A question of two razors

Does anyone here use a double razor system? I am finding that I get a good first pass with a 13/16 but rather challenging second pass. I also have a 5/16 that works great on the second pass but struggles on a first pass.
My thought is to use the 13/16 first pass and 5/16 second pass. does anyone else use this technique?

And of course being an obsessive personality, I might be interested in a similar set from the same maker. Is anyone aware of a set like this from the same maker?

I am not sure I have ever come across a problem like this. On the first account yes, you could have a razor that is a bit soft or has lost its temper, therefor it will not hold an edge and you'd need to strop it before each pass.

More likely the cause is that you have a razor that needs a good stropping or was mishandled at the beginning so you will need to send it out to get it rehoned and work on your stropping technique!

The second case is where I am unsure... It may be the exact same problem where it really needs to be honed in order to get a correct bevel set. And it's working when you use it on the second pass because it's not sharp enough for a first pass but will take hair that's closer to the skin. and I hope you mean 5/8" not 5/16"...

I would send them both out for a honemeister to check out!

Good Luck!

sorry it is 9/16 not 5/16

I'd wager that neither razor is actually shaving great on either pass. A well-honed razor will shave perfectly with the grain, when handled properly - so my guess is either your razors are not entirely up to snuff, or more likely the inconsistencies you're experiencing are mainly due to you still being in the early stages of learning how to shave with a straight razor. As you keep practicing and ironing out your technique, I think your shaves between different razors will become more consistent

It sounds like the bevels weren't set correctly, or you are rolling the edge stropping them; which might explain why the seem to struggle at different times. On the same note: if you are shaving a heavy beard with the 9/16 it may struggle on a first pass b/c of less weight than the 13/16 and with the possible rolled edge against your beard why it would seem dulled on the second pass. Weird either way

Thanks-It could well be tha technique as the razors are substantially different in size, shape and weight

It sounds like a technique issue to me - if both blades are shave ready to start with

Playing with it tonight I am beginning to think is a lather issue with the larger blade. My lather was getting dry on my skin before the first pass was hall over

Yes, lather, beard prep, and especially blade angle and technique are different between different razors, IF they are both honed properly. If one is lacking and is being compared to the other, all is inconclusive. JMO

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Originally Posted by thance

I am finding that I get a good first pass with a 13/16 but rather challenging second pass. I also have a 5/16 that works great on the second pass but struggles on a first pass

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I'm assuming that your first pass is WTG (north to south), what is your second pass? And, I'm guessing that you may be using too steep of an angle and dulling the edge some. If you get too steep you're basically scraping the whiskers off. Hard on the edge and not that comfortable. Try starting with the razor practically flat to your face. If it doesnt shave at that angle, then increase the angle just slightly until it is shaving. Your best and most comfortable shave will come with a low angle. Also try canting the razor slightly (heel lower than the toe) and make a guillotine stroke much in the same manner as the blade below. Leave the head on!!! Don't cant it too far or you can get a cut. Just some so that when the edge hits the whisker it is slicing it instead of chopping it. It might be a good idea to send one or both of your razors for a rehoning. You have to eliminate different variables to finally figure out if it's technique, sharpness, or both. Feel free to PM me if I can help.
:chop:

Best Regards,
Howard

You can also try stropping inbetween passes. That should help in the short term. What I mean by that is when you gain some more experience you'll find you won't need to employ tricks (multiple razors, additional stropping) to make it through a single shave. It's just part of the learning curve, that's all.