Quote Originally Posted by idaho mike
The National Geographic thread got me to thinking. Why did str8 shaving go out of fashion? Implied in the video is the notion that a str8 is just beyond the skills of mere mortals and the safety razor was a huge improvement in design. I'd be curious as to what others think.

My guess - convience and marketing. It would be interesting to see some stats if they existed.
Safety razors are fool proof. Do not forget that before WW 2 many men did go to a barber's to get shaved, many less well off only once or twice a week. So being clean shaven must have been a sign of personal wealth. Going to the barber's every day is unaffordable nowadays. Not everyone is interested in all the hassle that comes with str8s so I think that explains a lot.