Thread: Why Do You Use a Straight Razor?

Never had a problem using other shaving methods, with the exception of electric razors, so it was out of curiosity more than anything else. Liked it and stayed with it.

Bob

Moved to DE's because I hated cartridges. Found I was getting the best shaves of my life (wife really likes them too!). Giving straights a try out of intrigue and nostalgia. I really like how the whole process slows me down in the morning and gets my day started right. It's no longer a task that I have to do.

Ray

Originally to save money. Still so I can meet a daily need without adding to the garbage stream. Ultimately because it turns a chore into a meditation.

I've done the whole ritual, complete witih making lather, in the Rec Center bathroom, and only kids notice something different. Either the adults don't or they're too scared to comment. I often share the mirror with some joyless man who wields his electric with neither passion nor panache. What an awful way to go through life!

Because straight razor is an art, made of history, culture and passion for bringing back to life old masterpieces. And art, as such, is a noble act, the expression of man's genius.

Used electrics, carts shavette and de. Couldn't find what I was looking for. Settled for straights and I finally have a first class shave. I didn't think it would be as good as it is. And the honing part is great.

The classic easy and clean style are what clinched it in my book. The smoother skin and calming effects are pretty nice though. Oh, the smells of good soap and quality aftershave aren't half bad either.

I started shaving with a Gillette Trac 2 in the late 70's ... I always thought i had a decent shave until the next greatest thing came along and it seemed the blades not longer performed, kinda like they started putting crappy steel in them and wouldnt hold an edge anymore. I tried an electric shaver once, ONCE
I reluctantly changed to the Mach 3 and was never happy with the blades so I rarely shaved everyday after that which then caused them to plug up and made the situation worse
My son in law mentioned he wanted to get a straight razor and i remembered my dad had given me my grandfather's after he passed and i dug it out of storage. It sat on my dresser for a couple of months till i couldnt stand it anymore and i had to hone it up and give it a go.
I havent regretted a moment since, even considering the substantial bloodletting that followed during my "learning curve". It has always been my opinion that the Lord hates a coward so I soldiered on with the journey. I have no delusions that I need to, or could ever be "pretty" anyways, besides my wife dont mind a rugged lookin bugger like me. I have since considered the fact that is is much "greener" and frankly find my face in much better condition and I just plain enjoy shaving now.
Mike

Started out of curiosity and in hopes of saving money! I read how easily you can get started and quickly save money over buying expensive cartridges. Well, It was easy to get started, however in the long run I definitely have not saved money because of what we call RAD!!

Because I wanted a collectible hobby that I could use at the same time that would also relax me and help my rapidly aging face!

Because I have loved sharp things for over 30 years. I have loved making things sharp almost as long. I love taking edges to insane levels of sharpness (I once sharpened my lawn mower blade to arm hair shaving sharp, for no reason other than to do it).

All the knives in my house are finished to the same or higher grit that most finish their razors on...so it seemed logical to move into honing straights.

Straight razors simple give me another way to spend more time with sharp edges.

There is probably a disorder in there somewhere, but I don't hurt anyone...so what is the harm?