This is my third time to the straight razor rodeo. First time, mid 80s, second 2011-12ish. Went back to cartridge mostly out of convenience. Why did I start? Masculine skill ego trip – shave with a straight razor and tie my own bow tie. I got enough skill in shaving to not cut myself so much, but less confident on honing. Ditto for second, but better with shaving. Still struggling with honing now, but more skilled with shaving. I’m sure most of us have the toughest beard and most likely trouble in moustache and goatee area. I’ve learned the grain of my beard and adjusted second or more passes to get bbs results on most else. But I’m an old man now, mid 70s, and skin is more fragile and heals slower. Why do I persist when cartridge is so much quicker, safer, and pretty darn clearn? This time I’m more aware of my hobby as a link to history, a sort of personal living history exhibit. I have my father’s razor, though it’s a slim and old 3/8; it saw him through WWII. I had his strop but it hardened and disintegrated. There’s something about connecting to past ways of doing things using older technologies and skills. The ride continues, bucking bronco and all.