Dandy or Manly?

[VeLoRoK]

I'm interested to know where most of us would align ourselves, or if there is some middle ground. I'm new to the forums, and I came here expecting a more generally manly, old-school attitude. I have to say that I am surprised at the amount of dandyism that I see here. Now, I'm not saying that is a bad thing, or beyond me in any way. In fact, I can only count myself lucky that I have some restraints to not get carried away myself and give in to my own AD. Let's hear your thoughts on your own style, and what you think would be characteristic of one side or the other.

Would you consider yourself a "manly" shaver? Do you emphasize the manliness of a wicked-sharp blade against your skin? Do you lust for the feel of steel in your hand? Do you scoff at floral scented soaps and balms? Do you treat shaving as time-travelling back to a by-gone era where men were men? Do you have a shaving regimen that works for you day in, day out? Do you reach for something with burn after your shave? Do you lather, shave, splash and go? What makes a man, Mr. Lebowski?

Would you consider yourself a "dandy" shaver? Do you have a zillion different brushes? More creams and soaps than any woman you know? A different this (bowl/brush/soap) for a different that (razor/blade/day of the week)? Do you treat shaving as a dainty exercise in self-care? Do you use anything with flowers in it's name? Do you exfoliate, wash, oil, lather, milk, balm? Do you cringe at the thought of alcohol touching your face? What makes a dandy in your opinion?

 

[n2hql]

Don't really think of it either way. I enjoy the steel/Aluminum/copper or whatever isn't plastic. I have several scented soaps, but I will use up one before I start the next, I do have at least three dozen razors, some of which I've not used as yet, and several brushes. Do I have anything with a floral ? Does Veg count ?? I don't consider it Manly nor Dandy, It's a job I used to hate, but now enjoy, and I think The wife (not SWMBO) likes it too.

 

[Prince]

Manly, to answer any different would be unmanly.

 

[The Dean]

Manly. No floral with the exception of Acqua Di Parma which has rose, I believe. Used the veg many many years ago but concluded it wasn't for me. I am, mostly, an unscented man,. When I wear cologne it tends to be something manly and traditional like Lagerfeld Classic-and from my experience women love that scent. But I am also comfortable in my manliness to not be concerned with any exceptions to those rules.

 

[jdto]

Many of the old school shaving products that have been around for over 100 years have floral-based scents and I see nothing "unmanly" about them. Dandy and manly are not mutually exclusive of one another. I like the feel of a straight razor and the steel in my hand, but I like to smell good and look good.

I reject your poll as inapplicable.

 

[Thu'umhammer]

I'm too in the middle to be able to vote in this.

 

[mmack66]

Manly, and I sport the Veg like a man as well.

 

[LoveThatBurn]

why not both?

 

[GreekGuy]

I think most men are horrified of the mere notion of putting a straight razor to their jugular. So I say manly.

 

[bhorsoft]

Both for me. I like some Rose creams, moisturize, have acquired 3 lifetimes of shaving supplies -- but I most often shave with a straight razor (not for wusses) and you have to be a real man to wear the VEG.

 

[Corsair66]

Manly. To the extent that I think of external influences at all, I tend to reflect on what the Duke would have done in a particular situation. Or Hemingway. Or Gary Cooper. You get the idea.

I avoid nearly all floral scents because I simply don't like them; they make me sneeze. I prefer spicy, musky aromas. To be truthful, though, I don't much go for scents at all beyond aftershave. My wife knows to check with me before buying any new scented product to see if it's "approved".

Ken

 

[Lockedin]

Manly.

Having enough hair on your face and neck to require shaving it off is squarely in the domain of men (hopefully )
Having so little hair on your head that it is more convenient to shave it off is manly.

IMHO - Taking a sharpened object to your face, whether a bare blade or in a knurled brass handle, is an exercise in manliness.

I don't think that floral scents are necessarily "Dandy". For the most part I think it's the man that wears the scent, not the other way 'round - though there are exceptions.

 

[Beerhunter]

As dandy as I am ever going to get is lavender aftershave lotion. It's been used prolly longer than the 1800's. I have seen 30's gangster movies where the criminal "boss" was getting cleaned up in a barbershop hair,shave,nails etc. and most of the time the barber would ask the "boss" if he would like to have some lavender? He would say something like sure gimmie the works. The same goes for the cowboys of days gone bye, they to were also offered lavender scent when cleaning up. i am sure its alot better than smelling like a wagon train or a cattle drive. so for historical reasons I am interested in the scent. Also a "dandy" in cowboy parlance is not a nice reference. I suppose there is a need to exfoliate, wash, oil, lather, milk, balm? However I am not in this group. Too much trouble for me. I want a shave and slap some AS and be done with it. Maybe some ppl like to experiment with different kinds of products. It's a big world to each his own.

 

[Mike H]

I prefer "Gentlemanly". Terms such as Manly or Dandy are trivialities.

 

[dushea]

Hm...what's funny about this is that I have a hunch that there are more than a few female lurkers on here...

 

[Argonaut]

By rule, anything I do becomes an example of "manly".

 

[Austin]

By rule, anything I do becomes an example of "manly".

Yep

 

[The Dean]

Manly or Dandy? How about Mandy, you came and you gave without taking?

Holy crap--I better go get myself a drink,

 

[sdekuyper]

Great question! Definitely manly; 'old school' to put it another way. 'Gentlemanly' as Mike H says is another great term for it.

 

[Skyrider55]

I prefer "Gentlemanly". Terms such as Manly or Dandy are trivialities.

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