Thread: Are we too obsessive?

Originally Posted by mackie

I'm sure my grandpa did not do all of that. However, that is why most of the razors I see are rusty.

Many of the razors that turn up have lain unused for many years. That is more likely why they are corroded.

Originally Posted by Otto

There is no such thing as overkill. My shave can never be too comfortable.

I couldn't agree more. Most of us putting all this money out on expensive creams and soaps so that we can enjoy the experience and be comfortable. Well, I would feel like I was cheating myself if I wasn't shaving with the sharpest possible edge that I can produce to be in line with the reason we are going this is for comfort and enjoyment. I have no problem becoming OCD about it.

I am in the pursuit of perfection in this life or the next. As a former engineer, I look at a razor and those who made and make them with great envy. When I hold my custom Mastro Livi's and the beauty of these pieces of metal and bone made into something truly unique, I feel the journey is not wasted. When you pick up a vintage razor and think of the tools, skills and dedication the craftsman had, you just know that this is special. The wonderful enjoyment of using an instrument like this is hard to express to those who have not embraced our hobby.

"But aren't we overkilling?"


No, not really. We just have better tools, high grit synthetic and dirt cheap, decent magnification.

And really once you learn how, it is not that difficult to keep a razor edge, at a very high level of shaving.

I am always amazed at the edges of razors, that folks send me, that they claim, they were shaving with, up till they sent it to me. But then there are guys that shave with cartridge razors for months.

And if you think we’re obsessive, go to some of the Knife Forums and read the post of guys, with honing jigs. Now that is obsessive, but I totally get it.

Hone on.

My obsessions with the straight razor hobby change all the time, at first it was Sheffield wedges and coticules, then Swedish razors and Eschers, now early to mid 20th century German blades. Luckily I have no problems pruning my collection when it needs it.

For me the one of the things that really gives perspective is putting a good edge on an old and neglected razor and wondering how it was treated by its owner in its past life. I marvel at the utility created by its maker and the life shared by its then owner. Devil spit and blemishes, still it is a created marvel and for a moment trusted to become again useful as it passes on in its life. Again filling a purpose.

Originally Posted by gssixgun

I think I remember doing one of these threads about honing, way back when, have to look for a link...


there it is

http://straightrazorpalace.com/conve...seriously.html

In response to this OP, as well as your OP in the above link - gssixgun. Glen, you came from a long range rifle building background, so it's no different than "Chasing that '1 hole group.'" One difference is, hones are a lot cheaper. Another is, most who are 'new' to any hobby, chase perfection. It's how far you chase differentiates the hobbyist vs the true perfectionist (OCD). I shot 1K meter comp for awhile back in that early '90's. It was a hobby, that turned into a passion, that led to vocational training, that turned into career choices. Now, most of us 'Hobbyists' will be happy and content will a couple hundred dollars worth of hones. It's the extreme OCD's that will ultimately end of with the Bridgeport knee mill version of hones.

In answer to the original post (I haven't read the whole thread), I would say this:
Obsessed? Some of us. Maybe. But....
What was available in the 1800s, or in my Grandfather or Great Grandfather's day, is completely different than what is available today, I would think.
I am not really concerned with "good enough". I own the hones to get a really fantastic edge on my straights, and I strive for that. I don't see that as obsessing; I see it as taking advantage of what is available to me.
I have the tools and ability to get wonderful smooth shaves every time a blade touches my face, and I'm not settling for anything less.

Originally Posted by jkatzman

Beautiful razor.