Thread: How many razors to start?

I remember reading a recommendation somewhere that you should start out with at least 2 razors. I don't know what the rationale was. Has anyone else heard that? It seems from reading here that most are starting with one, which makes sense to me.

While you really only NEED one, many of us have accumulated more. In my case I have about 12 now although I really use just a few regularly. In my mind the main reason for having so many is that to begin with I didn't know what I would like or what would work best for me.

My first was a 4/8 that I thought would do better around a mustach but now I find I prefer a 6/8 or even a 7/8. I also find that I like a round end a bit better than a spike. So after a while my desire for another razor has diminished to where I look for something exceptional. I still bid on eBay but no longer get into bidding wars. I set a max price I'm willing to pay and if I lose - so what - there will always be another.

So if you would like to acquire a few more - go for it. I would just recommend trying a few different makes and styles to find the one you like best.

You need 1 well honed razor and you need 1 person (you) to learn how to strop the well honed razor, I am not sure what the rationale is behind having 2 razors.

Well, you will probably want one razor honed by a pro and one junker to practice your honing on. Its also nice to have a second or third razor in case your go-to razor gets dull or otherwise has an accident. That way, you have a back-up or two.

Jordan

There's a body of opinion that a razor should be rested for more than 24 hours between uses. In that case you would require two to alternate if you shave daily. A lot of members here seem to think this is a marketing ploy by razor manufacturers - I don't know who's right but I use the same razor daily and don't notice any problems.

Being a newbie, I put forth an order for a pair which I dare to learn to hone on myself. And a special third one that I can look at and call my precious. Won't be able to buy it till the 29'th though :/

Originally Posted by Chady

Being a newbie, I put forth an order for a pair which I dare to learn to hone on myself. And a special third one that I can look at and call my precious. Won't be able to buy it till the 29'th though :/

Unless you plan to send one to get honed by a honemeister this is not a good idea.

Originally Posted by trewornan

There's a body of opinion that a razor should be rested for more than 24 hours between uses. In that case you would require two to alternate if you shave daily. A lot of members here seem to think this is a marketing ploy by razor manufacturers - I don't know who's right but I use the same razor daily and don't notice any problems.

My problem with this recommendation (and something someone may know the answer to) is what did barbers do? If a barber can do a haircut and shave in 1/2 an hour, and works 8 hours, that would be 16 razors per day for him. Did they really have that many?

If they didn't, you have to assume that it is not a "real" reason, but a "luxury" thing like the 7 day sets.

Jim

I don't know about anyone else but I clucked my razor on the faucet during my second shave ever. Ended my shaving practice until I could ship it out and get it back. I wish I had had two. Since then I have been more vigilant but still sometimes one or another of my razors comes up dull for no real reason other than use, it's sometime a few days before I can get to them even though I do my own sharpening now. I'm very glad I have more than one razor on these rare occasions

I'm currently half-shopping for number two. I'll only buy one if I really find a deal, and probably only from the BST forum here. It'll be nice to have a backup and to try something new.