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I've not read anyone mention how they keep track of the condition and state of readiness for the razors. I have a bunch of razors, some need honing, some have been honed, some have been honed and refreshed on Crox and some have been used several times.
So how do you keep track of how far along each razor is?
I was thinking of starting a spread sheet or a note book.
It is a great idea. I posted my intention of doing so a couple of years ago but never did more than take notes on a few off and on. If you only have one series of hones and a few razors it would be easy but if, like me, you have a ton of razors and stones it is impossible to remember which were honed with what. Keeping a log, whether on spread sheet or written down, would be a valuable asset.
I've started keeping notecards with the razors where they are stored they list what they are honed on, when they were last honed and I mark how many shaves I have on each razor. I even will mark what I plan on trying next honing on occasion. I have just started marking how each shave went and what I used.
Most of the information is redundant, but I enjoy keeping track anyway.
Spreadsheets are great. I use them for razors, knives, hones, etc. Info like when and where acquired, price paid, type of steel/scales, when and how sharpened, and the like. Comes in handy when the memory starts to slip....
I used to do that, I used a word doc, and just updated and saved it, Then, I went Old School, and got one of those Black and White Comp books, and liked that better, I keep it with my hones..Hmmm. Old School... Straight Razors...maybe a connection....Ha..
I still use the book to keep track of my razors, when and how they were honed last.
I started months ago keeping a honing journal. I list the razor, when honed, honed used, laps and results...In this journal I also have a monthly calendar where I list the razor used...this way I know how many shaves I've got before the next honing. Just a little bit of my OCD. HOG
I have a spreadsheet on my computer that covers all of that as well as what I paid for each razor, and the date I acquired it.
I am working on putting together an Access database so that it's easier to enter and retrieve data, and I can put in pictures of the razors and longer notes, etc... I just don't have enough time to devote to putting it together.
Beyond that I have racks in my shave-den for razors, I place them in different slots depending on how well they shave. If you ever come to my house and need to borrow a razor, I suggest using one in the rear-left compartment. ;)
I use the OpenOffice Calc program which is a free spreadsheet, like Excel. I started logging comments on brushes, soaps, razors, blades, AS, time between shaves, etc, and just updated it to log my progression in straights. Now I need to log shaves on each razor, experiences with strops (#of laps, leather, nicks), hones and progression, and so on. Eventually I will probably just narrow it down to number of shaves on each straight.
wow some great advices above.
This is the reason i never try to hone more then 7 razor and keep them shave ready condition.
Rest of the razor are not shave ready.
good question.
I used to use a portable wiki application. Now I use index cards if the computer isn't available, or more often an application called MemPad.
Every razor I have in my display case is used and ready to go, they might need a touch up once in a while but thats it, everything else is in a shoebox.
I keep my main 10 razors separate from the other razors and don't seem to have a problem remembering what they were honed with or how long ago, but, it does seem like a good idea to keep a log of some kind. I've been doing just that with my brewing of kombucha and I'm finding it to be invaluable for keeping track of progress. Thanks!
OK, I'll bite. What is KOMBUCHA?Quote:
Originally Posted by bassguy
Long story short, it's simply green tea that I allow a bacteria and yeast culture to grow in, which convert it into an elixir of life and health. For the cost of one store bought bottle I can make a gallon or more on my own. I'll bring a bottle next time we meet!
I prefer the elixir of life that requires 12-50 years for it to ferment and is made in either rum or sherry casks. I prefer the type from the great Island of Scotland. I'll bring some of that next time we meet and we can share.Quote:
Originally Posted by bassguy
I'm a big fan of MVCrash's elixir as well. LOL
Jeff, you just made me laugh out loud.
Great simple utility software! Thanks!Quote:
Originally Posted by Sticky
I use a simple method. I keep a rotation of razors in a leather pouch. If I notice that a razor needs a touch up, I put it into the pouch with the tail down rather than the normal tail down placement. This flags the razor for a touch up. I don't care what the razor was finished with previously, I'll touch it up with whatever I'm in the mood to use at that moment.
I do not keep track of any kind but i use this method. I have 14 razors that i use as a 7 day sets. Other set waits honed in a drawer. As the first razor of the set currently in use shows any signs of needing a touch up, i just put it aside and get on with the last 6. Keep on shaving until the last razor gets aside. Then i take my second 7 day set in use. Usually one set lasts about 6 months or even more so there's plenty of time to hone the other set before it gets back to service again.
I had to resurrect this thread as I run into the same problem with keeping track of the status of my razor's edge.
Came up with this idea:
Office Depot Brand Removable Round Color Coding Labels 14 Diameter Multicolor Dots Pack Of 768 by Office Depot
Red: needs honing ; yellow: needs touch-up; green: ready to go
Is that OCD? Do I need to go back on medication?
Yes. Perhaps.
But you're probably not the only one on here using a color coded, removable dot organization system. Or maybe you are......
Quote:
Originally Posted by Razorthin
I just keep a cup in the window sill for razors needing honed/bevel re-set. If I use one that need touched up, I touch it up after the shave & it doesn't go back into the "rotation" until it's just right. Yep, low tech
What's up Rob, I hope you and your family are doing well. Let's do lunch.Quote:
Originally Posted by Rmaldon240
N.
I used to keep a spreadsheet for notes on each razor.
Once the collection grew, I kinda just ditched that and simply grab any razor when I wanna shave.
If it's not up to snuff, there's always a few dozens that are:)
Everyone that needs honing has a separate drawer so that I can keep track of them that way.
Much the same. I lift a razor and shave. If it's off and needs to go to the stones I pick up another and put it aside till I get the chance to do it. I must admit to something I realised lately. I love my razors and shaving and all that goes with, but when it comes to the maintenance I appear to be a bit meh lol. I do hone and my razors are in good condition but i don't go to tye lengths some here do. I guess we all have our way, and mine is to essentially treat my razors as tools.Quote:
Originally Posted by Birnando
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