Thread: Has Your Outlook On Shaving Changed

So far, I seem to be the only guy who was an experienced DE shaver before using a str8. I started with a Gillete adjustable when they were still being sold commercially and have used every system since.

I received a Merkur Futur as a gift 40 years ago and have used it on and off since. I also had a str8 about 20 years ago but never really was able to use it, and I never really got started. I even tried brush shaving for a while, but it seemed like too much trouble. For at least the last 10 years I've been shaving with the Futur and disposables using commercial gel. I was pretty good at wetshaving, so it was a bit of a chore but not a drudgery, and it was definitely not uncomfortable. I was getting decent and fairly comfortable shaves.

Early this year I discovered the wetshaving sites which led me to a Vision, a Kent brush and all the fine shaving products. At that point, shaving became a pleasureable experienece I looked forward to it, just like Lynn explained. So, my major change of attitude about shaving happened before I started using str8s.

I discovered this site about three months ago and quickly decided to make a serious attempt at str8 shaving. It took about a month for me to start getting good shaves with a str8. Now I do most of my shaving with str8s, although I cycle in my Vision and a Merkur slant, and once in a while my old Futur. The str8s offer the best shave, except for the slant using Feather blades.

As far as str8s go, I now have at least 20, and I've finally learned to maintain them reliably. Although I get mezmerized by some of the great English creams, my greatest pleasure comes not just from shaving but from using an antique and work of art that has seen more history than me and feeling a part of it. Some of these razors are amazingly beautiful, and I just enjoy looking at them.

I had thought about the monetary savings of str8 vs. Mach3. Unfortunately, the razor-holics anonymous 12 step program isn't working for me. I've spent way more in the past year on str8's than on Gillette crap. That being said, I am getting a better shave, I have a nice 4-5 razor rotation, plus two that I'm working on restoring. I enjoy shaving, as compared to it being a chore.

Originally Posted by sensei_kyle

monetary savings of str8 vs. Mach3.

But will those Mach3's be usable by your grandson? Can you sell those disposable blades if you want to? Even the unused ones? The dollar sign isn't the only mark of value.

Being a new guy (shave number 9 comming up today) I'm actually eager for the wisker growth to get to where I can shave again. I'm starting to get better shaves which means waiting even longer till the next one.

I also like having controll over the sharpness and sanity of the blade. With a few good blades at my command, I'll never have to rush out to the drug mart because I have a job interview or an audition.

I used electrics up until I found this forum and it reminded me of the only shave that I could actually recall clearly: a classic barbershop shave with hot towels and the whole works. Now I've gotten competent with my str8s, there's no going back. I can't wait to shave tomorrow morning with the Filarmonica 7/8 and my new SMF brush that Fedex delivered today. Now I have the pleasure of deciding which cream to use with it for it's first outing. Come on, beard, GROW!




Wayne

Thanks to the great work by Lynn and the more experienced forum members, I went right from a Gillette "Good News" disposable to a 7/8 TI that I honed and stropped myself. It took a long weekend to get one good shave but I didn't touch my disposable razor after the first good pass with the TI!

Straight razors rock. Sometimes, the old ways are best. Now I start the day 20 minutes earlier but by 8:00 am I'm much more relaxed and ready for the day. Straight razor shaving is like a combination of Zen meditation and aromatherapy, except you get to play with sharp tools too!

Kevin

Kevin, you summed it up perfectly with the 'Zen and aromatherapy' remark. That's str8 shaving in a nutshell. Umm, a great blade, cream, and brush, what more can a guy ask for?




Wayne