Thread: Why Do You Shave With a Straight Razor?

Originally Posted by pmburk

I enjoy the smell of the shaving soap, the old school feel of using a straight razor, and the great feeling I get after a relaxing straight razor shave before I leave for work at 4:50 AM. Anyone can drag a Mach 3 or whatever across their face, but it takes a skillful hand to guide a sharp blade to get a great close shave.

It made me relax just reading that post. Thank you.

I shave with a straight razor because I finally figured out that the Gillette Corporation is better at marketing than producing good shaving products.

Originally Posted by Archadvance

I shave with a straight razor because I finally figured out that the Gillette Corporation is better at marketing than producing good shaving products.

I'll bet Mr. Gillette would agree.

It was the natural progression for me.
Several years ago I stumbled across SMF when searching how to deal with ingrown hairs. I started collecting, buying /selling vintage DE's. When I figured out what blade worked best for me they quit making them. I said to myself that I'm not going to go through the hassle of finding another blade then stockpiling them. This lead me to here..

I know the article has already been written, but I thought I might just toss in anyway.

I used to use the Edge Gel and the Cartridge Razors. But then I was unemployed; so I was looking for things save money on. I ended up getting a DE Razor. Shaved with that for a while and my dad looked at me one day and said If you want to go the cheap route (meaning that I was still buying blades), get a straight......So, in the long run...I Did.

And, no..My dad doesn't use a straight...BIC Disposables with Canned Gel

Gentlemen,
Straight razor shaving is an art; as I said before, it takes a skillful hand to guide that sharp blade on our faces to achieve a goal of near perfection if not perfection. We all know the roots of straight razor shaving and we appreciate the history. Straight razor shaving goes beyond saving money, helping the environment by using soaps and creams in a mug or scuttle and no disposables in the trash, it is the pride have in caring for our skin and appearances. It allows us to take a break from our daily lives and focus on ourselves for a little bit. Isn't that the reason women go to spas and nail salons?

I nicked myself four times this morning; heck, I am still learning this awesome art and I do not give up. But I was a bit discouraged because today was the first day after not nicking myself for two days in a row. My wife felt bad for me this morning, but as I headed to the door to go to work and just before she kissed me goodbye, she said, "Don't worry, you will get it down pat, don't give up." Yes, this morning I was a little discouraged, the nicks will heal and I will continue to learn this skill.

Forgive the sermon, I was feeling philosophical this morning and just wanted to share a newbie's thoughts.
Thanks for reading.

Originally Posted by Archadvance

I shave with a straight razor because I finally figured out that the Gillette Corporation is better at marketing than producing good shaving products.

That's exactly what drew me to straights and DEs. I know you're not supposed to blame the razor when you cut yourself but every few cartridges I would get hold of a bummer that would then get hold of me. The only way to fix that is to ditch that cartridge and get a new one. I've been told I'm not imagining things. It's been explained to me that often one blade in a cartridge will be out of alignment with the others and the manufacturers feel that a certain percentage of misaligned blades getting past quality control is acceptable. Well it's not to me. Looking at a cartridge it's hard to see if one blade is out of whack. It's much easier to examine a straight for problems. With a straight you buy one blade and make sure that is in good condition. Then it's up to you to hold it at the proper angle and shave correctly. If you get cut or nicked you have no one to blame but yourself. If you are bad at shaving you can always work to improve your technique. It's really hard to get a cartridge manufacturer to improve their product.

Lori

Mass production and statistical process control affects quality. But a straight razor is hand made, one razor at a time.

Obie,
thanks for the opportunity to be heard and possibly input into your article. The mundane task of shaving with a multi-blade razor has turned into the part of the day I look forward to the most. I enjoy all aspects of shaving now, even the nicks. My drive to work is now accompanied by an almost constant rubbing of my face to see just how well I did. All in all I have been transformed into a shave junkie now.

Hello, whavens:

You are very welcome. Yes, a colorful ritual frames the traditional method of shaving. What used to be a mundane chore, therefore, becomes an event to look forward to every morning. That's says a lot about a gentleman's quality of life. Stay with is.

Regards,

Obie