Your best reasons to switch to Straight Edge

[K.T.]

Hi,

A month-and-a-half of DE wet shaving under my belt, and I'm getting some really good, irritation-free BBS shaves.

I'm really intrigued by using a straight razor, and even picked up a vintage one at a local antique store. Before jumping in, however, I'm waiting to get settled with my DE setup.

If I'm getting really nice BBS shaves with my DE, what are the reasons to switch to a straight?

Two that draw me in are:

1) it's a more sustainable option to than shaving with a DE or cartridge razor. No blades or cartridges to discard. I like this a lot. Just knowing that I'll be set up for many years with a straight razor and a few maintenance tools is very satisfying to me.

2) There's an exclusive, highly-skilled cachet to shaving with a straight. It requires a level of mastery and dedication, which I like. Because there's some danger involved, it has a "cool" image, which I also like. Gives you a level of mystery and intrigue amongst your peers.

What are your reasons?

I haven't started, yet, but can't wait to. I don't know how it will work out in practice, but this kind of thing is right up my alley.

Best,
K.T.

 

[bonusmarple]

Chicks dig it!

 

[Luc]

Chicks dig it!

Cost, didn't like the process. Didn't like to throw out a thin of shaving cream every month.

Now, it's a hobby, not a chore!

 

[Bertilak]

Three reasons...

1. I like the looks of straights and strops, not to mention brushes and other accessories.
2. I like the challenge of learning a skill and the pride at having done so.
3. I like the feeling of independence -- once able to hone my own razors, a goal which I think I have just achieved.

 

[The Knize]

All of the preceeding reasons are appiicable. Although the second part of the OP's reason 2 may be the real reason, except that any time I tell anyone I shave with a straight razor they look at me like I am crazy. No great props amoung my peer group, I guess.

Ultimate control, i guess would be another reason--of the quality of the edge of the blade and of the shaving technique. Nothing to get in the way of the blades contact with your face.

I am convinced, too, that there is something in a human being that bonds with a sharp piece of steel, be it a samauri sword or a straight razor that is extremely satisfying. It is apart from me but also a part of me. I wield it, but I also respect it. Lots of Zen stuff to shaving!

 

[riooso]

I know it is different for everyone but for me;

1. My skin has never been better.
2. The closeness of the shave is second to none.
3. The smoothness of the shave is incredible.

Added to this list, which is common to all wet shaving, are the great soaps and brushes available.


Take Care,
Richard

 

[The Mick]

When I first moved here to North Carolina I lived in my van for a month until I got a place. In that time I went to one of the many barbers by the Marine base here for a shave. I was amazed at the closeness of the shave and realized for the first time I had no ingrown hairs or razor rash. I usually get ingrown hairs that turn into boils. I had none for the first time after a shave. I than decided I needed to be able to do this myself. It was only than that I learned about how relaxing and Zen it could be. This is why I do it.

 

[Uncle Erik]

I learned many years ago because I was tired of buying cartridges and the idea of one non-disposable razor really appealed to me. The "danger" aspect was pretty cool, too. Yes, friends and women reacted with horror when they saw the straight next to the sink. I also enjoyed the peace and single-mindedness that comes when using one.

Unfortunately, that was also part of the undoing for me. While I got great shaves, the process would sometimes take up to 45 minutes. So I went back to cartridges for awhile before becoming disgusted with the cost and waste a year ago. I've gone back to DE and have been satisfying my RAD recently.

I still have my straights and will probably take it up again in retirement.

 

[Ignatius]

While you don't dispose of blades when using a straight, you may have to send it off to be honed a few times a year.

 

[O.G.]

Straight Razors allowed me more control over my shave. I was able to pick a single hair on my face and wack it off when I have a goatee or something else. I am also able to line the front of my hair up like my barber so that I can be clean cut even when I havent been to the barbershop. My girlfriend even enjoys it so much that she does it for me sometimes because its a bonding moment and she feels like shes really good at it and she is. Its simplifys things in the bathroom if your able to control your RAD, SAD, HAD, etc. Its also kinda fun to prepare everything for a close shave then step back and marvel at the mastery of your skills as they improve.

 

[Chimensch]

I love all the answers I've read so far. The one I'd like to add is the bond that develops between a man and his tools that gets deeper and more intense the better he knows how to use and care for them. I love getting to know the razor, the stones I use to hone, the brushes and the soap.