Why do it and how long does it take?

Ok, my wife asked me "Why on earth do you want to shave with a straight razor?"
Other than the obvious answer of what am I going to do after the Zombie Apocalypse and there are no more throw-aways available, look like the uni-bomber?
I had to come up with an answer she would believe.
I would have to think about it and get back to her.
I really always had an answer- but you gotta keep'm guessing, right?

Why do it and how long does your shave take?
It's a way of approaching life. You can either go through life doing everything that needs to be done without thinking twice about it, or, you can enjoy the trip. It's about slowing down and experiencing all of life, not just the big happenings.
I drive a 40 year old truck because I enjoy the trip to work. I work with my hands because one day, I won't be able. I split my wood with a maul. I camp to get away from the madness that is "civilization". And now, I straight razor shave to enjoy another one of the things that has to be done.
There's the why. Here's the second part.
How long does it take you to shave? I'm getting a fairly good shave in about 20-25 minutes. I'm very new and as stated, not in a hurry. BUT, one time, I was in a hurry (wifey thing- yeah, I'm not above blaming the woman), BAD mistake for a newbie!!! Scary too. Looking at the blood, I realized, NEVER get in a hurry, even if the wife is going to be mad!

To start out with the coolness factor of shaving the way our forefathers did. Add a certain attraction to straight razors in general. The aesthetics of them. Move on to the challenge. A certain amount of fear and trepidation to overcome. The challenge of getting past the learning curve. Might save you money on cartridge refills. All of the above is the beginner's stuff.

Get proficient with a straight razor and add the rituals of prep, brush & lathering, stropping ...... all of that.... and aside from a better shave, it is enjoyable and rewarding. It makes me feel good inside when I get a good straight razor shave. Since I shave with them exclusively and daily I've turned a chore into something I look forward to. Those are my reasons. When I started out 45 minutes was not unusual. As I gained proficiency I cut the time taken down quickly. Now no more than ten to 15 minutes for the shave alone.

I agree wholeheartedly with the sentiments expressed here. This turned an annoying chore into an enjoyable hobby and ritual, all in the space of a few short weeks. Can't beat that!

How long do I take to shave? As long as it takes. Some days are quicker than others, but anywhere from 20-45 minutes, depending on what I do.

I started shaving with a straight razor because I was getting bad razor burn with cartridges. I hated shaving and needed to find something that was easier on my skin.

As I progressed, I realized that I also enjoy the prep, lathering and the fact that I really have to pay attention to what I'm doing (the last thing you want is a lapse of concentration with an exposed razor next to your throat) Is it nostalgic? not really for me, but most of my friends and family just roll their eyes and say "it figures, you always have to do things differently"

Once I'm out of the shower and ready to shave, the whole thing takes me about 20 minutes to hot towel, lather, do a 2 pass shave and then apply some lotion. That's probably 10 minutes longer than it used to take me with a cartridge and canned foam. I'm happy to give up 10 minutes a day to not have my face burn for hours.

That's my $0.02 worth, but with this economy, its probably worth far less :)

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How long do I take to shave? As long as it takes.

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I'm sure I've heard this before... hmmm...'as long as it takes' Ah, that's what it is, when my girlfriend is getting ready to go out. It's also the best attitude to have when shaving, shaves alot of razorburn

With an avatar of a single cab and being in Louisiana I think it is required that you shave with a straight razor. If that is your daily driver then I know you aren't in a rush (provided you didn't change the motor).
BTW I can shave in under 5 minutes. I choose to shave on 30-40 minutes. It keeps the body count to a minimum. :D

I rarely take more than 6 minutes to get a fine shave. I can pull off a single pass shave in less than 3.

6 minutes! I couldn't do that with a safety razor. Guess I'm just slow.

Yes, the '71 Single Cab is my daily driver. With a new 1776, carb, cam and headers, it will get along pretty good for an old VW.

My "Why" is because I can and it's awesome. My success came from the tutelage and support of the members here. As for how long, depending on time constraints and plans, it can be an enjoyable half an hour or a DFS with 2 passes and clean up in about 10 minutes

I think that the best answer to "why" is to turn a grooming chore into a self care stratgie. I think it's comparable to women getting a mani-pedi. They could just clip their nails...

