The subculture of DE shaving

[Smoothshave]

DE shaving is a subculture indeed. I wonder what the statistics are of using DE's?

In what countries DE's or Straight razor's are used more commonly?

The most important question is: how can we convince everybody to shave with a DE? Probably internet is not enough.

To be honest, nobody that I know shaves with DE.

 

[michiganlover]

In what countries DE's or Straight razor's are used more commonly?

Worldwide, the largest number of DE shavers are found in India. Cartridge razors are simply too expensive for the average Indian to be able to afford. Although, Gillette has tried to market cartridge razors there as well: The "Gillette Vector" is a cheaply made razor that uses Atra style carts.

It's so cheaply made, that the head of the razor rattles like a bad dollar store toy.

 

[dpm802]

I know a few people that have at least tried DE shaving. Most of my friends and co-workers know that I'm a shave-geek, and if they're interested, I'll get 'em started ... but most of them scoff.

OTOH, we may be doing ourselves a disservice by proselytizing and trying to convert everyone to wet-shaving. With a finite number of vintage razors out there, the price would go through the roof when everybody is trying to buy one.

Although increased usage might make high-end soaps and creams and brushes more available at retail stores, it would probably also raise the prices considerably. And what fun is it if I can walk into a supermarket and pick up a high-end soap? Its more entertaining to chase it down on the internet, like when I wanted a bar of Tabac Luxury Bath Soap and had to order it all the way from Singapore.

If someone is interested in wet-shaving, let them come to us. We don't need to go knocking on doors and trying to convert people. I say we leave well enough alone.

 

[Jethro1984]

Worldwide, the largest number of DE shavers are found in India. Cartridge razors are simply too expensive for the average Indian to be able to afford. Although, Gillette has tried to market cartridge razors there as well: The "Gillette Vector" is a cheaply made razor that uses Atra style carts.

It's so cheaply made, that the head of the razor rattles like a bad dollar store toy.

I have a Blue Vector Handle and it's fairly decent. It holds the Atra Cartridges fine in my experience.

They have also tried to market the Sensor Excel and the Mach III in various places overseas. They always introduce nifty colored handles over there that are extremely limited in production over here if they are ever produced at all.

 

[Jethro1984]

I know a few people that have at least tried DE shaving. Most of my friends and co-workers know that I'm a shave-geek, and if they're interested, I'll get 'em started ... but most of them scoff.

OTOH, we may be doing ourselves a disservice by proselytizing and trying to convert everyone to wet-shaving. With a finite number of vintage razors out there, the price would go through the roof when everybody is trying to buy one.

Although increased usage might make high-end soaps and creams and brushes more available at retail stores, it would probably also raise the prices considerably. And what fun is it if I can walk into a supermarket and pick up a high-end soap? Its more entertaining to chase it down on the internet, like when I wanted a bar of Tabac Luxury Bath Soap and had to order it all the way from Singapore.

If someone is interested in wet-shaving, let them come to us. We don't need to go knocking on doors and trying to convert people. I say we leave well enough alone.

I must say....I sort of agree. Though if someone asks or seems to show interest, I will engage them in DE talk. I was introduced to DE shaving by cooncatbob.

 

[RBE17]

If someone is interested I let them ask me. I've told a few folks about it, but nobody has really seemed interested beyond listening.

 

[philamac]

The most important question is: how can we convince everybody to shave with a DE? Probably internet is not enough.

Why do we have to convince everybody? It's impossible anyway - people with beards, those who use electrics are not using cartridges and canned foam, never mind a DE and brush.

Anyway, I like it that this is a niche, and a bit different from the way the vast vast majority of people do things. I agree with dpm802 that I am happy that DR Harris or Trumper soap is not available in every street.

We are special!

If people are in your home and see your razor and brush, they may find it interesting and ask you about it. But in my experience, most of the time people don't care. Friends show more interest in my CD collection than what is on the shelf in my bathroom.

 

[ateace]

My bet is that most people don't care that much about it beyond a quick and easy shave, even if they have to pay $2.50 or more per cartridge.

It seems to me that things are pretty good for this subculture. DE shaving can be dirt cheap, allowing those on very limited budgets to get into it easily and be happy.
There are also enough luxury, boutique and very rare vintage items to keep the die-hard collectors busy. Plus everything in between.

 

[kingfisher]

My bet is that most people don't care that much about it beyond a quick and easy shave, even if they have to pay $2.50 or more per cartridge.

It seems to me that things are pretty good for this subculture. DE shaving can be dirt cheap, allowing those on very limited budgets to get into it easily and be happy.
There are also enough luxury, boutique and very rare vintage items to keep the die-hard collectors busy. Plus everything in between.

Amen.

 

[David in Boston]

I know a few people that have at least tried DE shaving. Most of my friends and co-workers know that I'm a shave-geek, and if they're interested, I'll get 'em started ... but most of them scoff.

OTOH, we may be doing ourselves a disservice by proselytizing and trying to convert everyone to wet-shaving. With a finite number of vintage razors out there, the price would go through the roof when everybody is trying to buy one...

If someone is interested in wet-shaving, let them come to us. We don't need to go knocking on doors and trying to convert people. I say we leave well enough alone.

+1

Screw the herd mentality.