Traditional Bloodletting
I love shaving. To be more precise, I love shaving now. I used to hate the ordeal and wore stubble as often as possible. Fortunately fashion had deemed this look perfectly acceptable—especially if you have a dimpled chin or Roman cheekbones (both of which I lack)—but never mind that. I now love shaving.
I’m a sucker for traditional things, especially traditional masculine things. Perhaps it is because I’m of the Generation-X-lost-male-identity thing that this appeals to me. I could either go all Fight Club, or shave like my grandfather. Don’t get me wrong, there are times when I want nothing more than to throw—or receive—a punch, and I’ve done that, but shaving is much more acceptable of an outlet and something that is far easier to do.
In the last few weeks I have tossed my can of gel shaving cream and my Gillette Fusion powered razor in favor of a badger hair brush, a tub of cream and a double-edged safety razor. I’ll never go back.
There is something in the whole shaving ritual that is hard to describe, but it’s a combination of zen like meditation, total pampering and feeling macho. I have no interest in the metrosexual idea of manicures and facials; but creating a good lather, brushing it on your face and gliding a single blade over it definitely is something every man should try. I enjoy the feeling of spoiling myself like Little Lord Fauntleroy tempered with the knowledge that this is probably how John Wayne did it.
The other upshot of this shaving method is Mi Mujer, Mrs. Yanqui, loves it. She no longer complains about whisker burn and is willing to indulge me in my eBay razor purchases. My recent purchase being a Gillette Milord that was manufactured between 1947 and 1950 I look forward to shaving with. Something about shaving with 60-year-old razor made for the generation before my father began shaving appeals to me.
Of course, my mother informs me that my Grandfather used a straight razor, but baby steps. I’m sure I’ll get there eventually. Call me a nerd, call me a shave geek, but at least I’ll be well groomed.
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April 20th, 2008 at 11:26 pm
You are trying to sell me something. I’m certain of it.
I hate shaving, and I do it about twice a week, usually because I have to. Could someone please come up with a hair remover that I can spray on, wash off, and get it over with?
Oh, and could you make that spray last for a couple of weeks? Thanks.
April 22nd, 2008 at 12:27 pm
Ah, shaving, the never ending nightmare. Each day I need to go through the same hell before going to work - 20 minutes of work with that god damned electric razor I got for Christmas. I don’t cut myself, but my skin usually acts up and my face (and especially my neck) turns red for half a day.
Maybe you are right, maybe the traditional razor is the way to go, to turn this morning hell into a ritual I will be looking forward to. I guess I will not know until I try, right ?
April 22nd, 2008 at 5:16 pm
Definitely enjoy shaving with hot lather and a straight blade… kinda rewarding in its own right.
April 22nd, 2008 at 5:47 pm
Sorry, not convinced. Facial hair is no longer essential for us evolved humans, and having to scrape it off my face every day is a tremendous waste of time. The quicker I can do it, the better. Gel and Gilette Fusion work the quickest for me…
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:28 am
i definitely like shaved men. its the grace factor that would attract.
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:20 pm
For me shaving is ordeal plain and simple. Can’t use electrical razors as my skin simply won’t tolerate it(yes my neck goes red to the point I can’t stand it) so more traditional way is the only way form me and yes I do cut myself occasionally especially when the dog barges into the bathroom with the idea that it would be real fun to play at that particular moment. I’m just happy I haven’t cut my nose of or something similar on those mornings that I can’t even keep my eyes open properly not to mention ability to focus on shaving.
April 24th, 2008 at 11:58 am
I prefer to shave in the shower because your pores open and there’s les of a chance to cut yourself. No rashes either.
April 24th, 2008 at 9:20 pm
Hm, you are totally opposite from some guys I know. Those 20 minutes you speak of are usually most boring time of the day. I wonder, will those hair ever stop growing, we dont use them anyway
April 25th, 2008 at 5:36 pm
I hate shaving. The electric razor is definitely a mistake, though. I get a horrible rash from those torture devices.
April 25th, 2008 at 8:04 pm
Shaving!! I don’t like it at all. I have to shave daily and its really painful for me. I want relief from it
April 25th, 2008 at 8:08 pm
Yes Irene Rose you are right. its the grace factor but you for got to mention that its really such a painful think.
April 27th, 2008 at 6:13 pm
You are right Irene Rose
April 28th, 2008 at 8:36 pm
Where can I get one of those razors at? i would like to try one.
April 30th, 2008 at 12:14 am
Can’t say that I like shaving. I put it off a lot!
April 30th, 2008 at 6:01 pm
I think that was a pretty good post. I couldn’t do it
. Keep up the good work.
April 30th, 2008 at 6:21 pm
I have to agree I hate shaving. In fact what I usually do these days is just run a hair trimmer over my face once or twice a weak on its lowest setting. It doesnt get me smooth but it does get me to a short enough stubble that I can walk around in acceptable society without being labeled a big foot monster
May 2nd, 2008 at 7:24 pm
I hate shaving…absolutely hate it. If I could, I would get laser hair removal on my face so I don’t ever have to deal with it again. I do it every few days or so, just to keep from scratching the face of my girlfriend.
May 2nd, 2008 at 9:45 pm
I wish I could invent something that could eliminate the fuss of shaving because there is clearly a market.
For all you guys that hate shaving: try out a traditional method sometime. You don’t have to go whole hog, just pick up a decent brush and a nice cream and try it out. You might change your mind.
My shaves have been progressively getting better and better. I think my skin has really benefited and I no longer get the irritated red spots or bumps. It also turns a chore into something enjoyable, which in my opinion, is the principle attraction. Well, that and the fact that my wife loves it which brings benefits.
May 5th, 2008 at 7:44 pm
I hate shaving too. I have to use a very gently soap, and I don’t shave everyday. It would be way too harsh. Thanks for the informative post.
June 20th, 2008 at 7:47 pm
Laser hair removal is the best answer to most parts of the body
August 12th, 2008 at 10:13 pm
I’m a stylist and always sold a lot of shaving cream - (the one that sold the best for me is in my URL of my name above.) I think you guys have it so easy!
Do you know how much longer it takes to shave a leg? Let alone 2 legs and 2 armpits!! It’s the one thing (ok, the 4 things) that make me dawdle in the morning on my way to the shower!
October 16th, 2008 at 10:01 am
I love it– you know, the whole thing is psychological, and you nailed it: if you have to do it every day, why not try and enjoy it, and if that includes using using a couple of implements with a lot more character than a plastic handle and a $2 can of foam, then fine.
Having gotten my shaving experience squirted at me from out of a can for years, it was REALLY a nice change to switch to the lather from a nice soft brush, and a 2-sided safety razor! Something more organic maybe, or at least less mechanical about it…
Again, if we have to do it regularly I think it’s smart to make the experience pleasurable, instead of choosing to make it drudgery; in my opinion it is a choice….