Do you find shaving relaxing?

Not alot of people know I shave with a straight razor, mainly family and a couple friends, because most people think its weird, I also don't tell people mainly becuase I'm 15, don't have alot of facial hair, and don't need to shave but I really do love the feeling after a good shave and its great practice for when I actually need to shave, anyways back on topic. Alot of people would think people are weird for wanting to take the time to shave with a straight razor even if you explain to them how smooth you can get with the razor and such they think its 10 times easier to use a saftey razor or an electric razor, when truthfully it probably is. But for me shaving is more then just getting a nice smooth face, its really relazing, taking the time making a nice warm lather taking 20-30 minutes out of the day just to spend alone and shave. Its nice, and alot of people would think, how can holding a ridiculously sharp blade to you face be relaxing but for me it truthfully is and I'm sure my buddies here will back me up.

Relaxing is truthfully why I do shave everyday, if I didn't shave with a straight razor I wouldn't shave at all because I don't need to and probably won't for a few months or a year. But I love shaving and getting away from dreaded high school drama and home drama and everything just to be by myself. :)

Not particularly. Just something I have to do on a semi regular basis. But with a straight its not drudgery anymore.

Well maybe I'm just special xD

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Originally Posted by 15straightrazor

Well maybe I'm just special xD

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No. I think many find it relaxing. I am just not one of them

I find it relaxing as well. It's a zen-like practice...you MUST remove all obstacles from your mind or you WILL cut yourself. I think the feeling, at least for me, was when I was in the martial arts. When you first start, all you do is think about where are arms and legs are all the time, but when you begin to grasp the concepts it becomes second nature. In the martial arts, especially during sparring, you must allow the body to do what it was trained to do and it becomes a natural reflex rather than a thought out action...and at that point you find it relaxing and refreshing to be able to clear the mind in the middle of a maelstrom and come out better than when you went in.

For you, 15straightrazor, it's important to learn how to calm the mind...many never do until later in life (or ever) and as a result, they don't learn how to cope with life. At my age, having learned to calm my mind, it makes it MUCH easier to deal with the three screaming kids I have...all of which are under six! Being able to calm the mind will help you with the job you will attain as it allows you to make decisions from wisdom or intelligence in a timely manner instead of making a rash and hurried decision.

This has turned into a philosophical diatribe instead of a real answer, but I believe that having some sort of relaxing ritual in one's life is very important.

I dunno if relaxing is the right word, but it is something I enjoy. And yet I don't shave all that often... very strange...

I definitely find it relaxing. I shave at the gym so for me it is a punctuation marking the end of a good workout. A way to relax after a hard workout.

You're 15? I'm impressed at how well you write and "speak". Better than a lot of older people I've encountered. Your behavior is also quite gentlemanly.

Is "relaxing" the right word? For me...perhaps. Or medatative. I have to relax and clear my mind. But, I have to have intense focus. I cannot relax so much that I am non-observant though. So, I suppose it depends on your definition. And, for that matter - suppose relax has multiple interpretations. For some a deep sleep may be relaxing. Others, a walk.

And, I just totally overthought that entire ordeal. Short answer; yes! Very much.

I my self have just been starting to dabble with the world of straights. I must say it starts my day off right. It takes alot of time for me as it hasnt been long, yet I walk out the door in a good and positive mood for the day. I find it almost ZEN like. It is very relaxing.

Yeah, I find it relaxing!

And I enjoy the whole process as well, and I love the end result. I never used to enjoy it when I was using a Mach 17 or whatever, but when I started getting into the proper wet shaving and got a DE and some proper soap that all changed.

I initially started as I was looking for a way of shaving that didnt irritate my skin so much, and I thought I'd try a DE. So then I got some soap and a brush from Trumpers and started reading up on straight razors and I stumbled across SRP.

And the rest, as they say, is history!

Yes, I find it relaxing. It is one of the few times I can consentrate on doing just one thing at the time. I almost get to a zen-state... :)

During the week-end I usually put on some music while I shave, this makes the shave even more relaxing...

Well, I just had my first shave, so I can finally chip in!

I found it very relaxing, once it stopped being nerve racking. It's so much more pleasant of a feeling than shaving with "quicker" tools. The whole process is basically one of very methodical self-care. We don't take good enough care of ourselves these days.