I also think that we enjoy it because it is a great way to validate our masculinity. At 58 years old I have given up football, mountain climbing, and many other traditional risk taking "guy" stuff. Straight razor shaving proves that I still enjoy being rough, tough, and hard to diaper.

I got into straight razor shaving via double-edge shaving. I've been wetshaving (using mug and brush) since college. I got into DE's as a cheaper way (that's what I thought until I learned about the various AD's...and I still wager that I would have spent more in Mach3 cartridges than I have shaving gear in the last 3 years) to shave, and most certainly a more environmentally friendly way to shave (no plastic!). I also like it because it is not just another mindless activity, but requires some skill. After nearly 3 years of shaving with DE razors, I got interested in taking the next step and gave straight razor shaving a try. Besides that, there is just something about shaving with an extremely sharp piece of steel without filleting my face that I find very satisfying!

With a DE, I can get a 3-pass shave done in under 10 minutes (around 3 if I take the chance for irritation). I'm shaving in about 10 minutes with a straight, but I expect that time to improve with practice.

Why? My turn.

I have always been into knives and sharpening them, always looking for better ways, a few months ago I seen a HHT YouTube video of someone with a straight razor. Yeah as much controversy there is with HHT it's what got me started. I wanted some of that action. And found this web site and the rest is history.

How long?
Usually about 10 minutes after my shower. I have light beard and it's been a breeze for me, I could probably shave with a dull butter knife. (all but my chin and neck)

This is the second really great title for a thread I have seen this week. It really begs for a "that's what she said."
Keep 'em coming!

OK my turn, why because I had learned with a DE, and found my grandfathers straight,I learned, bragged to my fathers barber who showed me a few tips,and when I was young 17-21 I was SOOOO conceited,that I was convinced. When I had a date I was the original Werewolf of London my hair was prefect,clothes cleaned and pressed car washed and waxed,so my facial hair had to be the same way,Goatee, moustache.all trimmed to perfection,the right cologne, I was leaving very little to chance. This was also the late seventies-early eighties,so the clubs had dress codes,and the right look could make or break you back then,and I loved the ladies so....when they touched my face,it had to be BB soft. I'm sure some of you guys remember how it was. That prep took at least an hour,nowadays,after 29 years of marrage and practice,about ten to fifteen minutes, Im in no hurry.

My wife asks me too. Why do you shave with a SR? Why do you carry a pocket watch? Why do you use a fountain pen? Why do you take that piece of equipment apart and fix it instead of buy a new $5 piece of equipment? Why do you want to become a Mason? She's getting used me doing "weird" stuff, but slowly. I'll get her trained eventually.

As for why do it? Well, history for one. I stopped collecting any razors made post 1850. (found a manhattan cutlery in real tortise shell the other day that almost made me change my mind) I love wondering where the razor has been and who shaved with it. I had a PRE-1800 razor for a while. That was cool! I also started wetshaving because off the irritation I got with my crappy cart razor. Straight shaving was an extension/progression of my single edge addiction.

When I had my goatee/Van Dyke, I could shave in 6:30, including stropping, lathering, getting out the supplies and cleaning up. Now that I sport a Fu Manchu, it takes a couple minutes longer, maybe. I haven't timed it lately. That's for a decent, what I call business level shave. Close to bbs, but not kissably smooth. For that, I take ten minutes. :). Yesterday I did a bbs single edge safety razor shave in pretty close to the same time as a Mach 3 with canned goo.

And Jimbo: because it feels good, and it will take as long as it takes. ;)

I started with it because I thought it was cool. My mother gave me a shavette for my 17th birthday.
I used that for a couple of years, but my technique sucked royally. I still had only fluff hair on my chin so I got a reasonable shave despite using wrong angles and wrong technique.

