Thread: What Makes It Great?

For me, skill. I like the fact that a good shave requires a certain level of skill that only a minority of the population appreciate or possess. I think it's my elitist side coming through

James.

I don't think its really possible to answer this question because shaving with a straight is really the result of many factors and skills and they all add up to the experience. There is no one thing that is the key to this. Remember that to us this is more a hobby. If you asked a guy in 1890 this question he would probably say the days he doesn't have to shave are the best things about it.

Time. It doesn't have to be gobs, but it has to be enough. Then, everything else--prep, a good stropping, a calm hand, mental presence, skilled stretching--all just falls into place. Time.

"It's what the french call a certain... I don't know what"

For me, it is what I am doing. Forsaking the modern "shave stuff" to step back in time a bit, and enjoy a good, old fahioned shave. Doesn't matter if it is with a straight or a DE. The straight "ritual" takes it back a bit further, but it is using the brush, a great scented shaving cream or soap, and then the shave itself. Not trying to finish in 3 minutes, but taking my time and enjoying every step of the journey.

RT

For me it's the process. It's the whole "taking your time" and relaxing while I work for a good result. it's very much like making the sculpture I gave my wife for her B-day last year. It's focusing on one thing and one thing at a time whilst knowing that you're working towards something great. And although the results might not be as good as you hope every time just knowing that you worked your best and did something not everyone can do makes it the better.

Tradition.
For me, wet shaving is a link back to my father, who I used to stand and watch when I was a child. He was a miner, and used to wash at the kitchen sink as we didnt have hot running water. I can still smell his shaving soap now (Imperial Leather), almost 50 years later!

Originally Posted by Mike Blue

Being completely in the present moment, fully aware and attentive to the now. Right at the very edge of life and death, what else matters?

This is pretty close for me. What really appeals is that we've taken what has typically been a daily chore and turned it into a way to connect to a simpler - and I'd say better - quality of life. I'm trying to do this other activities of daily living.

Then when you throw in the tradition and the other cool aspects of Straight shaving...fuggedaboudit!!!.....

Jordan

I'll recant on my previous picking and repeat myself once again: Getting a rusty piece of junk someone else doesn't want and turning it into a high-performance shaving instrument that I use on a regular basis. Even if I buy a new one, I bond with it by maintaining its sharpness and using it. My results correspond to the effort I put into it.

I enjoy the process, but by that I mean taking the time to pamper myself a bit, with fine shaving creams and aftershaves in a variety of scents, etc. It's time to relax and reflect before a hectic morning.