Why is a straight razor so satisfying?

[Jakebullet]

Yeah, it’s very satisfying.
When you make an edge that really suits you and every stroke feels so light, effortless and ridiculously effective that it just makes you say ‘wow’ and smile.
There’s no shaving tool that can compare in my own experience.
Just the mildest, most gentle yet ruthlessly efficient thing you can use.

 

[kcb5150]

It like cooking.. You can make it exactly the way you want it.. You can pick the grind you want and tune the edge any way you desire. If there's no damage you have to work around you really aren't locked into anything.

 

[House Boy]

Proves I'm no wuss but I draw a line on eating bugs and John Wayne would be proud of me.

 

[Koop]

I enjoy all aspects of straight razor shaving. What was once a daily chore (shaving) has become a rewarding hobby. I like honing, trying different stones, developing my skills and gaining a feel for the edge. I enjoy finding old razors that are still great shavers. I enjoy current production razors that are handmade by skilled bladesmiths. I enjoy the ritual of face prep and finally I enjoy the resulting shave. It's all good!

 

[bmiller3230]

• Quality of the shave: smoothness and post shave feel
• Blade feel during the shave
• Efficiency/versatility of the shave; ability to do exactly what you want with the tool
• Preparing the razor: the meditative aspect of honing and stropping
• Satisfaction from shaving with your own edges
• Aesthetic appeal of the razors: shapes, grinds, scales, etc
• The well earned smug glow when you are done!

This. And with my particular face, I tend to cut myself more often with a DE or cartridge. I rarely nick myself with a straight

 

[bmiller3230]

I think there is something instinctually attractive about making a sharp edge yourself on a simple tool, and then using the tool. You can refine and measure an aspect of your basic competence at working with your hands.

Right--there is a kind of do-it-yourself, independence to it also

 

[h3hound]

well, i'm just re-starting SE after giving it a shot decades ago. there is something about activities that require 100% focus. the rewards are satisfying, and the mistakes are educational! i could say the same about mountain biking.

 

[GreazyThumbs]

I will not reiterate all of the other great points already covered above as I agree with all of them. For me it was about learning and mastering a lost art of both honing and shaving. I have always had an old soul, so while I embrace technology I normally have a draw to old things / skills.

I truly appreciate all the great artists in the razor community, and love the fact that I shave with beautiful antiques or new and functional pieces of art. Their is something simply sublime about holding and using beautiful tools for something that is now considered a mundane task...

 

[HVenture138]

Its result is the product of practice and a series of tasks that must each be brought to completion. The quality of the shave is the evidence of it all.

 

[Jamolay]

I love the appeal of SE shaving and would love to get into it. The reason seem visceral more than rational. I am a head shaver and am more than capable of ruining my poor sensitive scalp with a DE razor, so fear keeps me away.

 

[Doc Dan]

I love the appeal of SE shaving and would love to get into it. The reason seem visceral more than rational. I am a head shaver and am more than capable of ruining my poor sensitive scalp with a DE razor, so fear keeps me away.

A straight razor and a concentrated delicate touch will leave you feeling wonderful. Fear, at first, is a good thing. I used to feel afraid, also. I finally watched some videos. Some make it seem so complicated and kind of off putting. Then, I saw some that showed the simplicity aand I thought, "Is that all there is to it?" I bought a good vintage razor, a Japanese H. Diamond 1000, from a local guy and a strop from Duke City and I was off. The first shave I was scared, but I did it and no cuts, no weepers, no bumps, no irritation. In my thousands of shaves I have nicked myself four times. That's it. Even shaving the top of my head and the back of my neck are easy. I go easy and concentrate on each stroke. If I can do this, you can do it, too.

 

[Jamolay]

A straight razor and a concentrated delicate touch will leave you feeling wonderful. Fear, at first, is a good thing. I used to feel afraid, also. I finally watched some videos. Some make it seem so complicated and kind of off putting. Then, I saw some that showed the simplicity aand I thought, "Is that all there is to it?" I bought a good vintage razor, a Japanese H. Diamond 1000, from a local guy and a strop from Duke City and I was off. The first shave I was scared, but I did it and no cuts, no weepers, no bumps, no irritation. In my thousands of shaves I have nicked myself four times. That's it. Even shaving the top of my head and the back of my neck are easy. I go easy and concentrate on each stroke. If I can do this, you can do it, too.

If I may ask, how long does it take you to shave your whole head with a straight? Time is a limiting factor for me. I know it would take a while the first few dozen shaves, but when you are more skilled, what is the time like?