Part of why I love using straights is each one in special, has its own story. The razors of mine which are rusted and pited still shave. They have had a life. My mint razors were forged with care and in a time where people took pride in their craft. My Wade and Butchers come from 1820 a time of revolutions! I have razors like one of my Wostenholms which the previous owner carved their name in the scales. It was a different time. When I use a straight I get to participate in that time. I strop, and hone my razors. I clean them of their rust, I make my own lather not stuff shot out of a can. When a razor tugs I know how to fix it. I know which stone to take it to when I want to polish the edge. It's taking the hobby that wet shaving made out of the daily chore while using cartridge razors, and made it a craft.
Hi and welcome. Straights are my favorite razors because they look cool. I tend to prefer modern artisan made blades. I enjoy the beauty, craftsmanship and it feels good to know that trade continues to live. It also provides zen time for me, it requires me complete focus, I can not think about anything else. I get similar results from my safety razors but I give a slight edge to my straights for irritation. We can customize the edge of the blade to our face by our choice of honing stones and style. Straights are the ultimate adjustable. It feels masculine. In a world that tends towards androgyny and sometimes vilifies masculinity I revel in the fact that shaving with a straight is a truly ‘manly’ activity.
Welcome from Connecticut. I couldn't agree more, both about the sense of history of some of these old blades and about the few minutes of zen before I start my day. In age of constant information flow, smart phones, email, social media, etc. It's one of the few times each day where I'm totally focused on one thing and one thing only (maybe I should try meditating...)
I use straights because I get great satisfaction in accomplishing something that most men would never dare do. Also, I like that I am continuing an old-time shaving method. I have vintage razors and I wonder about the life of the men who previously used my razors. Finally, it's fun and challenging to shave with a straight razor.
