Thread: I need convincing

Alright here goes. Why do I want to use a STR8? I've been reading all the forums, watched all the videos, bought Lynn's DVD and committed the ultimate sin and bought a Gold Dollar razor and Philly strop from Rup Razor and gave it a go a few (Maybe 3) times. I'm willing to admit that perhaps the Gold Dollar is junk but the act of STR8 shaving is an effort in futility for me. My hands don't know where to go or what to do, I look at that razor up against my neck in the mirror and I want to poop my pants. I don't have one of those round faces that everybody on the videos has, I'm more sculptured with sharp corners and pronounced bones and ridges. Let's not even talk about the fact that I have a number of birthdays under my belt and I'm wearing a few well earned wrinkles. I'm looking at the razor and strop sets at SRD. and before I pull the trigger on a nearly $200.00 purchase, is it worth it? I get real good shaves with a DE. HELP!

Do you remember back when very first started shaving? I do, less than 25 years ago and it was awkward then and I cut myself... a lot.

I have shaved less than 10 times with my GD from Kenrup but I'm not going to give up on it. I think it just comes with practice.

It is your money so you have to decide for yourself.
Ask yourself these questions:
Do you want to learn a new skill?
Do you have the money?

Only you can decide wether it's worth it or not, but let me tell you a little of my experience.
I experienced the same thing you describe, my face is more square with sharper edges and lines. The videos, at first, didn't assure me the shlightest bit.
However, I decided to stick it out and really read all there was to read, and try all the tips on this great site. Now, three months later, I get the closest and most comfortable shaves I have ever had.
Furthermore I truly enjoy learning this thing, and love my own half hour of zen in the bathroom every evening.
In addition to all that, I have a skin condition which if not respected, would have my face break out bad(Psoriasis).
Since switching to a straight razor, It's been absolutely 100% gone.

That's why I do it, good luck with your choice

JMHO, but it is worth it! I get much better shaves with a straight than with a DE, but it does take a little time to learn how to do. Dont be discouraged if it takes you a few weeks or months to work out what you're doing.

Skin stretching plays a large part is getting the best out of your shaving, so be prepared to spend a little time working out the best pass direction for your beard and how to stretch and make the pass at the same time.

Have a look in the videos section for footage of other people shaving, you'll hopefully get a few pointers there!

Are there any particular passes that you are finding difficult? Is it just the neck thats causing a problem for you? Can you get a smooth shave on your cheeks?

Good luck and keep us posted!

Originally Posted by gsurko

Alright here goes. Why do I want to use a STR8?

This is really a question that I'd have to turn around on you... why did you ever want to try a straight in the first place? Does the idea seem cool, are you trying to get a closer shave, are you a collector of some kind??? There has to be something about it that is drawing you in, and we all have our reasons.
Let me try to list a few things that I like:
1. I love the whole nostalgia thing of using an old technology and taking the time to learn how to use it.
2. I get really comfortable shaves (the best I've had)
3. I think it's cool
4. My hobby has turned into somewhat of a social thing for me... now I have a group of friends with similar interests, challenges, expertise etc. and I really appreciate the fun chats and posts of my buddies on SRP.

i could really keep listing things that are probably much better reasons than what I've said already, but the point is that I enjoy straight shaving. That is something that everyone will have to figure out for themselves... There are many paths to a great shave, the path I enjoy most is with a straight razor.

"committed the ultimate sin and bought a Gold Dollar razor and Philly strop from Rup Razor and gave it a go a few (Maybe 3) times."

There are many worse sins out there... regardless of the debate about the GD razors, Ken's edges (the few I've tried) have worked fine for me.

My hands don't know where to go or what to do, I look at that razor up against my neck in the mirror and I want to poop my pants.

I think that this is the crux of the issue, or at least a large part of it... IMHE, success with a straight razor requires a level of confidence in your approach, and in your actual razor strokes. If the razor scares you at first, do what Lynn suggests and only shave your sideburns/cheeks for a while. It's ok if it takes a bit until you are comfortable. Pretty soon you'll have the feel for things and your strokes will become more confident and fluid. you'll figure out your angles, and your blade pressure (the lack thereof).

Then something strange will start happening... your edges will start feeling sharper/smoother, your shaves will get closer, and you'll have fewer problems with specific areas of your face/neck. This could take some time, but you'll get the technique and things will get much better.

I'm looking at the razor and strop sets at SRD. and before I pull the trigger on a nearly $200.00 purchase, is it worth it?

this one all depends on you... if you are interested in learning how to use a straight, or think it's cool (or whatever reason you have for trying a straight in the first place), a set from SRD would be a good investment. If the only thing you are after is a close shave, you'll have to weigh out whether the learning curve is worth it to you.

I hope this is useful in some way, and that I have presented my thoughts in a way that makes sense... If you'd like to talk about any specific concerns or questions or anything like that please send me a PM and I'll help in any way that I can

Cheers

Dave

Only you can decide if you think it might be right for you and worth giving a longer chance. The first few months for me we're a little challenging but, tough to reach places (I have an sharp,angular, Clint Eastwood-like jawline), I always found myself looking forward to the challenge. Unlike cartridge, or DE shaving which I found to be little more than a chore, having now feels like a luxurious treat to me that I enjoy and look foward to (My wife is amazed as it is the first time in the 10 years she's known me that I'll shave more frequently than every other day).

Also, why throw a ton of money at it - e.g. buy a $100-200 razor - if you're still unsure if it's right for you? You've already got a usable strop and you can get some fantastic, shave-ready razors in the classifieds for $30-$60 that will shave just as well as a new Dovo.

Save your $ for now - because, believe me, if you do stick with it and really come to enjoy it, razor acquisition disorder will set in and you'll be buying/trying new straights every chance you get...

To be fair, asking a straight razor forum if you should continue straight shaving is along the lines of a recovering alcoholic walking into a bar and asking if it's ok to have a drink.

You have to decide what's best for you, but we'd all love to see you keep at it until you get it.

This is a skill you can learn. It does take time and patience, but ultimately it's something that you should want to do, not be forced to do it. Everyone has some hesitation the first time they learn to swim, but most learn. I was intent on learning to shave with a str8 and it took some time. The end result is well worth your effort. You will get the best, longest lasting shaves you ever got. I just had a major back surgery. For several weeks, I was unable to shave with a straight razor. The shaves I got were horrible, lasted only a few hours, and then I had stubble. Start slow, keep watching videos, Check out Mantic59 on Youtube. He has excellent lather building vids and shaving, and of course our WIKI, If you need some specific help, Drop me a PM.....

Rich

I got the idea from a documentary I watched called "no impact man" about a guy shooting for a zero impact/100% sustainable way of existing.

So my original motivation was being "green" - but I must admit, the allure has more to do with it just being plain old bad-ass. How often do we get to be green AND bad-ass at the same time? Almost never. I had to jump on this rare opportunity!

I'm also the kind of guy that has to do nearly everything for himself. Poured my own concrete counters, made a knife out of a file, installed my bamboo floors, completely gutted and renovated my own kitchen, do 99% of my own auto/motorbike repairs up to and including engine/transmission swaps, have been cutting my own hair since I was about 15 years old (25 years ago), made my own beer and wine for years, maintain a large vegetable garden, etc.

I just love doing things for myself, and straight razor shaving fits right in with that, not to mention crafting my own customized shaving soap, making brushes, restoring, honing, and rescaling razors.

So yes, it's more work, takes more time, and for me will probably end up costing more, but for some reason (I'd have to consult a psychiatrist to find out why), things like this give me great satisfaction.