Thread: How Many Razors have you Ruined?

A single razor will last you a life time if cared for properly. Many of us want a variety in our day to day shaving. It is pretty safe to say we all started out with one razor if even for a day, and some of us wanted to try them all. Hey............variety is the spice of life right? Your question is simple. Own one and you will be just fine. If you hone them on your own even better. If you do not hone, you may want two, one to have one when the other is sent off for honing. Other than that- one single razor will take care of your shaving needs if taken care of properly.

There's nothing wrong with owning a single razor. It just means that, unless you learn to hone it, it will be out of action every time it needs honing. And it will need honing more often than if you had a couple of razors, since the purpose of owning more than one (apart from some kind of addiction ) is to rotate them so that you get an overall longer non-honing period.

Apart from that, people find that as they gain experience they gain curiosity. We don't all know at the beginning what kinds of razors we prefer, or indeed what kinds might be out there. It is unusual, though not unheard of, for people to stick with just the one they bought initially. Most of us look around at what else is out there and sometimes pick another one or two (or 500!) up along the way.

James.

Originally Posted by Jimbo

There's nothing wrong with owning a single razor. It just means that, unless you learn to hone it, it will be out of action every time it needs honing. And it will need honing more often than if you had a couple of razors, since the purpose of owning more than one (apart from some kind of addiction ) is to rotate them so that you get an overall longer non-honing period.

Apart from that, people find that as they gain experience they gain curiosity. We don't all know at the beginning what kinds of razors we prefer, or indeed what kinds might be out there. It is unusual, though not unheard of, for people to stick with just the one they bought initially. Most of us look around at what else is out there and sometimes pick another one or two (or 500!) up along the way.

James.

Unusual indeed- Especially on this forum

Originally Posted by pixelfixed

Ruined the first few I honed,far to much pressor.

Thank God your better at making brushes & looms!

1. 15 or so

2. none

3. No, it was given to me and I in turn gave it away to someone else.

4. Since June 2010, 5/8 Stainless Steel hollow ground round point.

5. no idea

Originally Posted by Toucan

Just before I buy a more expensive razor, I'd like to gauge whether it'd be a safe investment with a few questions:

1. How many razors total have you owned?

2. How many razors have you ruined/cracked/scratched/dinged/etc. during shaving? How were they ruined?

3. Do you still have your first straight razor?

4. How long have you owned the straight razor that you owned longest? Please provide it's size, grind, and blade material.

5. How many inches would you expect me to remove from a razor if I used it daily during my lifetime? A whole 8th of an inch? A 16th of an inch?

Thanks so much to all who answer

1. Less than 40

2. None

3. Yes

4. I've owned it for 3 years; it has been in the family since the 1830's.

5. Who knows? How are your honing skills?

Originally Posted by Toucan

Just before I buy a more expensive razor, I'd like to gauge whether it'd be a safe investment with a few questions:

1. How many razors total have you owned?

2. How many razors have you ruined/cracked/scratched/dinged/etc. during shaving? How were they ruined?

3. Do you still have your first straight razor?

4. How long have you owned the straight razor that you owned longest? Please provide it's size, grind, and blade material.

5. How many inches would you expect me to remove from a razor if I used it daily during my lifetime? A whole 8th of an inch? A 16th of an inch?

Thanks so much to all who answer

1. About 150
2. Zero
3. Yes, a 5/8 full hollow that was my Grandfathers.
4. Same answer as 3 and several years.
5. Tough question, I have no idea how long your lifetime may be.
&
Your last question: You can certainly get by with one straight razor if you are prepared and able to take care of it which includes honing and touch ups as needed.

Enjoy you new razor,
Bob

There is nothing wrong with owning just one, until you need to shave and it's won't and you don't have the time to hone it. So it's nice to have two as a backup.

I've never ruined a razor. yea a ding once or twice but I was able to fix it no problem.

I bought my first razor back in 1985-86? and yes, I still have it. Butler "Art" razor with the Shakespeare portrait on it.

I have ruined only one razor by my own hand. Excrement occurs, so you just cry a little bit and move along.

I remember when I was very young (over 50 years ago) that my grandfather had a very worn strop hanging on the bathroom door and only one straight razor, I think it was a Bengall. Unfortunately it is now too late to ask him questions about razor usage, honing etc. I really would love to have been able to share my passion with him. However, the point of this reply is to say that in my grandfather's case, he only had one razor but certainly could have afforded more. Similarly, dad only had one Gillette DE razor for over 40 years that I can remember. When he passed away mum through it out as she said it was all worn and "disgusting".

ps:- I am still young