Grouping Razors In Rotation

Gentlemen,

After experimenting, I have selected to group my razors in the rotation according to blade size or, in some cases, blade size and weight.

What brought this about was shaving with two completely different size and weight razors in succession. After going from the big and heavy to the small and light, I managed to nick myself once or twice. I rarely nick myself. Not because I am the straight razor shaver's answer to Hercules, but because I use exceptional care shaving.

My solution was to group them together to eliminate excessive contrast in razors. That would temper the measure of adjustment I would have to make going from one size and weight razor to another.

As an example, I have parked my razor in the rack this way:

1. Thiers-Issard 5/8" with snake wood scales, round point (light).
2. Dovo "Bergisher Lowe" 5/8" with bone scales, Spanish point (heavier).
3. Thiers-Issard 6/8"-7/8" Spartacus with bone scales, "Dreadnought" point (vavavamoom!).

1. Dovo 5/8" with Perlex scales, round point (light).
2. Thiers-Issard 5/8" with king wood scales, round point (heavier)
3. Filarmonic 13 Doble Temple 6/8" with plastic scales, square point (oy, mama!)

1. Boker 5/8" "King Cutter" with plastic scales, French point (heavy).
2. Trusteel 5/8" with mock ebony scales, round point (heavier).
3. Wacker 6/8" "Antik" with bone scales, Spanish point (hallelujah!)

And so on with the rest of the razors.

The rotation seems to work for me. Any thoughts on the subject, gentlemen?

Regards,

Obie

Some people seem to need (or at least like very much) systems, some do not. :shrug:

I pick them according to my current mood.

Dear Obie,

Two things:

1. The setup makes perfect sense.
2. Are you interested in adoption?

Kind regards,
Robin

My dear Robin,

How good to hear from you, and thanks for your thoughts on the rotation. It seems to be working for me — for now.

One of the reasons I devised this rotation for myself is that I want to use all the razors rather than go with my most favorites — and I do have some. I don't want to leave any razor out and hurt its feeling.

I must say, though, that little by little I am favoring the 6/8" blades with heft. I think it takes a big razor to cut through the jungle that covers my Hollywood face. Some time ago, you had suggested going with 7/8" razors. I am starting to get more comfortable with that idea. Thanks for your suggestion.

By the way, what am I adopting? I am open to all kinds of ideas, my learned friend.

Regards,

Obie

Dear Obie,

As stated elsewhere, bigger blades are gooder. Given your current collection, I think a 7/8 or 8/8 is called for. If I were you, I'd grab one of the Old Sheffield Wackers while they're still available. Really impressive, and they shave well, too.

Oh, and I want you to adopt me, of course, so I can toy around with your razors. There are some really, really nice ones among them. Except the Bergisher Lowe, which is a well known Pakistani pirate copy of the Bergischer Löwe.

Regards,
Robin

My dear Robin,

You caught me on the "Bergischer." Oh, that hurts — to miss an incorrect spelling for a writer. As I said, you are my learned friend. As for the Lowe, I don't have the umlaut on my computer. Or I do and don't know where it is.

I like your idea of the 7/8 or the 8/8 Sheffield Wackers. Your ideas have never failed me yet. Where would I find those Wackers? What vendor has them?

Thanks again for all your thoughts, Robin.

Regards,

Obie

My dear Robin,

One more thing: Consider yourself adopted.

Regards,

Obie

Obie,

Your rotation makes perfect sense to me as well. I favor the heavier razors and have some difficulties handling the lighter ones. In fact, in my rotation I have only one 5/8 which is a Boker Edelweisse. It is so nimble that I have a half inch scar to remind me.

PS. I have an 8/8 Dorko on its way and should the receiving this lip lopper on Saturday.

i just seem to pick whichever one up i have not used in a while and go for it...but that does make sense.....i dont know if its just me but the heavier blades thick wood scales are a big + over thin weak plastic scales...actually feel like i have something in my hand

but for around tops of my ear i like my little 4/8 henckels does good around my ears and such but its odd going from heavy blade to almost nothing in your hand

Obie, makes sense but I'm with sparq in that I look at the accumulation and pick the one that calls to me that day. :)

Hi Obie,

I only have three razors so far, plus a microtome that I use occasionally, and all of them are 5/8" or 6/8" and hollow ground so theres not much difference between them. My Edelweisse seems to have a stiffer blade for some reason but thats about it.

So I just go with whichever one I feel like that day...!

Some day I hope to have enough razors that I need to work out a system..! :-)

Best,

Stuart