Thread: Just a quick question

is it normal for one razor to shave better then another ?

Absolutely.

is one sharper then the other or could it be something else

Sure, it could be that one is sharper (more recently honed, perhaps you rolled the edge on the other one while stropping?), but it could also be that with your particular shaving technique you get a better shave with one than with the other - its particular weight, balance, or grind suits you better. It's all pretty subjective.

o boy
the first one I bought is a Ralf Aust Solingen
and I was using it for about three weeks and a better shave
the other R.H. Hegener Columbia
I strop them the same and even try very hard to shave the same
heck the only reason I bought the second was that I was afraid of dulling the first and not being able to get it re-honed before I got home from deployment

Well that depends. If both have been properly honed preferable by the same person then the difference you may get could be based on your technique and the attributes of the blade itself. Some find shaving with a 7/8 quarter hollow versus a 4/8 full hollow gives them a better result even if both are truly shave ready.

It comes down to many different variables but the answer is yes depending on your experience. Different grinds, size of blade, weight etc. all play a part, and you may need to slightly adjust your technique with different razors to achieve similar results. Thats part of the fun of this game though in finding all the elements that work best for you

well thank you very much.... I guess its time to practice more....
maybe even start looking into a third so I get more perspective..
is their any good number to have for rotation....or does that really matter

I think most guys here would say, the correct number of razors is as many as you can afford :-)

Personally, I'm happy at two or three. There's certainly no need for any more than that.

Originally Posted by casper

is their any good number to have for rotation....or does that really matter

As a fairly new straight razor myself, I've seen this happen but back and forth between the few razors I own. As soon as I thought razor x was superior to razor y, it'd switch. It just so happens I was improving honing/stropping so it was really variable.
My guess is if you got the Aust back to super sharp again it'd be a contender again?