Sweeney Todd had no skill

Every wonder if the story of Sweeney Todd isn't really one about a serial killer but just some poor schmuck trying to make a living as a barber and he was just really really bad at it?

I picked up a straight razor (also known as a cut throat or lesser known as an open razor) from my barber a few days ago. Well it is definitely a steep learning curve on these bad boys. I have acquired a few little nicks but nothing that required stitches or a trip to the ER, much to the delight of my wife. I had to lay down the law with my 6 year old with regards to touching daddy's things.

The razor is an interesting little contraption where it takes a normal razor blade but snapped in half so there is no need for a strop or a stone to hone the edge. This might take some of the fun out of the whole idea behind using a straight razor for some at there certainly a ritual aspect to getting your razor's edge ready for use. I like the no nonsense approach of the replaceable edge perhaps when I develop a level of competency I will invest in a true straight razor.

In terms of ease of use I find that short strokes are the single most important technique a shaver can use. I have used a blade for years as the electric version or the razor, in my opinion, is about as useful as tits on a bull. I have long used the Gillette Sensor Excel brand and I love them they are simple to use and do a pretty good job at what I need them to do. What I dislike is the price of them. I buy my blades at Costco so I get a reasonable deal but still they are expensive you are looking at a dollar and change for a blade for the Gillette system as opposed to about 20 cents a blade for a regular razor blade and I get to chop that in half. So from a money stand point they are much cheaper. It does take a little bit of work to get out the bathroom with out looking like you've been punched in the face by Wolverine, but there is a certain satisfaction after a shave with a straight razor. Kind of like connecting with the ancestors of long ago.

Well I am out, with a smooth shave to boot...