A couple of years later my girlfriend (now my wife) and I bought a real straight in a shop in the city that was run by a funny looking knife nut. It was the first time I found a real one. I bought it with a pasted strop, but had no real clue what I was doing. The shaves sucked, and after a while I gave up. I still used my shavette from time to time, but eventually switched to a mach3. I only used my shavette on holidays etc.

A couple of years later again, I found my straight after we moved, and I decided to have a go and see it through. I scraped the hairs from my face, and when I applied the AS, I think my neighbors heard my screams. I decided to sharpen it on my pasted strop and completely destroyed any edge that was left by holding it at a 45 degree angle.

I decided to use the internet for help, ended up here, and the rest is history. Since I honed my first razor I stumbled into restoration, and after a couple of years doing that I made a couple of new blades. I have now started forging and am in the process of buying a decent grinder.

My wife actually think this hobby is cool. This is my only hobby which lasted more than a year or 2. She also appreciates my restoration work, likes my clean shaven face, and the fact that it is cheaper than other means of shaving. I can show her my work in progress and she usually likes what I do. If I have the time, I take half an hour or so to get a nice shave in the evening. During the week I sometimes just use a feather razor and water.

Now, if you want to give your wife an answer, there are several to choose from:
- it is cheaper if you don't develop a hoarding disorder (which is nothing to brag about if you do). cartridges cost money every month.
- it is better for the environment. disposables create garbage, and also put a lot of trace metals in the environment.
- it improves hand - eye coordination.
- it is much better for the skin and prevents ingrown hairs.

But the real answer is simeply this: I just like it.

I prefer it as the best and most comfortable shave. I have pocketed skin and some DEs nick my face up. the Mach3 flops around too much and pulls too much.

For me the straight is the best blade option.

You sound like someone has cloned me and my son and melded us together. Your thoughts about how you approach life are very similar to mine; the stuff about post Apocalypse is exactly why my 20 year old son shaves with a straight now (and rather hilarious). You should read Henry Thoreau (Walden) if you haven't already...

If you're young, knowing that it's important to use your body to the max while you can is a great thing, if you're older (and haven't done so), it gets a bit depressing. I've used my body pretty well I think (10 years in the Army for instance; two years as a recruit instructor; I was FIT), but now I'm 50, with missing tendons, damaged knees, and no cartilage the thing I REALLY miss is running through forests, I think that's what I'll dream of when I'm 90, hooked up to the morphine and drips. I'm probably a bit disappointed I didn't take up straight razor shaving at 16. I realise now that it's only possible rather than likely that I'll have the 20th year of straight razor shaving, as it's plausible that at 70 I won't be as steady as I should be.

For me, I think Christopher Moss summed it up pretty much in The Straight Razor Shave (available on line); "...having pride in doing a difficult job really well..."

It's a bit like watching the woodchoppers at the yearly Agricultural show; you watch in awe; and wish you could do that, and walk away when the last log falls apart promising yourself to maybe go to the gym a bit more. With straight razor shaving it's like taking that axe and holding it to your neck and shaving, while the audience gasps...

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Originally Posted by Jimbo7

This is the second really great title for a thread I have seen this week. It really begs for a "that's what she said."
Keep 'em coming!

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What was the first?

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Originally Posted by IcemanOkC

Straight razor shaving proves that I still enjoy being rough, tough, and hard to diaper.

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:bow :bow

My new sig line for a workout site I belong to!

Carl- I feel for you and all those injuries. I'm 55 with 30 years in martial arts, so I know injuries fairly well. Mine are not as bad as yours. I've done 14,700 burpees so far this year (you tube burpee if you don't know).

I believe disposable razors are torture instruments. I'm hoping wet shaving is better.

I find that 2 passes and a clean-up pass are all I need to get a DFS. The whole process takes me anywhere from 20-40 minutes. My goal is to get my straight shave down to under 25 minutes consistantly while acheiving at least a DFS and not have my shaving towel look like a used maxi-pad.