Gentlemen,

The art of traditional shaving with a straight razor — the whole ritual, from preparation and stropping to shaving and applying aftershave — is not only relaxing for me, but it is my daily therapy.

As a writer, I also use the shaving ritual to whip up the creative juices into literary lather.

Regards,

Obie

ABSOLUTELY! First, let me also commetn on what a joy it is to hear that a 15 year old (there is at least one!!!0 can write and communicate as well, as thoughtfully, and as maturely as you do. Had I not read this thread, I wouldn't have had an idea you were so young.

Now, as for relaxing, I have a pretty stressful job, and I tend to be very mentally intense all day. I also have a 20 month old daughter, who doesn't give us much "down time" once I am out of the bathroom in the morning, until she is alseep that night. My morning ritual is my oasis, both in space and time, in feel and scent. It is a moment I think of little else, but am free to let my mind wander if I wish (if I dare!). I choose the way it smells, I choose a light, nimble razor, or a big, heavy chopper. A slick, smooth "manly" soap, or a fluffy rose scented cream. It is truly one of the very few times and places that is so completely MINE.

If I am late, and need to face lather and whip a DE around my face and run out the door, I feel my face at 10am, and miss the momentary reminder of the relaxing shave I had. I had a wonderful one this morning, and just thinking about it makes me smile a little. Now back to work!!

First there's the anticipation of my next upcoming shave. Second the ritual as to mentally trying to decide what combo I'm going to use (razor soap/cream, a/s,...) Third, It is my 30 minutes of the day. Total relaxation, everyone out of the bathroom. Call it zen, nirvana, peace, joy, happiness, fun, relaxation... it's the best 30 minutes I spend that day. (I do shave at night after work leaving all the stress behind)

I agree with Max. It's very relaxing. Trying to figure the best possible permutation of soap, razor, brush, AS combos and executing a perfect shave is extremely relaxing to me. It's not as much of a novelty, but it's something that I've come to really enjoy

Yes, I do find shaving relaxing. When I was 15 or 16, my dad bought me an electric razor, and I never really liked it (sorry, dad). When I was 18 I got a Mach 3 in the mail, and started to enjoy shaving. Fast forward to '07, and I bought my first straight razor. Now I almost can't wait until my next shave, because of the enjoyment of the whole process. As others have said in this thread, it's my time in the morning when I can just forget everything else for a while.

Short answer: yes, I find shaving both enjoyable, and relaxing.

Not particularly

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Originally Posted by rickboone

You're 15? I'm impressed at how well you write and "speak". Better than a lot of older people I've encountered. Your behavior is also quite gentlemanly.

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I agree with rickboone, I am very impressed with your manner. Please tell us a little about how you are being raised. I want to make sure my children come out as good.

I do find it relaxing and I understand why you do.

Small bit of advice though comes from the Shakespear play Hamlet.

In Act I, scene iii, the character of Polonius prepares his son Laertes for travel abroad with a speech (ll.55-81) in which he directs the youth to commit a few precepts to memory.

"This above all: to thine own self be true"

Do this for you. You do not need understanding nor approval from anyone but yourself. You will always be a better person for it. I understand your need to share something that means so much to you with people that mean so much to you. Do if you want, don't do if you don't want to. In any case, don't let their response influence how what it means to you.

Cheers.
David

Let me add my voice to those who've expressed their favorable impression of your command of language. I read many reports on a daily basis by professional who are far less articulate. As for your question, I find that I can't shave properly unless I am relaxed. I wouldn't call it a Zen experience but I will say that by the time I apply the Bay Rum, I'm both relaxed and invigorated. And by the way, I wish I had discovered the straight razor when I was 15, since I now know what I was missing all those years.

At first, very nerve racking now a few months in it is getting more and more relaxing each and every time. Spending some time on hones is very relaxing,imo.

My day always starts with a shave. It usually relaxes me and helps me focus, so that when I go to work I am at my mental best. If I am BBS, my morning, at least, starts with me feeling tiptop. A bad shave; nicks, pulling, roughness afterward, has the opposite effect. So, I do a little honing and stropping every evening, to help prepare for a great start to the next day. My .02.

Yeah, I also find shaving relaxing! And it's fun with a straight.