Thread: Do all razors shave differently?

I have been learning how to shave using a vintage razor. It's been going well. So well that I wanted to buy a nicer one. So I bought a Dovo Bismark at Straight Razor Designs. I used it for the first time last night and here are my observations:

• The Dovo is alot heavier.
• The Dovo is a shorter blade.
• The Dovo is wider.
• The Dovo is SHARPER!!

All of this led to a very different shaving experience! In fact, I would almost say I've taken a step back in shaving quality as I need to re-figure this one out. My question is for those who have a rotation of blades. Do they all shave differently? I mean do you intentionally tweak your style based on each razor?

Yes to some degree, but no at the same time lol, I know that's kind of confusing. Yes, b/c most blades are ground by hand so depending on the grinder and his skill the grinds can be slightly different which can change the way the razor takes an edge or holds an edge which can lead to a difference in the way you shave and maintain that particular razor. Generally, I use the same basic practices, but only minor tweeks to them here and there. I had two dovo ebony spikes, same razors, got them from same vendor as well. One held an edge like crazy and would get almost scary sharp, the other held an edge well, but I could never get it quite as sharp as the other; this one also required more stropping and more frequent trips to the paste as the other. I went so far as to kill the edge and reset the bevel, same result. In the end I chocked it up to the way it was ground, as the grinding was not as perfectly centered as my other. YMMV as the saying goes.

For about the first year of shaving, it'd take me a handful of attempts with a razor before I felt comfortable with it. At some point along the way, it got easier. I no longer think too much about which razor I'm using, unless something doesn't feel right. In which case, I've developed enough fine motor control to adjust on the fly. You'll get there. But I'd suggest sticking with one razor for at least a month at a time, just to really grind in the lesson.

New shavers find the differences, experienced shavers note the similarities. That is just the way things develop and are a natural part of the learning process.

A new shaver will adjust their technique to the differences they observe, often necessitating doing completely new things - this is a good thing as it develops your range of experience. Eventually your technique will have developed such a range that you cease to notice the differences and begin to appreciate the similarities, or constants, that all blades share.

So the short answer is all blades shave differently until you get enough experience to realise that all blades shave the same

James.

I am in the camp that says all razors do feel different to varying degrees. There are many reasons for this. Some because of differences in the razors and some indirect because of the way you use different razors meaning sizes and grinds and shapes and balance and weight.

I have the original TI SRP razor and had bought 2. I had consecutively numbered razors and they shaved very differently.

Originally Posted by EggSuckingLeech

I have been learning how to shave using a vintage razor. It's been going well. So well that I wanted to buy a nicer one. So I bought a Dovo Bismark at Straight Razor Designs. I used it for the first time last night and here are my observations:

• The Dovo is alot heavier.
• The Dovo is a shorter blade.
• The Dovo is wider.
• The Dovo is SHARPER!!

All of this led to a very different shaving experience! In fact, I would almost say I've taken a step back in shaving quality as I need to re-figure this one out. My question is for those who have a rotation of blades. Do they all shave differently? I mean do you intentionally tweak your style based on each razor?

This how you feel about the DOVO Bismarck, I can guarantee you that there are a variety of Dovos that will feel different.
Different sizes and grind will feel differently, the trick is to figure out what you like best and focus on that group of blades if you are building a collection.

When I'm shaving with a razor with a truly sharp edge, I can almost forget about the razor itself and concentrate on the edge doing its job.

With only 6 months of wet shaving under my chin, I can still tell the difference in my razors. I have tried to gather a variety of blade shapes and sizes in an attempt to find those that I like, and work best for me. Fortunately, I haven't been able to do that yet, so I am still justifying to my bride the buying of more razors

Anyway, I have determined that different weights and blade shapes provide ME different shaves. As such I select the ones that meet the beard length at the time I am ready to shave determined by those that have worked in the past. I have my favorites that I gravitate to, but I hope I never find the "Perfect" razor, that will ruin all the fun and excitement of the chase.

Free advise being worth exactly what you pay, you now have mine. YMMV

I've only been straight razor shaving for about 4.5 months. I have some new Bokers and Dovos in 5/8 and 6/8 all full hollow grinds. A couple months ago I thought the Bokers were sharper but now I can't tell the difference anymore between them other than size and weight. I think it's cause I'm touching them up and providing the maintenance. So the blade's potential is held back and is forced to stay at my current skill level. So they all eventually end up feeling the same way. The only difference I can see now is that I'm a lot faster with a 5/8.

I do have 2 slight smiling 6/8 razors that are 1/4 hollow. I like the weight, the shape of the blade and they are stiffer than full hollow grinds. I seem to get better shaves from them.