Thread: What Makes It Great?

Originally Posted by Jimbo

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'll second that, Jimbo. In addition I would also describe the shaving experience as similar to acquiring a table. NO! I haven't been drinking! Let's say you need a table. You could run down to the nearest furniture store and buy one and cart it home. In all likelihood this mass produced object will more than adequately perform the way a table should- it provides a level surface on which to place things. Ho- Hum. Or... you could build a table from scratch. In the beginning your table might be uneven and the legs may not be the same length, you might need to place a Stephen King paperback under one leg to keep it level. But you can stand back with hands on hips and shout to the world - "I made it myself! I TOTALLY ROCK!!!!" Soon afterward your neighbors will have called the men in the white coats and you'll be taken away to a padded cell. But at least you made it yourself. So, for me, that's probably the biggest attraction of str8 shaving. That do it yourself aspect.

I have to lean toward the history part
as well. While the badger brushes
and wonderfully scented soaps and creams
definately add to the experience - I would
be perfectly fine using nothing more than
a Burma Shave Brush and William's Mug
Soap.


Terry

I like the fact that it transforms the mundane into the sublime.

Craft - I like the satisfaction of having the skills for using and maintaining a straight.
History - Some times the old ways are the best.
Process - Enjoyable.
Results - Kinda like store bought vs home grown tomatos. No comparison and worth the effort.

for me it's also the 'feeling attractive' part afterwards that a good shave with nice aftershave and cologne gives, just part of the whole package in a sense.

What attracts me most in the straight razors is the sort of authentic and timeless feel of quality they have to them. I guess in a sense I'm a sucker for retro.

from before I even start - a perspective I hopefully won't have much longer, with a razor & strop in the mail right now!

I see it in much the same way as when I decided to start driving stick a few years ago. I want to do something that far too much of the population cannot do. I want to learn to do it well, or at least as well as I will ever need to be able to. There's something about being in complete control, knowing that all the variables are there because YOU made them so - in the car's case, I change the oil, I bleed the brakes, I check tire pressure every few weeks, I know how the engine sounds when it's happy; I look forward to nailing correct use of the strop, generating the right lather, with a brush that feels good and soap that glides well... and down the road puzzling through that whole honing mystery. There's a bit of elitism in there, for sure... but there's also the satisfaction of having done everything within my power to eliminate all crutches and make sure the job is done right.

On a random note, the two most civil and helpful online forums I've ever seen are this one and the one I hang out on regarding my car. Coincidence?

On a random note, the two most civil and helpful online forums I've ever seen are this one and the one I hang out on regarding my car.

I would have to agree with that, I don't think I have ever seen anyone not act there age here.


To answer the question I would say the learning and constant improving of a skill that not many care to, or are willing to devote the time to.



Most people I know would be afraid to try it or would not want to "bother" with the "hassle" of it all. I used to get more nicks from my cheap disposables than I now get from straights.

After learning proper prep here and using good soaps/creams I now get a better shave from using my cartridge razor than a straight. But I hardly use it, infact I use it when I am running late only. When I have to use it I am disappointed. It is easier to use and it gives me slightly better results but it doesn't have that challenge. Some day I will get a better shave from a straight. Also, I used to think there was no way I could use my left hand with a straight razor. Now I do it every day with no problem at all.

For me the best part is the history and the skill, standing there each morning doing something that very few other people will be doing (other than SRP'ers!).

Of course the fact that I get a far better shave, it's hugely enjoyable, it starts the day off better, it relaxes me, my skin feels great, I'm not bending over for Gillette shareholders, etc etc are all good reasons to do it too.

The interaction between man and tool.

What tells men from boys? The price of their toys.

pride in practicing an art.

For me its something that most people don't or more likely can't do and I can. It is also a very relaxing time for me. I take my 15-20 minutes that is just my time. Before I used to shave in the shower and was out the door before I had time to blink.