Thread: Noob Two Razor Dilemma

Ok, I'm confused. Being a DE shaver for most of my adult life (age 65 yrs) I picked up a used DOVO str8 from a forum member to see the challenge and fun of shaving with a str8 razor. Ok, so far into about a week of shaving with no major arteries cut, no pieces of facial anatomy lost and fun to use, so I'm gonna keep using a str8. Now I know many of you gents have multiple razors that you use, but the undercurrent seems to be to do this properly one needs at least 2 razors, preferable the same make/model, to use on alternate days to really get efficient shaves. Am I correct in this assumption or can one do well with a singe maintained razor?? Being a retro guy ( I love wet shaving, fountain pens and S&W revolvers) I surely don't mind owning more than one str8, but can I get by efficiently with just one? Would appreciate any thoughts and/or suggestions!!

If you're doing the maintaining, sure, you can get by with one razor. If your not sharpening your own there would be problems getting by with one razor.

You can invest in a good barber hone and be done with it. You have a razor that will last multiple lifetimes. Depending on how the blade was honed a barbers hone will maintain a shaving edge for ever, but it may not maintain a superior edge.
My suggestion is this, buy a second quality razor, get it shave ready, invest in a quality barbers hone and maintain those two razors with the barbers hone. Should one or the other ever become less than adequate despite the use of the barbers hone, you still have one blade at home while the other gets sent out.

You can get by fine with just one, until you drop it, then you'll be right Back to the DE for a short period of time. I disagree with the sentiment that the razors should be near identical. That tactic has some advantages, but variety will teach you more in the long run.

I have to admit, one straight razor is an alien concept to me. They're kinda like potato chips, nobody wants just one. lol

Doesn't much matter what suggestions I have, with a Sceen Name like that, and Hobbies like yours, I am betting you'll be hooked on this hobby in no time

I have to agree with Alan, it does not matter what kind, size or grind the second razor is, as a matter of fact I suggest a little variety.

Hi Sixgunner and welcome to SRP.
I can only speak from my (limited) experience and would suggest that, whilst you could get away with one razor, unless you hone it yourself it will need to be sent out to be honed regularly, particularly in the early stages of your journey.
As for having two razors the same, I would consider having two different sizes with the same grind to experience the difference between them FWIW
The other issue that you may not be aware of is the onset of RAD which can increase your razor holdings considerably.
I have five in my rotation ATM with more coming with sizes ranging from 4/8 to 11/16 full hollow to 1/2 hollow.
Other members here have many many more with widely different grinds and sizes and they love them all.
It is up to you how you go through this journey into the world of str8's, however, if you stay on this site you will be exposed to more information/opinions than you ever thought possible on the subject.
Read lots and look through the WIKI, form your own opinions, try as many different sizes and grinds as you can (if possible) and, most of all, enjoy the ride.

"I have to admit, one straight razor is an alien concept to me. They're kinda like potato chips..."

Great quote! Exactly!

In a year the dilemma will be which two of your razors could you not live without, if you were forced to give up all but those.