Is shaving with a straight razor really worth the price and effort?

I have an electric razor I use. Personally I like to have a little stubble on my face. Chicks dig the Jack Buer, 24, look.

I have wanted to switch to a straight razor as well, but was always too worried I will cut my face and or jugular open.

Not really, I used to shave with a straight razor for about three years. Then the fancy new three blade safety razors came out and I gave up the straight.

Unless you’re one who likes a ritual. It’s like a tea ceremony.

straight razors are both chic and expensive. but dude, shave with that blade while your SO looks on and it is the ultimate woman magnet. “because you can!”

i’d go with straight in a heartbeat. very clean shave. very precise. very MAN. currently i only shave with a double-edged old school razor. best smooth shave in the world.

My friend uses a straight razor. He likes it, but seriously I think he does it for the “it’s cool” effect because he’s dropped it once or twice and had to smooth nicks out—too forever. The constructors were fixing a window in his room, it fell, got a bit out, again he has to smooth forever.

But he likes it.

I guess shaving purists would use nothing but the straight razor. It is kinda sexy.

Frankly, since you asked, I am happier with my electric. I have a beard, and use it every 3–4 days on my cheeks and neck. That’s enough for me. I buy a new electric shaver every few years at $30. Nice.

The straight razor is a fun ritual. The soap and brush is the most fun, in my experience. I use a safety razor, not a straight razor. I think a Mach 3 or a Fusion will usually give you a better shave than a straight or safety razor, but using a brush and a real razor is fun. And a straight razor is probably going to be less expensive than using a cartridge. Badger & Blade is a good resource for soaps/brushes/razors/blades.

As a side note, my husband fantasizes about me shaving him with a straight razor. He tells me it would be so ‘hot’. Should I do it?

There is nothing better than getting a fresh straight razor shave, either by a barber or if you’re skilled enough by yourself. As for me, I have perfected the art of shaving using a DE safety razor or a straight razor. [Link removed by Fluther]