Thread: 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

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

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.

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.