In my early 20's I had a job that required me to be clean shaven. I used a Gillette adjustable DE and was generally happy with the shaves, even though the lather came from a can. In my late 20's I left that job and grew my hair long and had a beard. I kept my hair long and usually had a beard until I turned 50. During that time I did shave from time to time and would use disposables or inexpensive electrics. When I decided to cut my hair at 50 I also decided to remain clean shaven. I remembered fondly the shaves that I got with the Gillette and explored the world of wet shaving. I now have three DE razors, and three straights, and have been using them for almost a year now.

A straight is the primary tool, but there are parts of the area under my chin and on my neck that I just can't get the right angle on with a straight, so I happily use a DE on those areas. I do this on every shave when I have the time. If it is a quick shave with only one or two passes the DE usually does not come out.

I have spent more than 300 nights on the road each year for the last 15+ years. I now take 2 straights, 2 DE's, 2 brushes, and at least 2 soap or cream choices with me on the road. I often wonder what the maids must think when they see all that gear in the hotel bathroom.

I have a normal to heavy beard, and nothing can compare to the shaves I get now. It is not uncommon for my face to stay baby butt smooth until 3 in the afternoon from a 7 AM shave. When I am forced by time to use a two bladed disposable and foam from a can I can feel the stubble in less than an hour, even when I do quick three pass shaves.

For all the years that I had a beard I was content, but now that I am shaving every day I am so happy that I took the time to discover and learn about straight razors. The shave is without question superior, but it does take longer. I now live by the axiom that "traditional" shaving is better, "modern" shaving is faster.

I will turn 51 soon and expect that I will continue shaving with a straight razor for many years to come.