What keeps you wetshaving?

[SilentTuba]

I've seen plenty of threads where folks ask what got them started wetshaving. What I'm curious about is, what keeps you going? Why not go back to the carts, or an electric? Both are more readily available, and certainly much faster and easier to us, yet we keep using the "old" technology, using brushes with soap or cream, and DEs or straights. What do you love about it that keeps you coming back?

I got started DE shaving to save money on carts, and hopefully avoid razor burn. While I'm perfectly happy using my DE, I've also used a disposable a few times since, and have had excellent results. What keeps me going, though, is the lather. I find more and more that I love the process, and the pursuit of the perfect lather. Using different soaps, and figuring out how to get the most from each one. There is a sense of pride and accomplishment when I make that first stroke with the blade across my skin, and can't feel it, because my lather is so slick. If I had to back to carts, I could, and I'd still get great shaves (having learned a few things over the years DE shaving), but I'll never go back to canned gel again.

 

[SmoovD]

Because it works for me.

 

[SiBurning]

My beard won't stop growing!

 

[Pebcak]

Like Steve said my facial hair also keeps growing and the best most enjoyable way to remove it is wet shaving.

 

[russhatch]

Pretty simple - cost and quality of the shave. I am "suppose" to save money, but that remains to be seen. If I were to find some inoculation for my various AD's I am sure I would ..... but where is the fun it that?

 

[Eeyore]

I've never done it another way. And I never searched for an alternative, because wetshaving worked for me.

 

[Ron Scott]

1. Great shaves.
2. Enjoyment of routine.

 

[lowjax]

Beard keeps growing and Electric gives me tons of razor burn and I hate Carts & Goo. This is about the only option left besides plucking or laser treatment and I'm not pursuing either one of those.

 

[Obiwan]

Results are better and the process is relaxing.

 

[Jarick]

It's a nice way to start the day and I get better shaves than I used to. I do think about doing more cartridge shaving though, still using my brush and soap.

 

[Riff Raff]

1. Great shaves.
2. Enjoyment of routine.

What Ron said.

I love the ritual of prepping my face, loading my brush, and creating a wonderful lather. It almost feels like we are preserving a lost art. Plus the wide variety of different creams and soaps at our disposal is mind boggling. Also using vintage razors. Knowing that countless people have enjoyed the use of these icons gives me a sense of pride. Not to mention the number of different blades and brushes! Finding the right combinations of razor, blade, brush, and soap or cream then the ensuing ballet of BBS shaves is nothing short of glorious.

Yeah, I'm a first class shave nerd!

 

[Shaving_CHENG]

Why not go back to the carts, or an electric? Both are more readily available, and certainly much faster and easier to use

I disagree with easier to use in that, to achieve the level of shave I get using my DE with a a cart or electric, I would have to invest much more time and effort figuring out how to make those products work for me.

I also wouldn't want to do away with the ritual of shaving every morning, and turn it back into a chore.

 

[Riff Raff]

I also wouldn't want to do away with the ritual of shaving every morning, and turn it back into a chore.

Well said, Mike.

 

[Eeyore]

Availability of DE blades is better than good Trac II carts (sharp, no goo strip, vent holes, long lasting).

 

[Shutterbug57]

Quality of shave and the way my face feels.

With goo, my face was dry and uncomfortable. With quality shave soap (Mike's and Vostok), my face feels supple, moisturized and just better.

I shave in the morning and with carts, my best shave felt like 17:00 or so on a day I shave with a DE. If it is my Senator or Sheraton - maybe 20:00. DE shaving easily gives me a 12-15 hour closer shave.

The fact that traditional shaving is more enjoyable is a side benefit to the closer and more comfortable shaves. I started back in traditional shaving in January 2013. I will say that I have had fun buying and trying razors and selling off the ones that were not for me. Sadly, that part is coming to an end as I have identified enough that razors I like - although I will try a few from time to time just to see.

 

[Toltepeceno]

In my case going back to carts or electric means going back to bumps and razor burn. That would be like someone living in beverly hills moving to the slums. Not that I EVER want to live in CA again, just an example.

 

[derjoachim]

What I'm curious about is, what keeps you going?

That perfect Zen moment.I find a good wet shave thoroughly relaxing.

Why not go back to the carts, or an electric? Both are more readily available, and certainly much faster and easier to us,

False. As any head shaver will tell you, the blades are easily clogged.

 

[Capslock]

1. I love vintage things in general, and vintage razors are just as good, if not better, than modern DEs
2. My OCD is satisfied with collecting stuff
3. All the different soaps and scents
4. Restoring old brushes! Fun!
5. You can get a GREAT old razor on ebay for $10, and a terrific puck of soap for $5 bucks. Even with acquisition disorders, this can be a cheap hobby.
6. It really is the best shave
7. I have all this stuff now. I can't just get rid of it all!

 

[Joe_Karp]

I've been shaving since, maybe, I could start. All of my male relatives had clean faces and working for my family it was expected. So I learned on my grandpa's Slim while my father used a Norelco, which I learned to hate; it burned off more than it cut I remember. I went from Trac II to the Sensor Excel, but used Bic disposeables too. About a year ago a friend gifted a Flare tip Superspeed, and I haven't looked back. I have Mergress, HD's, Slim and Fatboy in the mix, and like 'em all. Bottom line: I love quality tools and a great shave!

 

[Purplemonkey]

My whiskers eat electric shavers for breakfast. Used carts but there was no enjoyment, and the shave was a tedious chore. Not to count the razor burn.

Now I look forward to my shaves, I don't need to shave as often and razor burn is all but gone. It is an affect regulator.