Thread: 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. 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

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

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

Originally Posted by Joe Chandler

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

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


Terry

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...

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.

X