Thread: 2 razors per shave

A while ago when I was practising/learning how to hone I'd use two razors to shave. The one I sharpened first, to make sure it was sharp enough, then another which had been honed by someone who knew what they were doing. These days I'm able to get the blade sharp enough so I don't need to compare them but I often remember the shaves while this was going on and I think they might have been better because the first razor would do all the dirty work, and the second would just clean up - which meant the edge wouldn't get as much use and thus stay a little sharper for the final pass.

Does anyone else do this/tried this - and do you think it's a good idea?

I always use 2 razors per shave. I don't like stropping in the middle of the shave and since I shave only every 3 days after the 2nd pass the first razor get's a little harsh so I use another one to finish. When stropping afterwards I also notice more drag on the first one and do more laps.

My razors are so sharp I only need one pass, ahh, welll 2 passes in some areas.

You have problem with sharpness of your blades.
Problem is you guys like very sharp edge as a result you got almost overhoned edge. This edge shaves first pass very nice and for second pass you have to strop or use another blade.
if you will have proper honed blade you don't need to have second blade to have comfortable shave.
Please note 2 things in here.
What KEES says is different then you 2 before him.
Lastly how i know you guys have this issue?
I have been there and experienced exact same 3-4 years ago.
My suggestion got a razor honed properly use it right way most likely scything motion and check the results.
hope this helps.
have fun.

You shouldnt have to strop during a shave. Some do, but it is more of a "thing" than it is something that is necessary. I only use 1 razor, for 2-3 passes and my edges do not need stropping until the next shave. As was said, chances are your razor(s) were not honed properly.

Originally Posted by sapito318

You shouldnt have to strop during a shave. Some do, but it is more of a "thing" than it is something that is necessary. I only use 1 razor, for 2-3 passes and my edges do not need stropping until the next shave. As was said, chances are your razor(s) were not honed properly.

Here it is! The truth!

Why should there be a 2 or 3 pass limit between straps? why not 2 or 3 shaves?

Originally Posted by kevint

Why should there be a 2 or 3 pass limit between straps? why not 2 or 3 shaves?

Well, I didnt say that you had to strop your razor after each 2-3 pass shave, just that it is what I do, and is the general guideline. Stropping after 2-3 shaves will be fine, however your edge will lose its keenness more quickly than if you were to strop before each shave.

When I've honed a razor (not been doing this long) I like to have a first pass with it. If I get a satisfactory result I'll do a second pass with it. If I feel it dragging a little or feel it needs a bit more work (even if it takes the hairs off my arm with ease) I'll use my best razor (TI) to finish the job as I don't want to end up with burn etc.

I use two razors when I shave with a straight - I use a nice wedgy blade for the first pass, which gives me a very smooth clean shave, ploughing ATG through my growth and removing all of it, and then use a smaller blade (like my 4/8 Kraut & Donal "Regina" hollow ground blade) to clean up afterwards, as the small, flexible manouevrable blade makes it perfect for trimming up problem areas.