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They Don’t Understand

From my start of shaving it was one each of razor, blade, soap and after shave. But now that I've joined B&B I've become a collector, not to the extreme of many others.
Many people that I have met over the years, have known me to shave with a DE/ SE razor and have asked about the differences between the Cart and DE and were convinced in the logic traditional wet shaving and have switched over. Most only see the need of one razor, something I am slowly getting back to.
 

Owen Bawn

Garden party cupcake scented
I never bring it up with anyone. A couple times in the 40+ years I've been doing this guys have mentioned shaving and I've said I use a brush & soap, but that's about it. For most people out there it's a personal topic that doesn't get talked about in depth other than to complain about cost, etc. It feels like it's about one step above discussing toenail clippings and dental floss.
 
I think with shaving in particular, it’s kind of a chore, and I think most people just trust what’s on the shelf in their local store, which is understandable. Plus not everyone is so picky or in possession of an overly sensitive face.

I had a great shave today with a Duke 2 in Best, Tabac stick, Gillette New Long Comb and a fresh Permasharp blade. But honestly, I would’ve loved to just slather on some canned goo if I could get away with it, I just can’t. I love my DE razors and blades though, they give me closer more comfortable shaves and kill carts by a wide margin as far as I’m concerned.

My brother does fine with a 4 month old cart and Barbasol Original, and I am kind of jealous to be honest. So while early on I was trying to sway him to roll like I do, I now say good for you, it’s less work!
 
it always tickles me when people state that they started DE shaving because it is far less expensive than shaving with cartridge razors. I guess that is possible if you stick to one razor, one brand of blade, one soap, one inexpensive brush, and one soap. However, I know far more people who are like me and end up with a large collection of razors (straights, DE and SE), hundreds of blades of various types, a collection of brushes, a large number of soaps, strops, hones, etc. Over the past years, I have spent thousands of dollars on shaving supplies. If I had stuck to cartridge razors and electric razors, I might have spent a few hundred at most.

Do not get me wrong; I do not regret my purchases (well, at least the vast majority of them...there have been a bad purchases). If I knew earlier what I know today, I would have made the switch many years ago. I have taken shaving from a hated chore to an enjoyable experience. Admittedly, my wife does not understand why I need all the shaving supplies, especially my 200 soaps, but exploring options is what has enabled me to experience such enjoyable shaves.
 

JWCowboy

Probably not Al Bundy
When someone tells me I am crazy for spending $100 on a razor or $150 on a shaving brush, I just ask them how much they lost at the casino, how much they spent at the bar, why they need a $2000 Canali suit when they can buy one at TJ Max for $99, etc. Everyone has different interests.

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Old Hippie

Somewhere between 61 and dead
My son decided he wanted to jump from carts and an electric trimmer to an SR. I suggested that maybe taking the "learning staircase" one step at a time might be more congenial. He's got a Merkur 38C and a Parker Semi-Slant and has been using them on weekends when he has more time to spend.

My son-in-law is older than my son. Once when they were visiting my daughter asked to see the latest acquisitions, among them a Star LC and Gem Jr. Bar and she was quite interested in the "artiness" of them all. He later confided to her that he thought I was a little cracked.

At least when Dad goes hunting it's on the internet and he's home for lunch.

O.H.
 
Since the DE shaves SO much FASTER than any cartridge razor,since it does not clog and does not need constant rinsing, almost all my friends have converted to it in the many years,I have been a DE shaver since 1980,I am preaching it's superiority.
Of course since they are mostly practical guys the do use canned foam like almost all men did from the mid 50s and on.
 
it always tickles me when people state that they started DE shaving because it is far less expensive than shaving with cartridge razors. I guess that is possible if you stick to one razor, one brand of blade, one soap, one inexpensive brush, and one soap. However, I know far more people who are like me and end up with a large collection of razors (straights, DE and SE), hundreds of blades of various types, a collection of brushes, a large number of soaps, strops, hones, etc. Over the past years, I have spent thousands of dollars on shaving supplies. If I had stuck to cartridge razors and electric razors, I might have spent a few hundred at most.

Do not get me wrong; I do not regret my purchases (well, at least the vast majority of them...there have been a bad purchases). If I knew earlier what I know today, I would have made the switch many years ago. I have taken shaving from a hated chore to an enjoyable experience. Admittedly, my wife does not understand why I need all the shaving supplies, especially my 200 soaps, but exploring options is what has enabled me to experience such enjoyable shaves.

