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

I often wonder why I enjoy shaving with my straight razors so much. Is it when I shave with one of my razors and it is simply magical giving me a remarkably close and comfy shave? Is it the time I spend in preparation which is so relaxing? Is is simply the sticky smooth shave or bbs feeling when I'm done? Is it being able to use great creams and soaps? Is it simply that it's my time uninterrupted by the world around me?

I don't know why I look forward to shaving every day now when for so many years I really just looked at it as a necessity or a chore.

I think for me, the thing I like the best is that it really is my time and it's about what feels good for me. I love the great shaves. I love the really super soaps that create so much suds and cushion. I love getting to try new after shaves and using old ones. I think that no matter what else happens in my life, I will still get up every day and enjoy my straight razor shaves.

What about you guys. What do you like the best about this sport?

I'm starting to really getting into resto and I just finished my first set of scales and I can't wait to pin it and hone and shave with something that I helped bring back the life of a razor that I'll get to shave with. It's so peaceful fixing razor and I would like to get into actually making razors for others to shave with and to keep the art going. And one day I'll pass the knowledge down to my son so he can do the same for his kids. That's y I love it I can make it a tradition of something that's amazing

Firstly, Thanks, Lynn. Great explanation of the thing! I live in a house of women. A fact. I have given up more stuff than I care to mention.
One thing is sacred in my house, beyond any sort of negotiation. My shave den, my time without YOU using up the hot water. 15 swirls back and forth of the brush on a platform of Razorock, the feel of Neil Miller leather. A razor pulled from it's brethren to perform. A lighted candle and a super hot water bath for my mug and towell. Time for me. 2 hot towells and a 3 pass shave with a beauty of a blade! Brain is going, paying attention. Oh Yeah! THIS is what it is all about!

Because it's the way the musketeers did it?

At least that's maybe partially why. I have always had a firm appreciation f/ most things of "days gone by". An inherent nostalgic/romantic streak no doubt. And lastly, it is a fun way to get a superior shave AND I get to hang out on this truly informative and friendly forum. My best to a truly great bunch of guys and gals!

All f/ one, and one f/ all!

To be honest,just because I can, Living in the past is a good thing for me,makes me feel like life should be simple.

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...

Because I like bringing back old and superior technology. Because I like slowing down part of my day. Because it turns the shave into an accomplishment. Because I love knowing I honed out that edge myself, whipped that lather myself. Because while I'm shaving it is impossible to think about anything else at all. Some people spend years, decades, lifetimes learning how to empty their minds the way we get to when we just need to focus on shaving.

Because, as Al Einstein said best: "Everything should be made as simple as possible, but no simpler."

I love it because of the satisfying feeling of a job well done. Specifically, knowing that I did something that few people can do and most people are scared of. Closely followed by the awe and the attention that my face and smooth skin get from my lady. That second reason is a little more significant for me than most because I have scarring from some SEVERE acne during my teens that left me with an emotional sensitivity about my skin.

I like the results, of course, the extremely close shave and great feeling skin that I have after a shave, but I don't think I'd have become so ... not obsessed, err, enthusiastic about straight shaving if it was only that. For me, the two things that really hooked me are
(1) the meditative, calming experience of the shave itself, when I'm forced to be completely focused and in-the-moment. It's meditation at knifepoint!
(2) mastering (and I'm not there yet by any means) a difficult beautiful tool, and the skills needed to maintain and get the most out of it. I've always liked beautiful, simple, functional equipment, and I prefer learning a skill to do a task properly, with simple tools, rather than buying a hi-tech gadget which de-skills the user (and usually compromises on performance, too). The fact that lots of people wouldn't dare try straight shaving and think I'm crazy to do it is just a bonus.

Edited to add: Thanks to all the people who so generously give their time and expertise on this forum, which has helped me immensely, and thanks especially to Lynn for setting it up. I assure you I'm having fun!

I love bringing old razors back to life and also not adding to the waste stream throwing disposables and blades away. And of course the much better quality shaves.