Thread: Taylor of Old Bond street

I used my Taylor of Old Bond Street soap over some cremo cream and shaved with the Wade & Butcher wedge Lynn sharpened for me and wow it was a real first class shave, smooth comfortable, no nicks. I haven't had a better experience shaving myself before.
I can't imagine why so many guys give me a look like I am out of my mind when I try to discuss Str8 razor shaving with them. It is like I told them to shave with a blow torch.

You have to realize we live in a world where hype is king and everything is fast, easy and disposable. Shaving is just another chore you must do each day. Using a straight is a product of another era and most people just can't relate to that in these times.

I collect vintage pocketwatches and usually carry one. people just can't understand it. It too is a product of another era when time was less important and the world ran at a slower pace.

You are right. The only time they perk up is when I say I can go for two days on one shave. Something is wrong with society in general.

Originally Posted by RichZ

You are right. The only time they perk up is when I say I can go for two days on one shave. Something is wrong with society in general.

My problem is that I don't WANT to go two days without a shave now. It's become such a pleasure to spend the little bit of extra time grooming. It also gives you a sense of pride in the way you look, makes you pay more attention to detail, and is much appreciated by the ladies.

What gets me is that men shaved with str8s for hundreds of years, but most modern men have become almost sissy-fied in there fear of them. I get the same strange looks, I just tell them " Try it and you'll understand". I even have offered to set a few of my coworkers a razor and strop to try, but invariably they decline. Cowards!

Originally Posted by RichZ

The only time they perk up is when I say I can go for two days on one shave.

Remember that "shaving isn't the same as shaving" in this case. Would you look forward to shaving as much with canned shaving cream and a semi-dull Mach3 (or worse an electric "face scraper")? (I know that I don't, although anticipation and the homemade aftershave both help ... come on, new razor stuff...)

The fact that they perk up at all is a good sign. Shows that they're not completely apathetic.

Originally Posted by Korndog

My problem is that I don't WANT to go two days without a shave now.

If something is better, those who can appreciate the difference will switch. One shaver at a time...

You are right I hated shaving with the canned shave cream and the dull mach3. It was just a chore to do like throwing out the garbage. I would usually not change the blades for a month or so cause it didn't really make it a more enjoyable task. Now even though I can get two days from a shave I somtimes shave every day just because I enjoy it. I mean have you ever felt proud about your mach3 shave, enough to tell anyone about it? I know it was about as interesting a subject for me as wiping your butt.

I think in Turkey they singe whiskers so they kind of use a blow torch in a way.

As far as the guys looking at me crazy, I just tell them there's nothing to be afraid of as long as you keep the razor above the belt!

I recently discovered that the new M3s are not so bad. I tried and reviewed the motorized M3P as a favor to one of the guys on another board. That razor, with Aveeno therapeutic gel was a pleasant, good shave. Great for everyman. It was almost impossible to cut yourself and there was no irritation. It just felt like I was painting my face.

Although it gave a fine shave, there were only two problems. First, all the fun and pleasure of wet shaving were gone. Second, I never could get a close shave with those pivoting heads. Neither of these would matter to the average shaver. all he knows is he can work this thing half asleep and it will give him a decent shave.

This is the first real improvement I've seen from Gillette in a long, long time. Now all those lazy guys out there have something decent to use and can get into wet shaving effortlessly.

Originally Posted by RichZ

I can't imagine why so many guys give me a look like I am out of my mind when I try to discuss Str8 razor shaving with them. It is like I told them to shave with a blow torch.