Thread: Locker Room Conversation

"You're from the old school."

"If you must know, I lived next door to Charles Dickens."

"My dad used to use one of those razors."

"Straight razor?"

"Yeah — like in the barbershops."

"Some barbers still use them."

"Are you a barber?"

"A noble profession. But no, I'm a writer."

"My father was a steamfitter."

"Also a noble profession."

"I remember he always threatened us kids with that belt thing — the strap thing."

"Strop."

"What?"

"Strop. That's what it's called — strop."

"You get a good shave with those razors?"

"Not perfect — yet."

"Scared the hell I'd cut my throat."

"Well, it does take a little training."

"How long it took you?"

"I'm still learning. I figure I'll always be a pilgrim."

"I use one of these disposables. Buy a whole bunch, three or four bucks, and then toss them. No hassle."

"That's one way of doing it."

"I don't have the time for all that? Besides, I hate shaving."

"Maybe that's why."

"Why do you like shaving with one of those things?"

"For the same reason I like feasting on a good meal with a glass of wine."

Regards,

Obie

Good conversation Obie. A good meal with a glass of wine. Very well stated.

Les mots juste. Superb.

Superb!

Another thought:

I use a straight razor for the same reason that I fly fish and tie my own flies.

"Secret Places of a Trout Fishermen" by George Mendoza

"When I wade into a steam fishing for a trout, I feel as though I am entering another part of my soul. As I watch the early light flower in the shadows, I know that I have come to the stream seeking more, much more, than the catching of trout."

Enjoy.

Lewis

You neither offended his shaving method, not pushed SR shaving. Heck, with that last line of yours, you may have put a little curiosity into him.

Originally Posted by sarend

You neither offended his shaving method, not pushed SR shaving. Heck, with that last line of yours, you may have put a little curiosity into him.

My thoughts exactly.

I went to an event recetnly with my younger brother. He showed up with at least three or four days' growth. When I asked if he was growing a beard, he just said that they don't care where he works, and he hates shaving. He uses canned goo and a Mock 3. I asked when he last changed his cartidge, and he couldn't tell me. I offered to give him a strop, a well honed (well by my standards!) razor, a brush, some cream or soap, alum block, and a few choices of aftershave if he wanted to buy some "him time" EVERY day, and improve his appearance at the same time.

"They might not care if you look like a slob, but they NOTICE. Maybe a bit of pride in your appearance will even get you onto that other team you've been trying to get transfered too."

"Nah, I hate shaving."

Eh, OK.

Originally Posted by sarend

You neither offended his shaving method, not pushed SR shaving. Heck, with that last line of yours, you may have put a little curiosity into him.

Bravo. And bravo to Obie for posting the excellent discourse. Quite well said, sir!

I always enjoy reading your posts Obie, you always paint such a good picture! I guess thats why you're the writer and I work at a bank...!

I like shaving this way as I enjoy the whole ritual of it, as well as the thought that I am using a finely crafted tool that will be around for generations. I also enjoy the looks you get in places like the gym when you bring out a proper razor or tell somone you use one! And, to be honest, I genuinely do get the best shaves this way. No irritation, no sore skin and the satisfaction of a job well done.

A superb post, thanks again!

My dear Stubear,

Thank you for the kind words.

A gentleman's shave with a fine straight razor, for me, is one of life's great joys. It seems for you, too, and others on this learned forum.

Life is sweet, indeed.

Regards,

Obie