Thread: What is it that you like best about shaving with a straight razor??

Learning to shave with a straight razor was a challenge for me. It was a royal PITA to be honest. But once I began to get the hang of it the rewards just kept on coming. Shaving with a DE (mostly Merkur Slant/Feather) was good but the straight soon became better. As close without the nicks and weepers. No burn. Over a few years my shaving technique, the guillotine stroke, skin stretching , blade angle became intuitive and the shaves got even better than before.

Then there is the aesthetic of the razors, hones, strops, brushes. Don't we love all of this stuff ! Honing the razors to dial them in. That art/sport is part and parcel of the whole experience and ritual for me. All in all the totality of the shaving experience is just so far ahead of any alternative, for having a smooth, clean appearance, known to man.

I've noticed it's very different for different people - some go for the hones, some for the creams and soaps and lotions and scents and some go for the razors. I'm a razor guy (sure I have a fair amount of everything, but it's the razors themselfs that puts me "on").

I guess it's the very good feeling of knowing I've had an extremely good shave, every day, that most people have to pay top dollars for to get - even the sheik of Saudi Arabia can't get a much better shave than I can

for me I love the challenge and the learning. I can spend time mastering a new razor, try some new soap or cream, test some new aftershave, Perfect my strop technique, learn to hone and try new methods. Each day is a new challenge time just for me, and the results are great. Spending that extra 15 minutes of me time and I get an awesome shave.

I love collecting Razors and hunting for the next purchase. I kind of reminds me of Golfing. A life long journey that I am trying to master.

I just love simple tools that work.
Give me a manual wood plane over an electric any day, a simple two stroke engine over a complex four stroke every time and a straight razor over a electric/disposable/multi-blade/DE allways.
My straight razors are simply superb and nothing else comes close ( not even any DE which I used for 15 years )
Another big bonus is gaining another hobby.

There are so many reasons for me to continue to use a straight and enjoy traditional shaving.

The alone time in the shave den every afternoon is simply put therapeutical to me.
It gives me the time to reflect over the day, and gives me the opportunity to enjoy a time-tested method of pampering myself.
Furthermore, the tools in this sport.
I just have a great time when working with honing a razor, testing out a new stone or just trying to perfect my shaving routine.
Then there is all the lovely software.
Tons of great soaps, creams, colognes or balms to try out

And lastly, the community!
I have been welcomed in a tremendous fashion by a wonderful bunch of people from all across the globe, and I thoroughly enjoy my time online with you lot.

It has even given me the opportunity to make quite a few friends.
Some I have never met, but I most certainly plan to do so one day.
Others I have had the privilege to meet in person.
My first RazorCon in London will always be a very fond memory to me, the second very much so as well
Up here in Oslo, we are a great group of guys who keep in touch as well, and we meet up for geek-talk and beer every now and then.
I hope we will have many more of those meets.

Oh, and the shaves are pretty darn good too

I love the results and the fact that it was the result of lots and lots of practice.

It goes with muzzleloading, tomahawks, throwing knives, flint & steel and primitive Rendezvous camp. Waugh!

I'm going to chime in here and say it's primarily the fact that it turned an annoying and painful chore into a skill (still painful sometimes, but I'm new) that I can smile with a bit of pride about.

Originally Posted by mapleleafalumnus

Speaking for myself (and not the voices I occasionally hear), I find my "ritual of the razor and brotherhood of the brush" to be not only goal-oriented, but also enhanced by the excitation of the journey, yet tempered by the need for awareness. Not everything in life can be perfect, but I can take a swing at it every now and again.
The hot water flowing from the tap into the sink. Dunking the washcloth into the water, allowing it to soak for a few seconds. Holding it to my face for a minute or two. Lathering my ugly mug thoroughly and wiping away channels from my ears. Flicking open my Robeson ShurEdge one-handed and bringing it up to my face while reaching over my head to stretch my skin. Then, taking a deep breath and holding the razor flatly against my cheek, adjusting it oh so minutely until I see the blade's edge shine in the mirror, telling me that I have achieved just the right angle to begin that first downward stroke...

I should add that my cutthroat journey began 16 years ago and has led me to this wonderful forum. I thank all of you gentlemen for making this site as great as it is!!

It's a knife. That you shave with. What's not to like?