Hi all,
From clam shells and sharpened flint being used by cavemen to modern day gizmo's such as electric shavers that buzz and vibrate with flashing lights...it's obvious that the world of shaving and it's tools have evolved. However, to many of us here on B&B, the technology peaked long ago with the invention of straight and double edge razors. While these sacred tools of ours continue to be perfected in many aspects, at their core they remain the same. I'm sure I'm not alone in the belief that cartridge razors and electric shavers are solutions to problems that never existed.
There is no denying that this equipment is faster and ensures less fuss for grumpy morning rushers (myself included) and they provide an almost risk free shave. However, my fellow converts, there's no denying the awesome closeness of a shave accomplished with patience, and a straight or DE when compared to cartridges, or the luxuriousness of building a lush lather with brush and soapy bowl in hand in comparison to using pressurized cans of 'gunk'.
My question to you all is this. What made you make the leap into the world of traditional shaving? Was it a recommendation from a friend that started your journey, your disdain of the tugging and ripping of the modern day cartridge razor, an heirloom that mustered your imagination, or was it just to be different and unique. I myself probably fall under the later, a yearning for all things vintage and wise in their execution, a want to be part of a by gone age when men were men and twitter was a noise made by a bird.
The reasons for starting are often different to the ones for continuing. I now happily celebrate knowing the benefits of traditional shaving and will never revert to my old 'new' razor as my box of cartridges gather dust and look on jealously.
What's your story?
From clam shells and sharpened flint being used by cavemen to modern day gizmo's such as electric shavers that buzz and vibrate with flashing lights...it's obvious that the world of shaving and it's tools have evolved. However, to many of us here on B&B, the technology peaked long ago with the invention of straight and double edge razors. While these sacred tools of ours continue to be perfected in many aspects, at their core they remain the same. I'm sure I'm not alone in the belief that cartridge razors and electric shavers are solutions to problems that never existed.
There is no denying that this equipment is faster and ensures less fuss for grumpy morning rushers (myself included) and they provide an almost risk free shave. However, my fellow converts, there's no denying the awesome closeness of a shave accomplished with patience, and a straight or DE when compared to cartridges, or the luxuriousness of building a lush lather with brush and soapy bowl in hand in comparison to using pressurized cans of 'gunk'.
My question to you all is this. What made you make the leap into the world of traditional shaving? Was it a recommendation from a friend that started your journey, your disdain of the tugging and ripping of the modern day cartridge razor, an heirloom that mustered your imagination, or was it just to be different and unique. I myself probably fall under the later, a yearning for all things vintage and wise in their execution, a want to be part of a by gone age when men were men and twitter was a noise made by a bird.
The reasons for starting are often different to the ones for continuing. I now happily celebrate knowing the benefits of traditional shaving and will never revert to my old 'new' razor as my box of cartridges gather dust and look on jealously.
What's your story?
. I developed a lot of irritation and to fight that I thought I needed som kind of aftershave
. I bought a bottle of 80% alcoholbased heavily perfumed 'designer' AS. Unfortunately I applied this greeting from Hell to my newly shaved sore face
. SWMBO says only mothers know pain, but I beg to differ. 
. He advised me to immediately stop the electric madness and use a razor and some real soap. After shaving I was instructed to use a balm and during the cold season (when humidity is low in Sweden) to use an emollient cream on top of the balm. Looking back I now realize that I have very sensitive skin, which is getting even more sensitive with age. But thanks to the very good advise I have picked up on this great community I am able to adjust and find blades that work for me. Luckily a lot more blades are readily available now than 7 years ago!
