Thread: A Rather Cool Milestone & Second Razor Question

Folks,

Again I just wanted to thank everyone all for their advice. This AM I did a comparison shave (single pass str8 on one side, and single pass regular fuzion cartridge on the other). And my pass results on the str8 were noticibly better than the cartridge! Still not BBS - but not bad for a few weeks practice!

So, I am thinking of getting another razor (is this some sort of mania?) and I had this question: When getting a second razor for a beginner is it a good idea to try to get something similar to what you are using, or should one try for another size, ground, etc? Thoughts?

Thanks again all!

-Michael

when just starting its probably not a bad idea to get one exactly the same as the first one
(wheres the fun?)
one size up/down will give you a reference for the next buy though

Originally Posted by MichaelM

(is this some sort of mania?)

I resemble that remark Kidding aside, I would go for something of a similar size, not necessarily exactly the same. Something that I was attracted to and liked aesthetically since it will probably be with you for a long time. You'll get used to shaving with it even if it is slightly different in grind, point or size from what you're using now. Of course it goes without saying that it must be shave ready. Just what I would do.

I think the biggest variable in the shave is the blade width. Using a 4/8 vs a 6/8 is a very different experience. So, I would suggest you go bigger or smaller, getting a second razor that is on the opposite end of the width spectrum.

You can buy a completely different razor. I did so when I bought a LeGrelot 6/8 1/4 hollow ground. The shave was completely different from my first Dovo 5/8 full hollow ground razor. It was a nice surprise, because the LeGrelot shave was way more smooth than my Dovo shave. So maybe you want to buy something completely different to see if you like it more than you current razor. Also more of the same is boring.

+1 on the advice offered in the previous posts. Get another srtr8 the same width, but with different scales or get a 4/8" (9/16) or a 6/8" (13/16), depending on your preference.

Whatever str8 razor you get to add to your collection though, I would get the same grind as your original razor, ie. full hollow, 1/2 hollow or wedge grind.

Just my 2 cents.

Sounds like good advice so far. Congrats on your milestone,
I hope whatever new razor you choose serves you well!



- Scott

I say buy something that has the features you know you like, but has something a little different so you can start trying new things. Doing it this way, you can work your way around the different types of razors and find what you like best. Personally, my thing was getting different manufacturers.

So, if you like the size, change the point style. Think the size is too big? Get a smaller razor. Have a Solingen, try a Sheffield. Don't like the sound of a full hollow cutting whiskers - get a wedge.

If you ever come across one you don't like, you can just give it to me.

Of course, this is how RAD starts. You know you should just to for a size at a time, so how many does it take to get to that 8/8 you know you want?

I've been playing with a variety of sizes by picking them up at antique stores one at a time. (That also gives me something to practice honing and re-scaling on, which just adds more dimensions to the hobby.)

I've found I prefer 9/16-5/8 for daily shaves, but do like wielding the 7/8 occasionally. Just something cool about it. I'd really like an 8/8 at some point. You don't get that with cartidge shaving.

Fred

it will continue to be getting better.
as far as what to get i think the answer depends on what do you want out of that razor. do you want to alternate them every few days - then something similar is probably a good idea. or do you want to try a razor that is completely different - that's a pretty good option as well, although if you go that route you should stick to each razor for about 10-15 shaves at a time while you don't have much experience.