Why we need many razors

Seriously -

I understand the "more is better" and "he who dies w/ the most toys..." but am trying to find reasonable answers to the question why we need so many razors.

Really wondering why can't I just have one razor that I really like and use it every day? I mean, sure, it's going to get some / lots of wear, but so what? My favorite grandfather had just one (I think) and was doing alright. My other grandfather had 3 or so (but some of them were broken, so not sure if he was using them at the same time or just replaced but kept unusables)... I already have 1 good shaver, 1 *beautiful* razor, and two practice blades for honing. And yes, already looking for other good shavers and handsome ones to buy... With a grand total of 3 shaves under my belt.

I am tempted to buy one nice and expensive (200 or up for me, but certainly not above 350) razor and just use it every day, with another one for backup (and I already have the back-up). I also suspect this might go better with my wife - as opposed to buying multiple *cheap* 100 razors.

The big problem is that since I am still new to this thing, I am not sure what is the nice razor to buy, not having tried many various sizes, weights, designs, balance, etc. I know I have to find this out for / by myself... just wanted to hear people's thoughts on the subject

cheers
Ivo

"He who dies with the most toys..." is still dead. :D Personally, I got lots for a couple reasons. Initially, I got them, intending to collect them. Then, I discovered the joys of honing and restoration, and thought "hey, maybe I can sell one or two." Put it out there and see what people think. So far, so good (and thanks to everyone I've dealt with).:) Probably, though, I like them because each one has its own personality and beauty. (Ok, some of the dogs I've bought are a little short on the "beauty" part) Each one (assuming you're not buying multiple same razors) are ground differently, feel differently, look differently, and perform differently. I really enjoy the process of discovering each one's strengths and weaknesses, although that process is truncated in my case, because it usually goes up for sale, and I don't have the time necessary to fully explore each one's charms. Each one has a story, readable if you know how to look. I've discovered what I like by trying lots of different ones from lots of different people.
Just my $.02.

Joe

Ivo,

Back in the day of the straight razor I would imagine
shaving was just simply a chore. This is the reson that
these guys owned one razor.

For guys like us it a hobby. We have decided for various
reasons to elevate this still mundane chore into something
enjoyable. This would explain not only numerous razors
but a large roration of soaps and creams. Back in the day
I would be willing to bet that most men simply used one
soap as well. Here in the US it was most likely Williams.

The answer to your question I suppose - it brings us
personal pleasure.



Terry

I've got one razor that I have to restrain myself from grabbing every day. But I've got lots of others that are fun to shave with because of their sheer size, because they look pretty, or because it's fun shaving with something that's older than anyone still alive. At some point I may sell everything else off and just use that one razor, plus maybe another one just like it as a backup - I did it with the DE (gillette fatboy) and with soaps (Harris/T&H) and brushes (rooney). But for now I enjoy the variety, and it doesn't seem to affect my technique the way merry-go-DE does.

Oh,

I sure understand about Joe (and others like him), who has this as a hobby and passion, profession, make a living out of it, etc. I also understand about collecting - but this is a very different animal (passion) from use.

I am talking about the "regular Joes" - like me. I still enjoy shaving with a straight very much, but do not want to collect them. Shaving is now not a chore but a joy, or a way to unwind...

If I had a $1000 razor, I would use it, not keep it in its package. I am the same with fountain pens. I have *invested* $800 or so in a couple of *nice* ones, but I don't collect them - I use them daily. I guess I am a guy who enjoys using quality instruments / things - this gives me great pleasure. On the other hand, I seem to be fairly satisfied with a couple of quality items, and maybe don't need 20 razors and 20 pens and what not. I have noticed that when you find something you really like you want to use it, then get used to it, and you don't miss others which might be just as nice or expensive... (or, yes, nicer and even more expensive) This certainly goes for writing instruments for me - it remains to be seen how it holds up with the razors. I guess I better hope it's true with razors...

But the thing is - I do not know if I like Wade & Butcher meat choppers, haven't tried a Puma or a Dubl Duck, Henkels, Thiers Issard, Dovo, Filarmonica. I only have an obscure razor from Joe, a nice WKC, and a couple of practice blades...

