Thread: Walk, Don't Run

Great thread Obie and well written as always. I wish I had this piece of advice when I was getting started, but alas, I did not. Now I too have a few razors that rarely get a chance to slice through a hair. On the other hand, I once regretted getting into a bidding war on the bay for a Torrey, but I used it last night to shave off 3 days growth and it performed like a champ. I am glad it's in my rotation and it was worth every penny, and by penny I mean lots of dollars.

Originally Posted by ReardenSteel

Great thread Obie and well written as always. I wish I had this piece of advice when I was getting started, but alas, I did not. Now I too have a few razors that rarely get a chance to slice through a hair. On the other hand, I once regretted getting into a bidding war on the bay for a Torrey, but I used it last night to shave off 3 days growth and it performed like a champ. I am glad it's in my rotation and it was worth every penny, and by penny I mean lots of dollars.

You and I must have been bidding on that Torrey. I tried really hard but you just kept out-bidding me. I am glad you are enjoying it. I had to settle for another Torrey for a lot less money.


Happy Shaving!

I agree with much of your wonderful post. My only question is how do you experiment to find out what you like with at least buying some various styles and sizes? Perhaps you are referring to excessive, thoughtless, or undisciplined razor purchases?

From the beginning, I developed a plan for my razor purchases and adhered to the plan. Out of 28 razors I have collected, I only regret one purchase, a razor that I simply cannot get to be a smooth shaver. I purposely bought representative razors from the USA, Germany, France, Sweden, England, and Spain. While I slightly prefer heavier 6/8 size razors with a quarter to half-hollow grind, I still enjoy using all the different grinds and sizes in my collection. I tried to be judicious and purchase razors in very good shape, representative of the best models and brands for each country, but at a reasonable price.

Another great, well-thought post. I too prefer the heavier grinds. I do have a 5/8 Dubl Duck SatinWedge that has become my go to razor. Used it today and had a DFS shave. Also bloodless. I love that razor. It has been re-scaled and the bolster transfer was not done very well, but the blade is a work of art. Thanks for your thoughts Obie, I always enjoy reading your posts.

It's not so much a question of excess when one has a broad taste, DLB. To buy, therefore, in order to satisfy that broad taste is perfectly acceptable to me. Excess intrudes when we cast our arms at everything in sight and grab almost indiscriminately. We do so because we don't know better. We run instead of walk.

Originally Posted by Obie

It's not so much a question of excess when one has a broad taste, DLB. To buy, therefore, in order to satisfy that broad taste is perfectly acceptable to me. Excess intrudes when we cast our arms at everything in sight and grab almost indiscriminately. We do so because we don't know better. We run instead of walk.

Thanks Obie,

We are very much in agreement! Whenever I see a Newbie who has bought a really bad brand of razor or a good brand in terrible shape, I get a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach. Even worse is when they have paid way too much for the razor. Ultimately, I would rather have one really good razor than 100 mediocre razors. If I had to reduce my own collection to one razor, I would keep my 6/8 Thiers-Issard Le Grelot. I love shaving with this one razor because it feels like an extension of my arm and hand. That said, when I shave with a 4/8 Heljestrand No. 24, I am thrilled and amazed at what this little razor can do. It fills me with a sense of excitement and wonder. That is why I enjoy the variety of styles. I love whatever razor is in my hand.

However, all of my purchases were carefully planned to add a very specific type of razor to the collection. Had I bought willy-nilly, I would have wound up with just a hodge podge collection. To avoid the frantic, indiscriminate buying of razors you are describing, I think it is important that a person set some goals from the very beginning. I addressed some of this in a previous post:

http://straightrazorpalace.com/begin...ng-razors.html

When a person has no goals for their razor purchases, I think they are even more likely to fall prey to the "grabbing" of any and all razors in sight, ultimately leading to a fair amount of dis-satisfaction. The more clear the goals, the better the collection and the more rewarding the experience will be. I also think the goals will be different for each person. While one person may only want one good razor, another may want a 7-day set. Some may want only wedges, some may only want extra hollow grounds, while others may want examples of both. The same principle holds true regarding razor widths. Ultimately, if one hasn't thought through all of this and made goals, they will likely do just as you described and that is a true sorrow.

Thank you for your well written and well crafted post. It is a subject that can save people a lot of grief and money.

Regards!

but before reveal it; thank you for taking the time to start this thread and post your experiences and feelings. I will learn much from you and others in this straight razor journey.

I'm 50 years old, new to razors, but not to life. So here's why I "Run".
It give me immense pleasure to occupy my time hunting and buying straight razors.
When I was young, it was women. I was no Don Johnson, but not far from it , in a target rich environment. What slowed me down was not reflecting on the bad ones that I should have left alone; it is the fact that I can no longer catch'em like I used to.
In regards to straights; I really don't care about the quality or condition, to a certain point. Of course I have had no desire to buy current production straights from China or Pakistan; sold locally in flea markets and knife shows.
The only thing that limits me is money. I only can dedicate so much each month.
I bought "13" razors this month; one from the "Master" in Vegas and the other from members and antique malls. Two are under refurbish and the others were honed and shaved with. They have been stored and I probably won't slow down to use them ever again. I'm too busy hunting the next shave.
I've never jumped into any endeavor at 50%, even when wiser men warned me. Maybe that makes me a fool? There will come a time in the near future when I will probably not be able to use a straight without too much bloodshed due to a shaky hand or I will forget where the hell I put it. I also doubt the retirement home will allow me to have one, let alone my collection. My son might use one, or flood the Ebay with all my hastily gotten goods.

I hope many people take your advice and slow down. I hope they really consider whether the razor they are pondering, is right for them. This will give me the opportunity to catch up with them and take it first.


Right now I have found something that I can pursue with all my efforts; for me it is all about the "Run"; not really the razor.

Great posts, everyone. I seriously want to limit my razors to three, but am prepared to go to an absolute max of 7 (1 for each day). I guess it'll probably be 7, since Obie is clearly going to have a sale soon of the 4/8 hollows I seem to prefer at this early stage :-)