And I thought I had a lot of soaps! Makes me feel better about my collection. I'd probably have that many if I had the space though :biggrin1:
 
Since the DE shaves SO much FASTER than any cartridge razor,since it does not clog and does not need constant rinsing, almost all my friends have converted to it in the many years,I have been a DE shaver since 1980,I am preaching it's superiority.
Of course since they are mostly practical guys the do use canned foam like almost all men did from the mid 50s and on.
To be honest, IF I wanted to dramatically shorten the time it takes me to shave then switching to canned goo would be the way that I would do it.
 
My Mom thinks it's crazy.

And that's the same woman who has an entire room dedicated to storing yarn. Which I think is crazy.

To each their own. Live life.
Your mom with the yarn room reminds me of someone I know who has a display living room. No one is allowed to sit on the furniture. Then there are people I know that have the display soaps and towels in their bathroom. At least I use the shaving stuff that I buy.
 

Chef455

Head Cheese Head Chef
Who here has relatives or friends who cannot understand your interest in this hobby? I have a close friend who is a great guy but he is baffled by my interest in wet shaving. He thinks that using a de razor is archaic and silly. And dangerous too. We have a back and forth argument about it. He thinks that cartridges are superior but I often tell him that I’m saving so much money in the long run... with the cheap price of blades. Also I share with him how using a brush with a good quality soap or cream is an awesome experience. Unfortunately he still doesn’t get it...🤨🤨🧐

I say PIF a buddy some basic gear, ie a DE89, synthetic brush, decent soap, tuck of blades. Tell him (or possibly her... all ya' all ladies could reap the benefits as well) to watch a few videos (send them a link if need be) and try it for a week. If for any reason they are not sold just give me back the hardware and I'll try someone else.

It's a movement I say! While we can't help everyone let's help those we can. I'm putting a bag together for a coworker that I'll give him tomorrow...

Edwin Jagger DE 89
WCS synthetic
Soap TBD
Tuck TBD
 
I absolutely cannot understand why some people feel the need to be somehow validated by other people over how they shave. I also cannot understand why some people evidently feel some sort of need to "convert" people to their way of shaving.

Some people want to grow a beard like Billy Gibbons. Maybe other people want to stick their face in a belt sander. Care factor zero. They have their face, and I have mine.
 

Chef455

Head Cheese Head Chef
I absolutely cannot understand why some people feel the need to be somehow validated by other people over how they shave. I also cannot understand why some people evidently feel some sort of need to "convert" people to their way of shaving.

Some people want to grow a beard like Billy Gibbons. Maybe other people want to stick their face in a belt sander. Care factor zero. They have their face, and I have mine.
I completely hear what you're saying and where you are coming from. That being said I like to engage my friend's interests and discuss a wide range of issues from the daily mundane to the crazy ambitions. I don't seek validation. I do believe that an alternative to a daily task that one may not enjoy is not worthy of discussion. Particularly amongst friends. These discussions extend WAY beyond de shaving. Am I hurt if my suggestion is not absorbed into their world? Nah.

When it comes to friends I am looking to share my life experiences with them and gain an understanding of theirs. We don't have to agree on anything. But I don't think we are being good friends to one another if we only comment on the days weather and never offer any insight into what we are passionate about, interested in, or believe in.
 
it always tickles me when people state that they started DE shaving because it is far less expensive than shaving with cartridge razors. I guess that is possible if you stick to one razor, one brand of blade, one soap, one inexpensive brush, and one soap. However, I know far more people who are like me and end up with a large collection of razors (straights, DE and SE), hundreds of blades of various types, a collection of brushes, a large number of soaps, strops, hones, etc. Over the past years, I have spent thousands of dollars on shaving supplies. If I had stuck to cartridge razors and electric razors, I might have spent a few hundred at most.

Do not get me wrong; I do not regret my purchases (well, at least the vast majority of them...there have been a bad purchases). If I knew earlier what I know today, I would have made the switch many years ago. I have taken shaving from a hated chore to an enjoyable experience. Admittedly, my wife does not understand why I need all the shaving supplies, especially my 200 soaps, but exploring options is what has enabled me to experience such enjoyable shaves.
I couldn't stop laughing when you said my 200 soaps.Respect.
 
I know several guys who shave with DEs. They do it because that’s how they learned and just kept doing it; they just don’t spend a lot of time thinking about it because it’s just normal shaving to them.

EDIT: I suspect there are a lot of shavers who fall into that category, which is why you still find DE blades and soap in drug stores.
 
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