If you are happy and satisfied with the razors
that you currently own.... cool. :)

If you can maintain this frame of mind you will
be much better off. Your bank account will be
better off as well.

In a good thing that you haven't developed a RAD
obsession. You are a better man than me in this
regard.



Terry

Quote:

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Originally Posted by wvbias

If you are happy and satisfied with the razors
that you currently own.... cool. :)

If you can maintain this frame of mind you will
be much better off. Your bank account will be
better off as well.

In a good thing that you haven't developed a RAD
obsession. You are a better man than me in this
regard.



Terry

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That's a poor attitude, Terry. We (I) need more people like you. :D

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Joe Chandler

That's a poor attitude, Terry. We (I) need more people like you. :D

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Oh, I'm sure you will be sending more razors
in my direction. Damn this obsession. :)
But it sure is fun.


Terry

Quote:

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Originally Posted by izlat

Oh,

I sure understand about Joe (and others like him), who has this as a hobby and passion, profession, make a living out of it, etc. I also understand about collecting - but this is a very different animal (passion) from use.

I am talking about the "regular Joes" - like me. I still enjoy shaving with a straight very much, but do not want to collect them. Shaving is now not a chore but a joy, or a way to unwind...

If I had a $1000 razor, I would use it, not keep it in its package. I am the same with fountain pens. I have *invested* $800 or so in a couple of *nice* ones, but I don't collect them - I use them daily. I guess I am a guy who enjoys using quality instruments / things - this gives me great pleasure. On the other hand, I seem to be fairly satisfied with a couple of quality items, and maybe don't need 20 razors and 20 pens and what not. I have noticed that when you find something you really like you want to use it, then get used to it, and you don't miss others which might be just as nice or expensive... (or, yes, nicer and even more expensive) This certainly goes for writing instruments for me - it remains to be seen how it holds up with the razors. I guess I better hope it's true with razors...

But the thing is - I do not know if I like Wade & Butcher meat choppers, haven't tried a Puma or a Dubl Duck, Henkels, Thiers Issard, Dovo, Filarmonica. I only have an obscure razor from Joe, a nice WKC, and a couple of practice blades...

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ask yourself why you need more than one pen, and that will probably be your answer to why you will need more than one razor.

For me, I want to learn about different razors by shaving with them ALL! :)
Perhaps I will settle on one or two in my old age, but luckily I still have a lot to learn. :D

X

Why do some of us have lots of knives, guns, watches, shoes, ect. ??? With most tools they each work great for different tasks. Sometimes you need that "one" for this situation, and this "one" for this job. I have a drawer full of pocket knives, but I usually carry the same one everyday. But once in a while I grab a specific one for a specific purpose.

If I had the money I would probably have a dozen $$ watches. I wouldn't need them, but each one would be unique in there own way.

I am new here also and don't plan to have lots of razors either. But, I will keep my mouth shut incase things go the other way :o

I'm currently having that debate with myself about shaving mugs. Do I use them as I collect them (and possible de-value them?) or do I leave them out for display only (but it would be so cool to try them out)? I think it's called a conundrum. I'm assuming I'll have that quandry with straight razors too. :cry: If you have a lot of money and spend $300 or more on a shaving mug (or razor) as a collectible would you care as much if it got devalued? Or as a "collector" would you have bought it for its beauty and just want to admire it?

This is what goes on in your brain when you wake up at 3 am and read the Forums.

Unless you are a hard core collector that is simply trying to make money on something I say use it! I am into cars and I have seen so many guys keep a car nice and clean with really low miles for years and years. The only thing they did was keep it in nice shape for the next guy. I have a car like that, something happened and this guy needed to sell it. He didn't make any money on it and didn't get to enjoy it much. Thats just the way I look at it though. We are all going to die someday and then your stuff is going to get sold/handed down to someone who will likely use it. May as well enjoy it while you are here.

Excellent point. Hard to use cool shaving gear when you're six feet under.

That is an excellent question and the answer is very easy too. The fact is if you want to just shave with a straight period all you really need is one razor. probably nice to have two or three to switch on and off and in case one suddenly quits shaving on you. Remember in the old days the rich, big shots aspired to a seven day set for the ultimate.

