Thread: Why don't more guys shave with a straight?

All of you guys have hit upon the many reasons why more
men don't shave with straights. But the main reason I believe
is the hurry up society we live in, sort of a "throw it in the
microwave and push the button society" also as bigspendur said,
"this is a hobby."


Regards,

Terry

I'm now into my second year of shaving exclusively with a straight. I have had many of the experiences of high expectations and let down, as well as the thrill of that perfect shave. I consider myself to be at a skill level where I can get a "safety razor quality" shave with a single straight pass, but I always prefer the glass smooth feel of a full three pass straight shave.
My disappointments originally stemmed from lack of knowledge and the improper interpretation of the described techniques. it took a lot of reading and experimenting for me to be consistently proficient, but there was still the instant gratification of, every once in a while, getting part of a perfect shave that I know couldn't be achieved any other way.
Instant success for some, I feel, is a combination of factors: manual dexterity, a keen understanding of ones own face, proper equipment to start.
I believe that if you have good equipment, a good shave can be easily be achieve. If you understand and appreciate the complexities of your face, you can probably shave with anything, be able to provide feedback for the next time and thus learn from ones mistakes. Manual dexterity and technique should always be in a constant state of refinement.

My advice to those who are feeling a little discouraged is to slow down. Don’t quit just yet. Re-read the many instructions and posts to choose a technique that best suits who you are-- try not to rush the experimentation too much. Study your face and learn from your previous shave (no mater what tools you are using). And make sure your razor is shave ready sharp.

As for my feelings on why people don't pick up a straight in the first place. I think it has more to do with the "one size fits all" attitude. The cartridge shaving systems require one skill set that everyone is to use, it's standardized and easily comparable with no needed instructions. Straight shaving is an individual skill with many techniques that can work for the same person let alone the entire shaving population. So I can make the statement that "the straight razor will give me the closest possible shave ever" meaning "I have discovered the required skills for me to use the straight razor to give me the closest possible shave for my face” but is interpreted as "any straight razor will give anyone the perfect shave immediately". Patience is, after all, a virtue.

Hope that wasn't too much of a rant

best of luck

Jon in Cambridge Ontario

I just got my beginners hone package from Tilly this morning and honed up two razors to the point they'll actually split hairs on my arm above the skin! If this shave drags, my only hope is to send one to Lynn. I like to think that with the right tools I can get the scary sharp edge, we'll see if honemeister is in my future or not

I have taken a poll with about 10 of my close friends (they think i am crazy to use a straight). basically all have said 1)they hate shaving and 2) time. they want to get it over as fast as possible. its very dificult for me to find any
guy over here to actually like to shave.

Can't say as I blame them. The reason I started with a straight was that shaving was a painful experience for me (electric razor, expensive, poor shave, and it ripped my face to shreads). I knew that there had to be a better way, and guess what...there is. I for one will never go back. All you can do is pray for their enlightenment .
Ed

Originally Posted by nunz4

I have taken a poll with about 10 of my close friends (they think i am crazy to use a straight). basically all have said 1)they hate shaving and 2) time. they want to get it over as fast as possible. its very dificult for me to find any
guy over here to actually like to shave.

Hey that is the reason I started with a str8 also. I hated shaving as much as much as Elvis hated passing up that pulled pork sandwich.

so tell me is there any way to convince my friends? is there something i could do? I would really like for some of my friends here in miami to be interested so we can learn things from each other in person. i know if they try it and take the time, they too will join the forum and the life style. I just don't seem to know how to promote this.

Originally Posted by nunz4

so tell me is there any way to convince my friends? is there something i could do? I would really like for some of my friends here in miami to be interested so we can learn things from each other in person. i know if they try it and take the time, they too will join the forum and the life style. I just don't seem to know how to promote this.

I hear you. I have been trying to get numerous people to try it, even volunteered to loan out a razor. No takers. I would love to have a friend who I could discuss this with over a beer. Oh well you can remind them that they are cowards

Rich have you offered to shave them? could that help? one of my friends the other night saw my new razor and he said that looks cool but scary, then he said 'hey when you get better give me a shave " I said sure.
I'm sure if i do this he'll get hooked. just wondering how to approach all my friends (I know their wife's will either love me or hate me for it) and in turn have my direct friends involved in this art, great topic when we get together over a cigar and a game.

Originally Posted by nunz4

so tell me is there any way to convince my friends? is there something i could do? I would really like for some of my friends here in miami to be interested so we can learn things from each other in person. i know if they try it and take the time, they too will join the forum and the life style. I just don't seem to know how to promote this.

Maybe get your friends to just start using a brush and shaving soap first. Properly prepping for my shave (showering first, lubricating and softening my beard, etc.), as opposed to just throwing some crappy canned cream on, showed me that what I was reading on these forums was 100% true, got me to enjoy shaving again, and made me want more.