Originally Posted by
runlevelfour
For me a lot of reasons. Initially I was just curious about it, but then as I read more and eventually took the plunge the "real" reasons became apparent.
Pride in Ability. Shaving with a straight seemed so much more elegant. It was something you became good at and thus is a skill. Shaving with disposable razors was a chore nothing to develop and therefore nothing to take pride in... as I get better I feel more involved with the "art" of shaving with a straight.
Tools of the trade. Similar to the above when you shave with a straight you end up with tools you can be proud of, develop attachments/preferences for, and even pass on to others whom will also be served well. Disposable is only worth anything while it is doing its crappy simple job and then actually creates more mess/screws up the environment as you pitch it in the trash. I am unsure if the little bastards are even recyclable.
Camaraderie. Being part of a small group of people who are enthusiastic and knowledgeable creates a sense of belonging. Sure it is pretty minor and isn't my reason for existence, but it's kind of nice to know that there are others out there who share the same (hobby?) as myself and I can go learn from. It's also an experience that binds everyone of all walks of life: women, men, young and old.
The Shave. Last, and certainly not the least is the shave itself. Disposables would tear me up no matter how I shaved or what I used. As one friend once quipped I "looked like I was lynched" due to the severe razor burn. I hated shaving it hurt, was a chore, and made me look ridiculous. I am still no expert by any means with a straight but even my first shave with one went better than my best disposable shave ever did. I was sold immediately.