Carlmalo...I don't know if you were referring to me when you were talking about using your body (and youth) but I feel your pain,I too have frequent flyer miles with the surgeons, knees,three hip replacements,all the usual stuff that needs repairing after a great youthful time,and I forgot one thing,back then,when we were young,if your girl or a new one happened to be with you when you were shaving,a straight was about the coolest thing you could use,and the coolest thing they had ever seen. Made for some REALLY great outcomes for some unforgettable dates,if you get my drift. LOL

Why do I do it? 70% comfort and 30% novelty. I bought one last year as a Christmas present for myself and I think I've shaved with a disposable razor less than a dozen times since then.

I can take anywhere between 10 minutes to 45 minutes to shave depending on how much time I have, how thick my beard is, what kind of prep I feel like doing and what result I'm looking for.

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Originally Posted by itlives

:bow :bow

My new sig line for a workout site I belong to!

Carl- I feel for you and all those injuries. I'm 55 with 30 years in martial arts, so I know injuries fairly well. Mine are not as bad as yours. I've done 14,700 burpees so far this year (you tube burpee if you don't know).

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Yeah, I know burpees from the Army. Wow, good on you. That's good motivation for me! Thanks!

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Originally Posted by Grizzley1

Carlmalo...I don't know if you were referring to me when you were talking about using your body (and youth) but I feel your pain,I too have frequent flyer miles with the surgeons, knees,three hip replacements,all the usual stuff that needs repairing after a great youthful time,and I forgot one thing,back then,when we were young,if your girl or a new one happened to be with you when you were shaving,a straight was about the coolest thing you could use,and the coolest thing they had ever seen. Made for some REALLY great outcomes for some unforgettable dates,if you get my drift. LOL

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Hi Grizzley1. No, it was the OP's comments about using his hands to make stuff, but of course it is relevant for your posts too (and others). Today on the way to work as I thought about my post and the reaction it might get, as I passed a pine forest on a hill overlooking a water catchment area, with fallen logs, etc (and I thought about 'funning through forests) I was reminded that our most treasured physical 'thing' might be health and vitality. Of course there should be an equal (or greater) emphasis on spiritual needs, but 'possessions' don't really stack up, do they? Anyway, now I'm raving and completely off topic; sorry!

Whole shower with prep, stropping, and shave takes me about 25 minutes.

I decided to do this because it just looked so cool. OH, and I thought it'd save me MONEY! LOL BWWWAHAHAHHA!

Time, about 25 minutes.

Reason, because I have OCD regarding sharpness and sharpening things. I also have about 400 edge tools of various types and razor honing is the pinnacle of sharpening.

Re physical shape: I'm 64, have had a number of major operations, am a cancer survivor and this morning I did 100 squats......




while holding two 40 pound dumbels. You too can be in good shape.

Not counting prep or post shave, 5-6 min for a very decent 1 pass shave, 10-15 for BBS

I can see where an OCD person would find razor "upkeep" a good thing!

Congrats on being a cancer survivor ;)

That's a pretty good workout (for someone your age - LOL!!).good work!

I did it because I wanted to stop wasting money and resources with cartridges. I now do it because I have spent so much money on razors, stones, soaps, creams, brushes, and strops that to do otherwise would be so ridiculous that even I would think I was an idiot if I didn't! My face shave takes around 5 minutes, and my head shave is roughly the same.

James.

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Originally Posted by carlmaloschneider

Hi Grizzley1. No, it was the OP's comments about using his hands to make stuff, but of course it is relevant for your posts too (and others). Today on the way to work as I thought about my post and the reaction it might get, as I passed a pine forest on a hill overlooking a water catchment area, with fallen logs, etc (and I thought about 'funning through forests) I was reminded that our most treasured physical 'thing' might be health and vitality. Of course there should be an equal (or greater) emphasis on spiritual needs, but 'possessions' don't really stack up, do they? Anyway, now I'm raving and completely off topic; sorry!

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No you hit it right on the head-the most important thing to have IS your health,without it all the stuff in the world means nothing. IMHO.

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Originally Posted by Grizzley1

No you hit it right on the head-the most important thing to have IS your health,without it all the stuff in the world means nothing. IMHO.

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Thats the other reason I shave with a straight.

SWASRIGFYMHINFYW

Shaving With A Straight Razor Is Good For Your Mental Health If Not For Your Wallet