby being showcased. Maybe they are just being polite; anyway, the idea is conveyed.

Nobody likes a proselytizer.

The guys in my unit have seen me sanding blades for resto projects during breaks and such, but no one seems to be interested beyond taking a look at the blade, so I don't bother.

My dad doesn't shave ever, and my brother is just getting to the age where he might need it. He's not the type of guy to spend the time to maintain the blade properly. I might get him using a shavette, though...
J.

I have a disciple to whom I have shown the straight path. He is thinking of buying a straight razor but not yet (but it will come). Anyway he bought a badger brush and T&H soap and oil, so soon he will take part in our sacred ritual and be one of us.

But the quest goes on to make the infidels come under the (razor) blade.

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.