Why you should at least learn how to shave with a straight razor.
Chances are, if you are reading this blog post, you are aware of what a straight razor shave is. For men, it is the terror of dragging a single bladed knife (fondly referred to by some as a cut-throat) across the face and neck. I have been shaving for 11 years and in that time constantly searching for the best shave. A couple of years back I found this article and it changed my life. Being a millennial, I assumed the world of shaving was limited to overpriced disposable razors and messy, stinky shaving creams, and noisy electric razors because that's what I saw my dad use and that's what the TV told me worked best. If you are like I was and have no idea what else there is, make sure you click on that hyperlink. Since reading that article, I had been using a safety razor and shave soap. That's a fine way to shave, and if you haven't tried it, it's worth the look. This winter I finally mustered up the courage to try shaving with a straight razor.
I'm going to admit something to you right off the bat here - I haven't been using my straight razor for two weeks yet, but I already know it's how I intend to shave until they come up with a better option than there is right now (for the record, right now is 1/6/14). When I shave now, I use a Dovo Shavette (the straight razor equivalent of a disposable), a (admittedly cheap) brush from Amazon, and Taylor of Old Bond Street shave soap. I used the same soap and brush while using the my safety razor, and I decided not to invest in a cheap fixed blade straight razor or invest around $200 on something I was unsure of. The Shavette was the perfect way to go for me. It's cheap, sharp, and I couldn't recommend it more if you are thinking about trying a straight razor out.
But why should you try shaving with technology that's older than your father? Glad you asked.
First of all, it's not as dangerous as you'll let your imagination tell you it is. In my almost two weeks, I have not cut myself once. That's an amazing feat for me. I don't know if I have ever gone more than two days without nicking some bump or pressing too hard. I have no evidence for why this is, though my best guess is that the blade is totally under the shaver's control. It's not fixed to a handle or a series of other blades. You can wield it like a foil - agile and accurate, instead of the club that is a modern day Gillette or Schick.
But why should you try shaving with technology that's older than your father? Glad you asked.
First of all, it's not as dangerous as you'll let your imagination tell you it is. In my almost two weeks, I have not cut myself once. That's an amazing feat for me. I don't know if I have ever gone more than two days without nicking some bump or pressing too hard. I have no evidence for why this is, though my best guess is that the blade is totally under the shaver's control. It's not fixed to a handle or a series of other blades. You can wield it like a foil - agile and accurate, instead of the club that is a modern day Gillette or Schick.
It also (has been claimed by others that it) is the closest shave a man can have. I'll admit another something to you - I'm not completely practiced yet. Most of my shaves are pretty good, definitely passable at work, and every once in a while I will get it just right and find that there is merit to the claim that this is the closest shave possible. I have been able to shave smooth to the point that there is no evidence of a beard to the touch. That's pretty darn close, especially considering I was in no pain afterwords, not even razor burn. I'll be sure to update my readers on whether or not I am able to achieve this.
One of my favorite parts of waking up and shaving with a straight razor is that it makes me feel like James Bond every morning. Granted, this is a very superficial value to hold, but it has been shown many times that what you think of yourself directly affects your happiness and success. Waking up and feeling like a world-famous gentleman affects the way I operate throughout the day, and I like it.
Finally, the straight razor shave is the most intimate thing I have ever done for myself, and it's likely to remain that way. When learning how to shave with a straight razor, I had to learn my face. That sounds silly, but it actually made me realize that I couldn't pick my own face out of a lineup if I were blind. I had to learn every curve, every pit and bump. I had to pay attention to which direction my beard grows in. I need to know where the skin is soft and malleable and where my face is ridged and unforgiving - where it is tough, and also where it is sensitive. I had to learn to fear myself, and then I had to learn to use it to keep my face smooth yet safe.
Ladies, this is something you should learn to do too, not for your own legs and underarms, but if you ever want to win a man over. I've seen a bunch of lists that are something along the lines of, "Blow Your Man Away with these 10 Sexy Moves." I promise that if you have seen this list and, "Give him a straight razor shave," was not on there, it was either written by a another woman who sleeps with bros from bars and calls it research, a bro who goes to bars to sleep with chicks, a man-child who can not yet grow a beard, or a hipster. Regardless of what you have read, giving your man a hot foam, straight razor shave is one of the most arousing acts you can give to a man (assuming you don't slice his face). Understand and respect the complete trust a man has in another person who offers to shave his face, let alone with a straight razor - don't abuse it. If you want to learn how to give a shave, here's a pretty decent and short video.
So gentlemen, do yourself a favor and learn how to shave using a straight razor.
One of my favorite parts of waking up and shaving with a straight razor is that it makes me feel like James Bond every morning. Granted, this is a very superficial value to hold, but it has been shown many times that what you think of yourself directly affects your happiness and success. Waking up and feeling like a world-famous gentleman affects the way I operate throughout the day, and I like it.
Finally, the straight razor shave is the most intimate thing I have ever done for myself, and it's likely to remain that way. When learning how to shave with a straight razor, I had to learn my face. That sounds silly, but it actually made me realize that I couldn't pick my own face out of a lineup if I were blind. I had to learn every curve, every pit and bump. I had to pay attention to which direction my beard grows in. I need to know where the skin is soft and malleable and where my face is ridged and unforgiving - where it is tough, and also where it is sensitive. I had to learn to fear myself, and then I had to learn to use it to keep my face smooth yet safe.
Ladies, this is something you should learn to do too, not for your own legs and underarms, but if you ever want to win a man over. I've seen a bunch of lists that are something along the lines of, "Blow Your Man Away with these 10 Sexy Moves." I promise that if you have seen this list and, "Give him a straight razor shave," was not on there, it was either written by a another woman who sleeps with bros from bars and calls it research, a bro who goes to bars to sleep with chicks, a man-child who can not yet grow a beard, or a hipster. Regardless of what you have read, giving your man a hot foam, straight razor shave is one of the most arousing acts you can give to a man (assuming you don't slice his face). Understand and respect the complete trust a man has in another person who offers to shave his face, let alone with a straight razor - don't abuse it. If you want to learn how to give a shave, here's a pretty decent and short video.
So gentlemen, do yourself a favor and learn how to shave using a straight razor.
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