One of the blogs I read regularly is by author Stephanie Faris. Recently -- like, roughly two and a half months ago -- Stephanie wrote a very brief but entertaining post called "Writers Don't Use Typewriters."
In that post, Stephanie explained how "the typewriter continues to be the universal symbol of 'writer'," although most modern writers seem to have adapted quite well to that newfangled gadget called the "computer." (I assume you've heard of them.)
Similarly, the straight razor seems to be the universal razor for those who shave in movies or on television... and that's the real subject of today's post.
Most of the guys I know shave with one of those multi-blade monstrosities that have been on the market for half a century, more or less.
So. Let me ask all of you female readers something: Does your husband or boyfriend shave with a straight razor?
And to all my male readers: Do you shave with a straight razor?
I've heard that straight razor use is on the rise, but are they really that prevalent? Or is this just a purposeful misrepresentation, possibly to avoid publicizing any particular brand of multi-blade razor by showing it in use?
Just curious.
Thanks for your time.
I use an electric one, waaaaay faster and less fuss, cheaper too in the end as any good razor blades cost a ton. Doesn't get every last hair, but what do I care
ReplyDeleteI tried using an electric shaver once, but the lather got it all jammed up...
DeleteWhich is why I never buy good razor blades, Cat. I use those plastic disposable ones with only two blades. I hate those ten blades in one things, Mr Silver Fox. For some reason I always end up cutting myself.
DeleteThe multi-blade things are very difficult to clean, too....
DeleteAs is my chin after I've butchered it with a ten blade razor...
DeleteOkay, what is a computer? I use a typewriter that has WiFi, oh all right, I confess its a laptop, BUT I love typewriters. Anyway, on to the actual topic, my official answer is:
ReplyDelete"A straight razor? Hahahaha, pffffft. Of course not, he uses the darn electric razor and avoids cutting his head off." :)
I tried using an electric shaver once, but the lather got it all jammed up... Oh, wait, just used that one.
DeleteHmmmm... I haven't shaved in years. I use scissors to trim my beard, though.
ReplyDeleteI was wondering if you'd comment on this one, Roy!
DeleteI don't know how Willy Dunne Wooters shaves. Sometimes he doesn't bother. Then he has a fuzzy face as if he is one of the boys (doggy style).
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
Really? You've never seen him shave?
DeleteDid she say... doggy style?
DeleteShe certainly did.
DeleteYAY! Thank you for mentioning me. No, my husband uses an electric razor. In desperation (on vacation, for instance) he'll use a multi-blade razor, but I don't know if he's ever used a straight razor. I'll have to ask. I always thought of that as something old-timey.
ReplyDeleteAnother interesting note--while the VAST majority of people use PCs, Apple laptops seem to be the most prominent laptops in movies and TV shows. Nobody's really sure why, except maybe they're popular in Hollywood.
Hm. Another electric razor user? Maybe they're more prevalent than I thought.
DeleteI think Apple laptops are seen more often as Apple pays big bucks to advertise in movies and on TV.
DeleteThat could be it.
DeleteElectric shaver. No nicks or cuts for me!
ReplyDeleteWow. This informal poll sure is being dominated by electric shaver users!
DeleteI guess some of the old things still stick. Manly for symbolic purposes.
ReplyDeleteI actually once saw an add for a razor shaving service. Looks like some old fashion things are trying to make a come back.
According to Wikipedia: The 2012 James Bond film, Skyfall, has renewed interest in straight razors due to a scene when the agent shaves with one and his co-star Naomie Harris helps him finish shaving while remarking that “sometimes the old ways are the best”. Online straight razor retailers have reported increased sales ranging from 50% to over 400% due to the exposure generated by the film.
DeleteMy hubby uses an electric shaver when he's trimming the scruff (like if he's leaving 1/4" all over), but when he's actually shaving for smoothness, he uses a multi-bladed razor with a changeable head. I never would have thought five blades would make that much of a difference, but really does, for stability as well. Our oldest son has expressed an interest in trying a straight razor, but admits to being afraid he'll accidentally land himself in the hospital. We all know our limits. ;)
ReplyDeleteHm. Yet another electric shaver user. I see a conspiracy here...
DeleteI'd love to have one. For me, probably because of my Native American blood, I didn't get much facial hair until my late 20's. So I really don't have to shave much. I still like the idea of a straight razor over the others.
ReplyDeleteIt takes practice to master one, I must say.
Deleteand the dial telephone image is used for "phones"
ReplyDeletei never really thought about it, but icons are probably the hardest thing to change. straight razors are scary, but i can imagine a barber using one - and a killer!!
Especially Sweeney Todd, who was a barber and a killer!
ReplyDelete