Thread: 7 day rotation - a novice's question

I made a spreadsheet of all my razors. When I purchased them, how much, etc. Here is what I found:

1) Up until about 3 months ago, I had two straights.
2) I now have 27.
3) I have a problem.
4) I am more than half way to a 52 week set.

Back on topic, I always thought the seven day set was used in an effort to spread the use and defer the need for honing. Is that believed to be correct, or is it really just a luxury of the past?

Rob, I have seen your blades, at least some. I am willing to help with your problem. You have my address. I will even pay for the shipping!

Asking me to shave with one razor is like asking me to drink one type of Whiskey.
I just ain't gonna do it.
Hmmm, this sounds like a good tag line.

Originally Posted by souschefdude

Rob, I have seen your blades, at least some. I am willing to help with your problem. You have my address. I will even pay for the shipping!

Asking me to shave with one razor is like asking me to drink one type of Whiskey.
I just ain't gonna do it.
Hmmm, this sounds like a good tag line.

Very generous of you to take them off my hands. I think I'll just enter a 12 step program instead.

That said, I am willing to loan you for your use any of my razors. Take your pick. Yours to test drive at no cost.

Thanks man. We'll have to do a swap next we meet...

Originally Posted by rbaker2778

I made a spreadsheet of all my razors. When I purchased them, how much, etc. Here is what I found:

1) Up until about 3 months ago, I had two straights.
2) I now have 27.
3) I have a problem.
4) I am more than half way to a 52 week set.

Back on topic, I always thought the seven day set was used in an effort to spread the use and defer the need for honing. Is that believed to be correct, or is it really just a luxury of the past?

Yes you have a problem as your 3rd point mentions, but it is thoroughly explained in point 4, you are short of the 52 week set. My advice is that you quit slacking and meet the minimum requirements!

I always suggest to beginners to stick with one razor until they are shaving confidently and without irritation. Once you get there then you can add others. The logic of the 7 day set was to minimize the number of times in a year you had to break out the honing stones.

I don't think there really is a 7 day rotation. Folks get that idea because they see 7 day sets. In fact through the years the average Joe owned maybe one or two razors and that was it. 7 day sets were made by manufacturers specifically for their well heeled clients. They were more a status symbol for the rich. Later on they sold 7 day sets as tourist pieces and many of these found their way back to the U.S and other countries.

If someone from say 1890 found themselves transported here to this site they would think they were in the looney bin.

As my RAD strikes again I think I will need to add the dates to the purchases on my register also, as I am at the 26 mark in just over 6 months.
but it's OK because for Xmas my Daughter bought me a knife storage roll that holds about 36 Straights (god bless her, much to SWMBO's amusement with you wont fill that Ha) so I have room for 5 full 7 day sets & a couple of spares
now just to start determining what makes a set, so far I have a the following options layed out
a black horn scaled set
a light horn scaled set
a cream Celluloid scaled set a 13/16"- 1" set
& 2 stub tails for a possible set
& then 2 inherited DE's just to throw a spnner in the works
just need to clean some up & sor t them LOL

Originally Posted by Substance

I believe a pair ...should be a minimum rotation for anyone

I concur, a minimum of two 7 day sets (matched or not),
one to shave with while one gets serviced (self or otherwise).

Originally Posted by mjsorkin

Or if your butler leaves town and one of the lesser servants has to shave you. Then when the butler comes back he can do the stropping.

Michael

I hate it when that happens....