The fact is most of us here are just razor crazed junkies who have to keep buying more razors and paraphanalia for their fix (not me of course). The problem is most of us view this as a hobby and even though we didn't start out that way it just happened to wind up that way. If you don't get off this site fast you'll wind up like the rest of us. There shoud be a banner when you first enter this site that reads "all hope abandon ye who enter here". LOL

well, what do you know, I just purchased Bill's #9 - it's a Torrey blade, and I have heard good things about these blades. Scales look beautiful. I don't think this razor can have the temerity to turn out a bad shaver.

Cheers
Ivo

Quote:

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Originally Posted by izlat

well, what do you know, I just purchased Bill's #9 - it's a Torrey blade, and I have heard good things about these blades. Scales look beautiful. I don't think this razor can have the temerity to turn out a bad shaver.

Cheers
Ivo

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Every Torrey I've owned has turned out to be an exceptional shaver.

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Originally Posted by Sec162

If I had the money I would probably have a dozen $$ watches. I wouldn't need them, but each one would be unique in there own way.

I am new here also and don't plan to have lots of razors either.

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No one plans to be an alcoholic or drug addict either...it just sort of happens that way....

Do we get to make fun of you and bring up this thread when you have purchased your 5th or 6th razor???

Quote:

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Originally Posted by izlat

well, what do you know, I just purchased Bill's #9 ...

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That's the ticket! You're going to get hiiiiiigh, soooo hiiiiigh of that fix.

X

I do see your points. I tried like hell to buy one of bills latest. I loved the one he just did for JL and emailed him (apparently so did a few others) asking about some more like it. I have been working a lot of over time lately and thought I would treat myself. The thought of using something well over 100 years old everyday is really neat. I was looking forward to spending an obscene about of money on a piece of history like this but that didn't happen :cry: I work 3rd shift and by the time I got up they were all but spoken for already.

It was like trying to buy plywood in Florida during hurican season. Maybe next time :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Sec162

I do see your points. I tried like hell to buy one of bills latest. I loved the one he just did for JL and emailed him (apparently so did a few others) asking about some more like it. I have been working a lot of over time lately and thought I would treat myself. The thought of using something well over 100 years old everyday is really neat. I was looking forward to spending an obscene about of money on a piece of history like this but that didn't happen :cry: I work 3rd shift and by the time I got up they were all but spoken for already.

It was like trying to buy plywood in Florida during hurican season. Maybe next time :)

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Don't feel bad I begged for someone to sell me a razor like that for weeks and weeks...finally Bill was kind enough to just restore one for me to perfection. I am very lucky, but I have a feeling he will have another round of them in a few months. How he finds those blades I dont know...if you get one...do yourself a favor and get one with desert ironwood scales with the CA finish....its unreal.

I had zero plans to get another razor for a while. I need to learn to use the one I have first :) I also have a $10 boker I picked up at an antique store. That one is for my honing practice, when I get one. I just contacted Bill to see how I could get one done in the future when I was ready......

But when I saw the ones he had for sale I was ready to part with my cash :hmmm: So I can see how these could get addicting. I just think it is neat to see a tool that can still be used and was probably used for many many shaves that is sooooo old. It works just as good in 2006 as it did in 1876 :cool: I imagine a wedge like that can last for many generations.

As you may have seen he still has one razor available. I passed on it because it just didn't jump out and grab me like the other three I really liked. I passed cause I would rather wait for one that is just what I wanted. I am sure you are right, 3 or 6 months down the road that one will become available and I will be glad I waited. I hope the lucky ones that get these share some feedback with the rest of us ;)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Sec162

I had zero plans to get another razor for a while. I need to learn to use the one I have first :) I also have a $10 boker I picked up at an antique store. That one is for my honing practice, when I get one. I just contacted Bill to see how I could get one done in the future when I was ready......

But when I saw the ones he had for sale I was ready to part with my cash :hmmm: So I can see how these could get addicting. I just think it is neat to see a tool that can still be used and was probably used for many many shaves that is sooooo old. It works just as good in 2006 as it did in 1876 :cool: I imagine a wedge like that can last for many generations.

