DE Evangelism

[bplipschitz]

I've been a straight razor shaver for a few years now. Mainly, it's because I'm a cheapskate -- can't see paying $5 a crack for multi bladed geegaws that don't last that long. I hate when solid technology (like straights and DEs) gets made "obsolete" by new things that don't last. Also, as my wife says, turning anything into a skill (hobby, in her words) makes it something I actually *want* to do. Before I switched to "sustainable shaving," I viewed it as a chore.

Not any more.

So, my question here is, how many folks here have actually turned their friends on to sustainable shaving? I've got two right now that I've turned on to DEs -- with the help of buying one a Gillette adjustable made the year he was born, and several packs of various blades (bday gift), and another friend whom I gave all my assorted blade packs & a loaner DE to.

I'm sure there are others with stories that are similar. Let's hear 'em!

 

[Soldierdan]

I haven't done too much, but I've done a few PIFs, and gotten one of my friends to make the switch to DE.

 

[hookem11]

I have made one convert. A friend who found out I shaved with a DE asked me about it. I gave him some cream and a razor I wasn't using and away he went. He actually has more stuff than I do now. I don't see it as a thing to evangelize. If someone asks I am happy to answer their questions the best I can

 

[AceByTerror]

I've got at least one dedicated die-hard convert who is also an active member on here.

Harry Snider and I go back 20+ years. He was less of a convert and more of someone who was ripe for change and just needed a little push.

I've found you can spot the guys who are "searching" pretty easy just by talking to them. Amazing how many folks out there who hate shaving because of pain and irritation, but know there must be a better way.

You just need to show them the way

Harry's wife on the other hand probably isn't pleased with me introducing him to the various ADs...

 

[Gary H]

I have tried to convert friends, I even lend them razors and blades but I always get the razor back with this explanation. Too much work to get a shave as good or any better than my Mach3. I explain the cost savings but most could care less. Now for the part where I get flamed. I have to agree somewhat with the mach3 / newer cart razors. I have the most modern and some vintage razors which I use everyday but there is always a few problem areas. So when I cannot get the problem areas sometimes I grab my Gillette fusion and one pass makes my De attempt BBS in less than 30 seconds. I think I will shave half my face with my Futur and the other half with the fusion just to compare. However I will remain a loyal daily DE shaver as this is now my mew habit which I look forward to when I walk in the door every night.

 

[Argonaut]

I don't want the competition at the flea markets, so no converts here.

 

[Gary H]

@argo I just fell off my chair laughing at that statement.

 

[Useless shaver]

Just one convert here. In general, when I talk about DE shaving looks vary from "Do that thing still exist?" to "I don't care at all"...

 

[Ducati Scotty]

I've got one friend who's trying a DE. He already made his own lather and was a die hard Trac II user before. I'm hoping he sticks with it, I think he will.

Like any evangelism, most people don't want to hear your message for one reason or another. They usually just do what everyone else around them does. You get the most success when someone is already interested on their own and seeking options and guidance.

Scott

 

[Ducati Scotty]

I've got one friend who's trying a DE. He as always made his own lather and was a die hard Trac II user before the DE. He had bought a DE but never got to using it. I turned him on to B&B. I'm hoping he sticks with it, I think he will.

Like any evangelism, most people don't want to hear your message for one reason or another. They usually just do what everyone else around them does. You get the most success when someone is already interested on their own and seeking options and guidance.

Scott

 

[bplipschitz]

I have to agree with @AceByTerror: I guess it's not so much evangelism as it is giving a little push in a direction they may already be headed. They know there's got to be an alternative, but aren't aware of the options.

I don't preach about it (my wife probably says more about it to friends than I do -- always positive remarks from her BTW, as she likes the results), but do answer whatever questions I can. I figure the more users out there, the more variety and consistent supply of things we may get!

 

[Niles]

My brother shaves his head and face. I gave him one of my Super Speeds to play with and he has started using it on his face. Still uses a cartridge on his head.

 

[miamimoe]

I don't bother anymore. I found that most people were indifferent, as they consider shaving nothing but a necessary chore. A few thought I was foolish to consider anything but a cartridge type razor. One friend was intrigued, but did not want to make the effort. I finally gave up.

 

[Ducati Scotty]

It's kind of a tough sell unless they're already a bit interested. "Spend about $50-100 bucks on equipment, then learn to make your own lather, then spend 2-3 months learning how shave all over again while figuring out which blades/soaps/etc. work for you by trial and error, all the while posting your failures every day on B&B seeking advice." Unless they're already looking for an alternative or like this kind of 'hobsession' it's not tough to understand why it sounds insane from their point of view. For most people shaving is a necessary chore and nothing more. If I gave you the same speech above about learning to tie your shoes a different way you'd have me locked up, no matter how well your shoes would be tied

Scott