Straight edge razors are kind of like cast iron pans: there is a little more upkeep, but the amount needed is blown out of proportion by enthusiasts on the inte

Straight edge razors are kind of like cast iron pans: there is a little more upkeep, but the amount needed is blown out of proportion by enthusiasts on the internet. For myself (with corse hair) upkeep means a minute of stropping before every use, a couple of minutes on a pasted strop every other weekend or so, and a barber's hone once or twice a year. It's certainly more upkeep than anything with a replaceable blade, but I don't find it too onerous; actually, I take pride and satisfaction in maintaining my tools so the time spent is worth it to me. As to cutting oneself, I can count on one hand the number of times I've nicked myself in 20ish years with a straight razor.