Thread: Different razors for each pass?

O.K. I'm fairly new to participating in the forums here, but recently found something that I enjoy and have not seen discussed in the posts that I have read...(it may have come up so I hope I'm not duplicating)

When I Shave I like to make 3 passes. 1st w/ the grain, 2nd across the grain, and 3rd against. Nothing new.

The thing that I have not seen discussed is:
that I have recently been making each pass w/ a different razor.
1st with a 1", second with a 6/8, and for the final more delicate pass against the grain I use a more maneuverable 5/8 or 4/8.

The first pass with untouched whiskers, benefits from the weight of the steel.
The second doesn't need to be as agressive.
The third benefits from a light touch.

Granted this adds maintenence time to the process, but I feel I get a better shave. Maybe I am just impatient and don't like waiting a day or two to use the next razor on deck?

Does anyone else do this, and what are your thoughts?

Hmmm, I think this will spur lots of guys to show this post to their wives so they have a reason to buy two more razors <g>

Great idea!


Tony

I've thought about it, but was afraid to admit it. I think I'll try two razors when I have some extra time and see what happens.

I'll bring two razors into the shave if I suspect one will not shave and have had ocassion to change at some point from one to the other, but that's as far as I've gone so far.

X

Originally Posted by xman

I'll bring two razors into the shave if I suspect one will not shave and have had ocassion to change at some point from one to the other, but that's as far as I've gone so far.

X

I have done that too. When I have honed a new razor and I am not sure it is up to snuff.

Buy them from Tony!

I use one razor for all three passes. I strop between the first and second pass only. Each pass is with lather.

Jeff

Originally Posted by Korndog

I've thought about it, but was afraid to admit it. I think I'll try two razors when I have some extra time and see what happens.

let us know if you think there is a difference.

I am not sure if the better shave that I perceive is due to:
different weight/maneuverability of the razors
having a fresh/sharp razor on each pass or...
if it is some sort of psychosomatic result.

Originally Posted by str8rzrshvr

I use one razor for all three passes. I strop between the first and second pass only. Each pass is with lather.

This is how I started using multiples. I felt that I needed to strop between passes, but rather than take that time, I just grabbed another razor that I knew was ready. I'll have to try stropping a single between passes and see if the results are similar

Originally Posted by xman

I'll bring two razors into the shave if I suspect one will not shave and have had ocassion to change at some point from one to the other, but that's as far as I've gone so far.

This is good thinking, making sure that you have the right tool ready. I find that I tend to make maintenence an event (I like sharpening more than shaving). I usually do 5 or 6 razors per sitting, each weekend, and place those in my bathroom stand. This way I am prepared for the week ahead and I always have other options w/in easy reach.

Originally Posted by Tony Miller

Hmmm, I think this will spur lots of guys to show this post to their wives so they have a reason to buy two more razors.

I was the lucky recipient of a dozen razors to start my collection. A friend inherited these when his grandfather passed, and he had no interest in them. He knew I had a lot of knives, so passed them to me. I have added a few since, but if I had to buy them all, using 3 per shave would be a little less likely.

I think using three razors per shave kind of complicates things doesn't it? The only time I could see using that approach might be if I was using a 7/8s or 8/8s on my face and when it comes time to shave my upper lip area (which I don't do because I have a moustache) I might consider using a 2/8s I have just for that.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

I think using three razors per shave kind of complicates things doesn't it? The only time I could see using that approach might be if I was using a 7/8s or 8/8s on my face and when it comes time to shave my upper lip area (which I don't do because I have a moustache) I might consider using a 2/8s I have just for that.

I use 7/8's for my whole face upper lip too. You just need to angle it a little different. I would find changing razors during a shave would just lead to more nicks. Just my 2 cents.