As you may have seen he still has one razor available. I passed on it because it just didn't jump out and grab me like the other three I really liked. I passed cause I would rather wait for one that is just what I wanted. I am sure you are right, 3 or 6 months down the road that one will become available and I will be glad I waited. I hope the lucky ones that get these share some feedback with the rest of us ;)

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Thats the important part of it all....if you ONLY buy razors that really just jump out and grab you....the ones that you want to think about buying but then just simply cant stop thinking about...no matter how big your collection gets you will appreciate it and be happy about your purchase!

I started with a practical reason.. It takes less time to hone 10 razors at once than it does to hone 1 razor 10 times. Now I just want to try certain razors so I keep an eye out for them. However as my temp contract has expired and the census is over, I'll have to put my RAD on hold until I find a steady job.

My gauge is simple. I listen for two responses:

1. Damn! That's a whole lot of razors!

2. You have too many razors!!!

Response 1 comes from friends. Response 2 comes from my wife. If I go too long without hearing one or the other, then it's probably time to get another razor.

I started getting alot of razors looking for the right size and then the perfect blade. Then I just got addicted. However I have put a halt on my purchases of razors. Unless of course I find a more perfect blade...:roflmao

I can give you a good excuse for owning at least 3 razors. A razor should be given two days' rest before being stropped. So, you need 3.

I'm not making this up Dovo says so, and I wouldn't even mention it if it didn't make sense technically. By now, we all know that the microserrations (teeth) in the edge spread out when you shave. They return naturally most of the way in 24-48 hours. When you strop, you push them back the rest of the way, making the edge thinner (sharp). You're pushing them back a short distance, meaning the bending is elastic and doesn't affect the teeth structurally.

Now what happens if you strop too soon, say right after a shave? Well, the tetth are way out there and you're pushing them back a large distance, bending them inelastically. This is like bending a piece of metal back and forth repeatedly. Eventually, it breaks from inelastic bending, as a result of fatigue. So, if you strop too soon, the teeth eventually break because of fatigue.

Don't get excited! it's not that serious. They're microserrations, so a little bit of honing resharpens the edge and gives you back the teeth. But you've removed all that material unnecessarily. If you had stropped the right way, the teeth would be there and would be refreshed once in a while. Who knows, maybe it would have been a month or more before you got to the point of having to restore the edge. But you get the idea, you're wasting the material. Now, it migh only last until you're 60, instead of your lifetime, you're son's, and your grandson's. So much for hierlooms!

So, if you don't want to waste your precious razors unnecessarily, you need at least 3.

On the issue of what you spend for a razor, let's look at new ones. You can get the best quality TI blade at reasonable price with a modest handle. You can spend a little more for a razor with an ss blade, and fortune on fancier handles, a limited edition blade, or a Damascus blade. That's all esoteric. The improvement in shave will not be remarkable. So, if the shave is the thing for you, the $150 razor gets it all. Beyond that it's gravy.

Of course, who doesn't love a beautiful razor with a worked back and beautiful wood or horn or MOP handles, or a limited edition blade. And there lies our affliction. We are ultimately collectors of art objects, things of beauty, rare collector's items and the works of fine artisans.

There's no such thing as too many razors; just too litltle money and storage space.

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Originally Posted by PapaBull

There's no such thing as too many razors; just too litltle money and storage space.

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Now here is a man after my own heart. :roflmao

Quote:

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Originally Posted by RichZ

I started getting alot of razors looking for the right size and then the perfect blade. Then I just got addicted. However I have put a halt on my purchases of razors. Unless of course I find a more perfect blade...:roflmao

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A never ending search for the Holy Grail of razors.......



Terry

Quote:

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Originally Posted by wvbias

A never ending search for the Holy Grail of razors.......



Terry

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Aint that the God's honest truth. Every once in awhile I see one that I just have to try. Sometimes they're good, sometimes they're great, but I'm still looking for out and out awsome.

At the same time, I'm afraid of the day that I find it...that means I'll have to put away or sell all of my old friends :cry: and I don't think I could stand that.

