Thread: Multiple razors - why?

Many thanks to Trimmy72 for identifying my newest malady .... Razor Acquisition Disorder...lol. I bought my first straight a month ago ... a Dovo Best Quality ... now that I have 6 razors, 2 strops, apparently every stone Norton makes, and various and sundry shaving creams and aftershaves etc ... lol ... I find that I really enjoy this as a hobby. I am intent on starting my first restoration project, and it is kinda cool to shave with these old things you snipe off of ebay and then hone to near perfection and recycle them in effect. That and it is not hunting season here (spring gobbler ended in May) and there is kind of a perverse pleasure in sniping a razor off of Ebay with 7 seconds left on the bid ...lol.

I agree, as a newbee SR shaver, I really didn't know the difference between an Aust, Dovo, or any other SR out there. Still learning but I have 3 SRs, two of them Dovo which were acquired on the initial entry into SR shaving. One a 5/8 and one a 6/8. Wanted to try them both for feel and shave quality - but most importantly, one as back-up in the event I did something bad to the first.

That theory proved out, as I nicked the blade on my 5/8 on the darn faucet, so it went back to SRD for re-honing (thanks for that coupon Lynn !). That put the 6/8 into action. Definitely a different feel than the 5/8.

Subsequently while the 5/8 Dovo was being sent back, I finally saw the Aust back in stock, so I got it (back up to my back up). It actually came in mail before the 5/8 Dovo was sent back from its repair so I put it to work. Wow, what a different feel than my 5/8 Dovo and 6/8 Dovo. Now the Aust is the primary, and I haven't even used the 5/8 Dovo since it came back from re-honing. I think I will do a side comparison (left side of face / right side of face) just to compare the two.

I made the commitment when starting SR shaving to never go back to cartridge razors. So, if you are in a belt and suspender mode, a beginner and still learning and exploring as I am, I think it is good to be able to have the backup in the event that you haven't gotten to the "honing it yourself" mode. Secondly, it is good to compare. I have really enjoyed shaving and taking a little extra time for myself in the morning. As others have said, it puts the day in a different perspective!

I resemble that E-bay remark.

Well, let's compare razors with shoes, back in the old days people only had a pair of shoes, today for many reasons we have plenty. In terms of utility one pair would do the job, however there is a large amount of different ocasions, where just one pair wouldn't be enough, the only pair you have wouldn't comply with your specific needs, your spirit of mind of that particular day. Therefore having more than one pair of shoes became something regular (not considering the aspect of prices of course). The same goes for straight razors, although all razors are meant for the same purpose - shaving hair - each one performs differently. That's the base of my decision making process regarding straight razors, or I could just say this is the way that I justify to myself why i need more than one razor if all of them attend to the same purpose.

I have purchased two razors since the start of this thread. I am not finished until I am finished.

Just exciting to see what you can do with an old piece.
Shiny stuff, sharp stuff, things that go bang.

I have just got to get off the internet. I purchased one beater yesterday for <$12 to practice whatever with and two other decent ones for standbys.

Originally Posted by reelinitin

Don't know if prayers can save you from this. If you've fallen for blades and barrels, wet shaving is next on the list. Clear off some space on your bathroom counter and start looking for a place to hang a strop.

Strop is already hanging from a towel hook...am I DOOMED?!?!?!?

I like the different styles of my razors. I remember a while ago I posted a photo of a few razors I'd got, maybe four or so, and someone posted the comment "Where's your wedge, man? You need a wedge!". So I then decided to try and mix it up, with a full hollow, maybe a 4/8, a wedge, a razor with a 'monkey tail' (my De Pews) a W&B, a frameback etc.

I've doubled up on a couple of styles (I've now got two framebacks and have had three - sold one) and two wedges (three if you count the De Pews which is a little wedgy).

This is my current set. I don't really have RAD anymore; I haven't bought a straight razor in over a year; I'm quite satisfied with these though I still want a french razor (maybe a frame back with a removable blade), maybe a kamisori, maybe a W&B wedge, maybe a Duck, maybe a.......

To simply answer the question, Why Multiple Razors?, I can, therefore I will.