Why I shave with a straight razor.
I am a classical musician and understand very well the process by which one learns to use all physical/mental processes in concert in order to gracefully manipulate an instrument. My experience with straight razors is no different. By using these same sensitivities, I've gone from novice "face hacker" to "pretty good" shaver. I do enjoy the over all ritual immensely, but the real pleasure is in the shave - in fact when I finish, I often find myself reflecting on it the same way I would after having finished a concert...how did I do?, that part was great, that was only so so, next time let me try this or that, etc...I think I actually put the same focus and connection together shaving as when I practice. I appreciate all the other comments people have made as well - they all apply...the monastic quality of the experience, making something that would otherwise be boring invigorating, saving the earth from tons of plastic, etc...There is a bug and I sure do have it. I've spent enough time thinking about it that I've even dreamed about on more than one occasion!
Many thanks for the opportunity to share!
Julian