>>23
My dear fellow, what are razors but keenly sharpened knives? Each tool has a purpose that brought it into existence. The razor is a knife for grooming the gentleman's facial hair, and traditionally kept razor sharp by the gentleman to keep it at functioning capacity. A pocket knife, hunting knife, jungle knife, or broad sword each have their own cutting duties.

I cannot imagine eating an apple with something as unwieldy as a broad sword or going into honorable combat with only a pocket knife, can you?

Lads, I regret to inform you that we all had the wool pulled over our eyes when large razor manufacturers such as Gillette and Schick claimed that their newfangled double, triple, quadruple, and even five-bladed cartridge razors offered a better shave.
This leaves two main choices: Straight razors and double-edged safety razors. Straight razors (known to less gentlemanly circles as "cut-throat razors) offer the finest shaves and the greatest control, but they demand a considerable investment of one's time and pocketbook to properly maintain the blade.
For less leisurely gentlemen, the double-edged safety razor (as illustrated) is an excellent choice. They use disposable and inexpensive blades in a sturdy frame which reduces the risk of cuts.
For either method, one will need quality shaving soap or cream, a shaving brush of either badger hair or boar bristle, and copious hot water. "Wet Shaving", as it is known, may demand more time but the end result is the transformation of shaving from a chore to a gentlemanly indulgence. I recommend these resources:

http://www.badgerandblade.com/

http://artofmanliness.com/2008/01/04/how-to-shave-like-your-grandpa/

http://lifehacker.com/5313711/learn-the-economical-art-of-wet-shaving

>>23
Preposterous. Do you also feel "real gents" should use gardening spades in place of ladles?

As this fine man >>27 has already set forth in a decidedly more friendly tone than myself, every tool is created with a purpose, and denying that tool its intended purpose just to fulfill some sort of barbarian perception of what being a gentleman truly means is, well, rather silly.

That is all I have to say.

Sir, you appear to have pictured a razor, touted as a gentlemanly alternative to a razor.

>>30

This gentleman speaks the truth. I suggest that you heed the warning. Large razor manufactures have indeed created a solution to a problem that had not existed. Though I have never shaved with or owned a straight razor, I had done a bit of research a couple of months ago while considering a purchase. I found the following website very helpful, and full of friendly enthusiasts that are willing to help beginners.

http://straightrazorplace.com/content/

I do, however, shave with an old Gillette safety razor. It was a gift from my grandfather, however they can be had for very cheep on online auction websites. The blades are extremely cheep (100 double edge blades for around $10-$15) and offer a very comfortable, close, and enjoyable shave. I highly recommended exploring this option.

>>38
Pray tell, why do you spell the term "cheap" so barbarically? Gentleman, I do conclude the possibility of an uneducated simpleton in our midst.

SAGE has been used.

>>23
For each task, as previously noted, there is a tool. Whilst the straight razor is indeed my weapon of choice, it is still a razor. One suspects you are not accustomed to the subtleties of true gentlemanhood, or, dare I say, manhood?

Gentlemen, allow me to interject with my two cents on this if you would. Around 2 years ago i decided to make the change to a simpler device for shaving (that being a straight razor) mainly based on the nostalgic novelty of the idea. However, shortly after learning the proper use of the tool, i decided that i would never go back to a multiblade cartridge razor ever again. The level of comfort you can achieve from a straight razor is simply unsurpassed by any other razor. After a proper warm towel and lather with a brush, not from a pressurized can and a good stropping on a nicely honed blade. A gentleman can truly get a proper shave done so well it needs to be followed by a cigar and a shot of bourbon.

In this link i have a video from back when i was still learning to properly shave. enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRGqC6pJtmI&list=UUkUznTZ9PfD0rDqBxrXEtvw&index=13&feature=plcp

>>41
Bravo sir, bravo.

I have long pondered the idea of procuring a straight razor with which to maintain my usual visage. Where might I acquire such a razor of value and quality in addition to other necessary accessories?

>>90

I would suggest a visit to whippeddog(dot)com for the man who would just be starting his adventure in wet shaving. He cleverly removes most decisions the lay shaver would have to make by giving a "sight unseen" bargain. The Whipped Dog will explain how this is beneficial on his web site.

Straight razor shaving is no menial task, as it will take at least two months for a gentleman to learn his own face. Not all men have the determination to continue after a few unpleasant shaves. However those who stay on the path are rewarded with fifteen to thirty minutes of self pampering that only a gentleman would appreciate.

I wish you the best of luck in this endeavor and I will leave you with this....

Do not shave in the buff. A dropped razor will be quite the hazard for your favorite appendage. A piece of advice I received when I began shaving as a gentleman.

Here, here, old chaps and good show all around. I too have forsaken the greedy cartridge razor fat cats and have found nothing but nectar in my resulting shave.

I shall raise my glass of bourbon in your honor and spirit.