Why do you chose a Straight over a double Edge?

I am rather curious of the answer.

 

Its so cool.....

Plus...after a shave.....I can put the razor in my boot..and im ready for any action

 

Deja Vu?

My answer is I use both, always a variety factor to the shave.

I prefer the straights because I get a better shave but I hate the maintenance and I don't use them if I am pressed for time.

 

For me, straights are the "ultimate" or "top of the mountain" in shaving...there's really nowhere to go from there...so I had to try it. Now I'm hooked.

Jordan

 

Believe it or not I like the look of them, I love to sharpen knifes, the challenge to get the edge sharp enough to cut hair with micro touch pressure, and to wield that steel next to your face with no safety net.
I know lock me up.rofl

 

There is no better shave. No other method provides less (virtually no) skin irritation. Besides I really like the maintenance part. Str8 razor restoration is cool, too. All together it means one has to learn a whole bunch of new (/old=traditional) skills. Once you learned it, you'll be at a point most people will never reach. Yes, it's like sitting on top of a mountain, watching the sun rise. It just feels great!

 

There is a definite coolness factor.

They are a better shave. I shaved with a DE for a decade.

They are way more fun.

They look much more unique.

People think I'm nuts.

I haven't spent a penny on shaving yet this year, and don't expect too next year either. Unless I really really want too. It's totally optional.

 

Beyond the original razor manufacturing, the shave quality is totally up too me....

 

Jordan, Damon, & Klaus summed it up for me; but, like Will, I use straights along with other traditional safety razors.

 

I don't. I choose the best tool(s) for the job I can afford.

 

Me too, but I also wanna be cool like Isaac and do wear boots..lol

 

Interesting so its a combination of coolness and the quality of the shave so far. Any other opinions?

 

I just prefer the old fashioned way of doing anything! Also, shaving with a straight requires a unique way of paying attention, A wide open attention if you will! You can't focus too closely nor can you shave from habit or you are likely to cut your self. Your attention has to be open enough to be mindful of your surroundings so there are no sudden surprises around the corner!
In todays life it is very easy to get lost in what you are doing, walking around with our minds and our eyes closed! To approach using a straight with the same attitude will surely get you hurt!

 

DE=mechanical limits to blade exposure (comb, guard bar, whatever...)

str8=only limit to blade exposure is my steady (or lack thereof ) hand

 

Best tool(s) for the job? Aren't you wielding that Bill Ellis Razor yet.
man that baby is the cats meow.

 

I had wanted to shave with a straight razor for over 30 years, but until recently, had no instruction. Shaving with a straight razor is a challenge, it is a bit old fashioned and fussy with stropping, honing, etc. The quality of shave is directly related to your skill in honing, stropping, and technique. Not at all like slapping a machine made blade into a machine made razor (not that some straights aren't machine made). Not to mention the opportunity to shave with a blade that is over 140 years old and made by a true craftsman.
I tend to think using a straight razor is an acquired taste, like scotch or stout. In addition, its just plain fun and provides, at least in my opinion, a better, more enjoyable shave. Satisfaction somehow, like catching a trout on a fly you tied yourself. I now use a straight razor at every opportunity, and look forward to the shave in a way that is not the case with a DE.
Flatly stated, there is a zen to using a straight that cannot be found with anything else. Good karma, cosmic, whatever.

 

Well said John ::

 

I didn't need to acquire a taste for stout, I apparently already had it!::

 

Here here, pass the Guiness ::

 

Actually, I tend to prefer Porter, but in my youth I frequented an Irish pub and would talk others into trying stout just so I could have their bottle when they decided they didn't like it. :rofl
Somewhat off topic, but I really liked the Labatt's Velvet Cream Porter and, currently, the Sierra Nevada Porter. My current favorite, however, is Leienkugel Sunset Wheat as it is very close to the beer I used to make myself.