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.

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

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.

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.

Originally Posted by nun2sharp

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.

I haven't been straight shaving for long but I have 6 sr and another two on the way.

I just can't help it, I think I need counselling.

I choose what I get by how pretty they are, I always try to get something I don't have, usually different scales actually. I already have black scales and white scales, I have ebony wood scales so I need tortoise and pearl and other pretty stuff.

Don't think I would want any identical razors.

Steve

Razors, where DE, SE, Cartridge or Straight, or even electric shavers/trimmers, are all tools to get a job done. I have all of them and use them all at one time or another. I use an electric trimmer to trim sideburns, eyebrows and my mustache. I use a cartridge razor in the shower to shave the back of my neck. I use straights, DEs and one SE to shave my face.

I agree with you that using and maintaining straight razors is fun. I get my best shaves using straight razors, but I also have difficulty getting a close shave on my chin and jawline using only a straight, so if I shave with a straight razor, I often do a clean-up pass using a DE on the parts of my face that are difficult to shave with a straight.

If you are like most of the SRP forum members, you will probably end up with a few or a few dozen straight razors in your collection, but as long as you have some other razor to fall back on should your straight razor be in need of resharpening, a single razor will suffice.

Sometimes I have started my shave with a straight razor only to find that the edge it is not quite up to my standards. My beard is pretty tough, so I have to refresh the edge frequently. Should that happen, I can grab the finishing hone I keep handy and refresh the edge before resuming my shave. If I am in too big a hurry to do that, I simply lay the straight aside and grab a DE razor to complete my shave.

when i started, i wanted to learn to hone too so i had to buy enough razors so that the money i saved not sending them out would pay for the expense of buying the stones!