It's the striving that we live for...once you attain all of your goals, it's time to die.

Ed (Goodness, that sounds much more morbid than I intended)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ForestryProf

At the same time, I'm afraid of the day that I find it...that means I'll have to put away or sell all of my old friends :cry: and I don't think I could stand that.

Ed (Goodness, that sounds much more morbid than I intended)

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But Ed that will never happen because just when you think you have found it another will come along..that you will just have to have :roflmao

Quote:

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Originally Posted by RichZ

But Ed that will never happen because just when you think you have found it another will come along..that you will just have to have :roflmao

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Yes, I see this happening. I think as long as you have the discipline to sell something that you have already tried for a while you might be able to stay out of trouble. I also understand why some people here say if you outbid them you did them a favor - but we all know this is only true fopr SOME razors, I think. Like if I have waited for this particular razor for 1 year or so - let me be the first to say I don't need such favors :D

For all my talk, here I stand less than 1 month after I ventured into straights, with the following razors:

Hermann Hoppe 5/8 Spike (Joe C)
WKC 7/8 Round
Torrey / Bill Ellis 6/8 Round
Filarmonica 8/8 Round
Badaud 6/8 1/4 hollow barber's notch
Wade & Butcher 5/8 barber's notch
Boker 5/8
Wostenholm IXL 5/8 frameback
A couple of practice blades for honing, etc.

I have shaved with the first 3 only, can't wait to try the rest. Plan to add / try at some point:
Puma
Dubl Duck
Henckels
Dorko
Genco

Maybe some others

I won't be getting new razors soon, but I think I'll revisit all of my old ones, polish the ones that need it and make new scales for all but the Bismarck as it's a brand new piece with nice bone scales. I'll start with the Wade and Butcher (as it doesn't have any scales), to get the feel of the process, then get more technical and build scales that will take the caps for the Genco and then routinely just play with the rest of them. (*)

(*) If I find another Taylor's 6/8 (restoration project) or a Kron Punkt for under $20, I will stray from the plan of action.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by izlat

For all my talk, here I stand less than 1 month after I ventured into straights, with the following razors:

Hermann Hoppe 5/8 Spike (Joe C)
WKC 7/8 Round
Torrey / Bill Ellis 6/8 Round
Filarmonica 8/8 Round
Badaud 6/8 1/4 hollow barber's notch
Wade & Butcher 5/8 barber's notch
Boker 5/8
Wostenholm IXL 5/8 frameback
A couple of practice blades for honing, etc.

I have shaved with the first 3 only, can't wait to try the rest. Plan to add / try at some point:
Puma
Dubl Duck
Henckels
Dorko
Genco

Maybe some others

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Wow nice. Where did you get the 8/8 Filarmonica? I'm just as bad! It's addictive. But what about Revisor, TI, ...
Sorry Ivo but I was going to give you a link to shavingshop.com where they were selling Henckels 8/8 for $100 with plastic scales. But the sale must be over. I wanted to get one of those but couldn't decide if I wanted other scales and just bite the bullet. There are a lot of cool razors over there.

John

Quote:

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Originally Posted by mrcleanhead

Sorry Ivo but I was going to give you a link to shavingshop.com where they were selling Henckels 8/8 for $100 with plastic scales. But the sale must be over. I wanted to get one of those but couldn't decide if I wanted other scales and just bite the bullet.

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I got one of those a few months ago, and later sent it out to papabull for oryx scales. I've now got a matched pair of 8/8 round tip and 7/8 square tip friodurs with oryx scales :-) They're pretty sweet.

Very nice. I went to the site to check out the oryx.

John,

I know the site and have been looking at the Friodurs - believe me! It's just that I want a Friodur with a worked back and nice scales. Oryx looks great! But all this would cost me a bit, and while currently I'm alright, I need to space out acquisitions. Most of the blades I got were one-of-a-kind deal or ebay, and I figured the Shaving shop isn't gooing anywhere, and there are quite a few Friodurs listed, so it's on the back burner. I also need to decide if I want 7/8 or 8/8 for the Friodur...

Cheers
Ivo