Replacement blades vs. non replaceable?

[Xezmer]

Excuse my ignorance as my knowledge of straight razors is vague, however it is my preference in shaving! I use a parker SR1 which allows for the replaceable blades and I use sharks and derbys.

Could anyone explain to me why people may opt for the straights that aren't replaceable and what the pros and cons are of the two? The replaceables are cheaper and more simple when it comes to a dull blade.

Thanks in advance!

 

[TstebinsB]

You can tweak the edge of a straight razor to your preferences. I can using some diamond paste to get an extra kick of sharpness. I can tone it down with some chromium oxide or a natural stone. Some factory blades are too sharp or rough. I can fix a straight razor's edge if it had that problem. You can't customize the edge of a disposable blade.

There's also the fact that it's more of a skill to use and maintain the edge of a straight razor. It takes proper stropping before each use. It takes proper honing to refresh the edge or get a shave ready edge. There is a sense of pride that comes with that. If shaving is merely a rote chore to you, then you won't see the value in that.

Yet another reason is the historical significance of some razors. There are razors related to the World Wars, to divisions of military, to cities, to religions, etc. You can find people using razors that were made over a century ago. You can find other people using a razor that was made weeks ago. If you are a fan of history, a straight razor will be appealing to you.

 

[Xezmer]

As a matter of a fact, it's nothing near a chore. To me it's a luxury. I love it. The reason i'm sticking to replaceable blades is because being of my 15-year old generation, i'm entirely too intimidated to pick up a real straight razor in such a vast world. I have no clue what honing or stropping is, and i'm sure I could learn. I just don't know where, to be honest. I also don't have the finances to back it up just yet.

 

[Shaman]

I have no clue what honing or stropping is, and i'm sure I could learn. I just don't know where, to be honest. I also don't have the finances to back it up just yet.

You've found where to learn already, just ask.

 

[Go West Young Man]

Also, there seems to be a consensus that shavette style razors 'look' similar to straights, but behave very differently in the hand and on the face. Some people prefer one, some prefer the other.

 

[Seraphim]

Guy who is crazy-good with a replaceable blade razor!

http://www.vimeo.com/7038208

 

[Slash McCoy]

I don't like using and discarding more stuff than necessary. A straight razor is green in that respect. I am not filling up our landfills or using up resorces by using throwaway stuff. Plus it is simply a better shave and it is my way of telling "certain" megacorporations that I am not falling for their slick, hypnotic marketing BS. Now I'm not some kind of tree-hugging organic tofu-eating environmental kook wearing recycled hemp birkenstocks but if I can do some little thing that helps the environment just a tiny bit while also serving as my rebellion against corporate greed AND gives me a great shave AND sets me apart from the thundering herd, why not?

 

[Seraphim]

I don't like using and discarding more stuff than necessary. A straight razor is green in that respect. I am not filling up our landfills or using up resorces by using throwaway stuff. Plus it is simply a better shave and it is my way of telling "certain" megacorporations that I am not falling for their slick, hypnotic marketing BS. Now I'm not some kind of tree-hugging organic tofu-eating environmental kook wearing recycled hemp birkenstocks but if I can do some little thing that helps the environment just a tiny bit while also serving as my rebellion against corporate greed AND gives me a great shave AND sets me apart from the thundering herd, why not?

Next stop:



Growing a beard!

 

[Go West Young Man]

I don't like using and discarding more stuff than necessary. A straight razor is green in that respect. I am not filling up our landfills or using up resorces by using throwaway stuff. Plus it is simply a better shave and it is my way of telling "certain" megacorporations that I am not falling for their slick, hypnotic marketing BS. Now I'm not some kind of tree-hugging organic tofu-eating environmental kook wearing recycled hemp birkenstocks but if I can do some little thing that helps the environment just a tiny bit while also serving as my rebellion against corporate greed AND gives me a great shave AND sets me apart from the thundering herd, why not?

You certainly are man enough!

 

[Xezmer]

I don't like using and discarding more stuff than necessary. A straight razor is green in that respect. I am not filling up our landfills or using up resorces by using throwaway stuff. Plus it is simply a better shave and it is my way of telling "certain" megacorporations that I am not falling for their slick, hypnotic marketing BS. Now I'm not some kind of tree-hugging organic tofu-eating environmental kook wearing recycled hemp birkenstocks but if I can do some little thing that helps the environment just a tiny bit while also serving as my rebellion against corporate greed AND gives me a great shave AND sets me apart from the thundering herd, why not?

Neither am I, just intimidated of finding failure

 

[ampersand2006]

A lot of people say that they don't get the same direct response out of disposable razor blades/shavettes. There is a sort of aesthetic appeal to a straight razor. It is like a warm feeling that only comes from manual typewriters, vintage scooters, record players, fountain pens, wool hats, etc

 

[Slash McCoy]

Next stop:

Growing a beard!

Qui, Moi? You must have me mistaken for "some kind of tree-hugging organic tofu-eating environmental kook wearing recycled hemp birkenstocks".

Serious, I have had a beard and I get tired of being asked "What club do you ride with?"