Do some razors just irritate you?

**Johnny J** · 09-29-2010, 10:26 PM

I have two wedges, a JW Allen 37 Strand 6/8, and a W&B "for barbers only" 8/8. Since I sharpened both razors myself on the same set of hones, I assume we can remove me as a variable. They both do a good job, but the Allen does it with less irritation. The Allen is actually the only one I still use. I might sell off all my other razors to finance a Robert Williams--but I digress.

Are there some razors your face just doesn't like no matter what you do to them? The W&B actually looks very crude & primitive compared to the Allen, but IDK whether that means anything.

**thebigspendur** · 09-29-2010, 10:52 PM

The brutal truth is if the razor is a quality piece there is no reason it shouldn't give you a great comfortable shave. In your case it probably needs some more work. Some razors can be a bit finicky and take a different approach with the hones to get them at their best or maybe just a bit more time.

**Joed** · 09-30-2010, 12:43 AM

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

The brutal truth is if the razor is a quality piece there is no reason it shouldn't give you a great comfortable shave. In your case it probably needs some more work. Some razors can be a bit finicky and take a different approach with the hones to get them at their best or maybe just a bit more time.

+1 Send it back to the bevel setter for some circles and laps. When you think you are where it needs to be give it one more set of circles and laps. Then work your way up the hones again. Let us know what you find in performance.

**northpaw** · 09-30-2010, 01:31 AM

I had a razor that confounded me for two years - ever since I got it. It looked beautiful and seemed to hone up well, but I couldn't get a comfortable shave out of it for nuthin'.

Then, about a month ago, I finally solved the problem and was rewarded with wonderful shaves. Have to admit, I was so happy/relieved that I put my rotation on hold and have been solely shaving with that razor ever since.