Thread: Anyone so minimalist using only one straight razor everyday???

Originally Posted by Wid

When I first started I couldn't stop buying. Now I'm pretty satisfied with what I got.

Me too (I think). And the answer to the original question is not any longer...30 years ago I did for 6 months.

I used 3 today.... Gotta love 'test' shaves

Chris

If the idea is to get a great shave, you might consider at least adding an additional razor to your rotation. The striations on your blade take about 24 hours to return to their original formation. Wealthy people used 7 day sets because even in the age before microscopes they noticed you got a better shave if you let your blade rest.

Originally Posted by robert42556

If the idea is to get a great shave, you might consider at least adding an additional razor to your rotation. The striations on your blade take about 24 hours to return to their original formation. Wealthy people used 7 day sets because even in the age before microscopes they noticed you got a better shave if you let your blade rest.

I have heard this before but don't really understand what is getting better during the rest period. Can you explain what these striations are and how resting helps?

All metal forged objects consist of layers, think of them almost like fibers that are shaped into the form of the blade. These striations which can only be seen under a very powerful microscope "open" as the blade comes in contact with the coarse hair of your beard. That's all there is to it really. After a brief "rest" they return to position they were originally forged. Easy to test yourself, give you razor a rest for a day or two and see if it gives you a better shave.

Its called the placebo effect.

If you visit these various shave forums, the odds of you ending up with only one razor are very, very remote! Not saying it can't happen but the temptations and ever present eye candy will inevitably prod you to buy more things...

I used a Bowdin Blue 5/8 half hollow with a blue steel tang, my first and only razor for about 10 years.

Maintained it on a Black Ark, a strop and a great Barber… no paste. Dropped it and reshaped the tip by about a ¼ inch and dropped it again now a ½ inch shorter, the cracked ice scales started to off gas about 5 years ago so I de pinned it and still have or had the blade… somewhere.



Then One day in the early 80’s, I walked into an Antique Store with my new bride when nice Straights were selling for a Dollar, Two for NOS. The rest is history. Probably 300 or so give or take a box and a rotation of about 30+.

Looked like the one in the photo except the tang was blued, it was a nice shaver easy to maintain.