Why so many guys are turned off by straight razors

Question time...

Why are so many guys turned off by straight razors?

Is it the maintenance?

Ive done it on and off for the past 3 years and sold off all my stuff a few times and always return to it.

Besides maintaining your razor and the initial out lay.... ...My personal opinion is that guys are just not getting the edge thats needed. I had this problem for a long time until i paid Max Specher a visit to get my razor honed.

This guy put such a smooth edge to my razor.

I think there are far too many “hone Guru’s” out there

I still use my single edge hawk and my Gillette slim but my weekends are for a nice straight razor shave.





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For me it’s a time issue. I have literally more than 100 straights and probably 30 of them could be picked up, stropped, and comfortably used.

I just don’t have the time anymore. I’m up at 430 every morning, and have just enough time to get a 2-pass head shave using one of my faithful DE razors before I need to head out to catch my commute bus to work.

It takes at least 45 minutes to get a clean 2-pass head shave with a straight. It takes about 15 minutes with a DE.

I have countless knives and stones, and I am reasonably good at achieving and maintaining an edge on a variety of stones. Sharpening knives and razors and broadhead arrow points by hand is another hobby of mine, so for me maintenance isn’t the issue.

It just takes a long time and I have a tone of other things that are necessary and:or enjoyable to accomplish, so I’d rather get the shave over and done with so I can move on to other tasks...


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For me it’s a time issue. I have literally more than 100 straights and probably 30 of them could be picked up, stropped, and comfortably used.

I just don’t have the time anymore. I’m up at 430 every morning, and have just enough time to get a 2-pass head shave using one of my faithful DE razors before I need to head out to catch my commute bus to work.

It takes at least 45 minutes to get a clean 2-pass head shave with a straight. It takes about 15 minutes with a DE.

I have countless knives and stones, and I am reasonably good at achieving and maintaining an edge on a variety of stones. Sharpening knives and razors and broadhead arrow points by hand is another hobby of mine, so for me maintenance isn’t the issue.

It just takes a long time and I have a tone of other things that are necessary and:or enjoyable to accomplish, so I’d rather get the shave over and done with so I can move on to other tasks...


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Thanks for your reply.

This is why i leave my straight razor shave for the weekend.

I really look forward to it if i wait a week at a time.

100 straights!! Damn....i have 2

Might buy another one soon though.

Looking at a Thiers issard 7/8


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For me, health insurance issue. I do admire those using straight razors daily.

Time and maintenance are turn offs for me. I get great shave from DEs.

This year, 40% of my shaves are SR shaves. It would be higher if not -

1) Shoulder RSI that is aggravated by Stropping (or any repetitive motion)
2) Maintenance - wipe razor after use, oil it before storing etc - I know it doesn't take much time, but these aren't things I enjoy doing
3) Quality of shaves - I have been using SRs for 3+ years, I still get much better shaves with DEs, SEs, and even Carts
4) Pre-shave requirement - I can't get a good SR shave without a shower first, but I can with a DE

For me its the time required to properly prepare and maintain a straight razor - when I started with the wet shaving a few years back I read up on what was involved in shaving with a straight razor.  Nope - not for me.  I get the right balance of comfort and convenience with DE razors.  I'm happy with DE.

I see why guys are turned off but for me i keep it simple.

I get my razor honed and all i do is a little strop on a weekend and have one relaxing shave.

I personally don’t oil or do much to my razor.
I just dry it off with a towel and pop it back in the cupboard.

No need to complicate it...

Simple strop, shave, dry and im done. Not much longer than a DE shave.


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I bought a Gold Dollar that was professionally honed and sharpened by a forum member. It worked pretty well, notwithstanding my total lack of technique or experience. I used it twice. The maintenance was clearly a factor as was the time needed. But I do want to take some more time to get the technique down so I can use it when I have nothing else to do.

I have ruined razors by simply drying/wiping and not oiling before. So anyone new, please figure out whether your living situation permits not oiling before making a decision.