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So this is more of a poll than a question... If you experienced guys, how many of you keep a rotation of multiple razors versus using just a single razor daily? I assume that those who use only a single razor do their own honing, but how feasible is that for someone just starting?
Basically, I'm at the point where I really enjoy DR shaving, so I'm going to liquidate my DE collection to either A) buy a bunch of razors, or B) invest in a single higher quality new razor, probably custom.
Thoughts?
My goal was to assemble a seven day rotation. I read a lot and watched a lot of videos before making my choices. I have a few more, but my seven day rotation is somewhat steady.
I rotate my razors once a week or so. I have several and there is no rhyme or reason to my choices.
My logic is that by rotating weekly my shaves are better.
Here is my long answer to your question.
http://straightrazorpalace.com/begin...ary-diary.html
I have 10 new production or new/old stock (NOS) razors in my rotation. My immediate goal is 14.
Others will differ, but, by all means, learn to hone as you start. Watch all the videos you can on YouTube. Make your own informed decision on brand/style of hones. Use a inexpensive vintage or Gold Dollar for beginning to learn honing.
For new production or NOS razors, honing, bevel setting isn't that difficult, generally. Geometry issues may require more experience, expertise. Don't get too carried away with the frequent advice to get "shave ready" honed razors. You can learn well enough from the get go. I did. You'll get better with practice.
Read my long answer too.
Well...the thing is...I enjoy shaving with a nice SR, so I really only need one. But I also enjoy collecting vintage SRs. So...at this point I have about 25 vintage SRs and one new SR. I have a regular rotation of 5 SRs. I would like to get a solid 7 day rotation and I would be a happy camper.
You should have 2 minimum in case you drop 1 or need to send 1 out for a hone job. If you get hooked on collecting this is a moot point. I could shave everyday for a year and never use the same razor twice although I have a set of seven I pretty much leave in the medicine cabinet. Sometimes I just have to go nuts and use something different :<0)
Nice! That's a lotta razors :-)Quote:
Originally Posted by 10Pups
Half are Ducks :<0) I have cancelled my e-Bay account :rofl2:
Oh and some of my friends in here could go a century+ without seeing the same box full of razors in a year.
I love Dubl D! I have a few, they are excellent vintage.Quote:
Originally Posted by 10Pups
It started off with only one razor then figured should have two incase one needs to be touched up. Then figured might as well have 7, one for each day of the week. Then figured might as well have 14 for two weeks. Started a third set, but finally worked up the will power to say no so now I try to rotate out razors after using them awhile to keep the rotation at 14. Figured this way I can keep trying different makes and models without getting to many. I'm still working on a third set just taking it a lot slower. I will end up keeping on that catches my attention. Funny thing is the ones that seem to catch my eye are the ones that are far from perfect and you can tell they have been used. The shoulder less French points I am partial to so I end up keep those if I like how they feel in my hand.
Your best laid plans will likely change a few times. Welcome to the straight razor game nonetheless! I typically binge with one razor for months at a time but that was after 9 plus years of experience and a whole lotta metal. Plenty of help around here so you are among friends.
Thanks for the input guys! I've been vacillating back and forth between the two on this but I think I'm sold on a slightly larger group and holding off on the Damascus custom for now lol.
So far I've only picked up 2 (a Larkin and a Dovo), but looks like there will be more on the way I guess!
For a fraction of the price of a single custom, you could buy 2 used, shave ready blades from the classifieds here. A sharp $40 used razor will shave just as well as a $1000 custom.
One is less than enough, several is too vague. A couple razors would be ideal.
I would always keep at least 1 DE.
You never know when someone might break in and steal all 1495 of your straights! :(
Well, years ago when I first started, I shaved with 1 razor, daily for almost 10 years, a 4/8ths Bowdin Blue Wedge, and maintained it on a 6 inch translucent and an Illinois linen leather strop.
Then one day walked into an Antique store and saw pristine vintage razors for sale, for a dollar or two. The rest is history, and I have far too many and shave with one for a day, a week or a month.
You can go either way, and certainly if you do some shopping, you can easily get a 7 day set of vintage razors, together for under a hundred dollars. Take a look at MedicineMan’s recent post on an EBay score.
But really, you only need one.
I only have the one so far but, like many here, I'd like to get at least 7 going. Something very cool about a daily rotation.
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Still working on my collection, have some straight and some DE, I like to rotate between them as I feel like it,
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How could you own only one? :rofl2:
Mike
I have one straight and a pair of DE's. I have another SR coming soon, and I will need to get both straights honed when #2 gets here, but its nice to have some Variety.
Well after seeing everyone's arguments here I've added 2 Dovos to my original vintage Larkin. Very excited about the Dovo Pearlex I have in the mail right now!
Lol, well straight shaving doesn't seam to work for everybody, some people just can't get the hang of it or their skin doesn't allow it, so would be pointless to buy a collectionQuote:
Originally Posted by mglindo
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I use one. I have 5, but i prefer one, so i use only that and rehone it when it starts getting dull. maybe every 1-3 months depending on if i mess up a stropping.
i have one, use only twice a week, still starting up
though
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