Different Technique with Different Razors

I was just wondering if anyone had any comments on the necessity of varying your technique depending on which razor you are using. I have been shaving with a straight for a couple of years now and am able to get daily wonderfully smooth shaves but for most of this time I have mainly used only one or two different razors. I recently purchased a few other pre-sharpened razors and when I tried them I suddenly I was not getting close shaves like before. I decided to try again instead of assuming something was wrong with the razors and changed my angle and pressure a little and noticed an huge difference. I'm sure this probably seems obvious to a lot of people but I had no idea I needed to slightly change my technique depending on the size and grind of the razor. :confused: Go figure. Has anyone else found this to be true or am I crazy?

Thanks,
Dan

I've noticed a very slight difference between some razors, but nothing significant. I wonder if what you're experiencing isn't due to a difference in edge characteristics? I'm thinking that after you hone your new razors, they may shave more like your old ones do.

Almost every time I shave I use a different razor and may not get back to the first one for quite some time. I do try to shave in groups like Henckels or Clauss and I have noticed that even within the same blade grind and hight some shave a bit different than others. I attribute this difference to my honing being to slightly different levels between the razors. As such, when I come across one that is scary sharp and don't alter my style a little I get some nicks. Also, when I switch from full hollow grinds to stiffer blades I find that if I don't alter my style I usually get a nick or two.

I've been shaving with a different blade since I started w/ straights so I am used to a difference for each shave. Maybe if you focus on one of the newer acquisitions for a week or so you will notice if any slight change in technique improves the results. I look forward to reading your about your findings!

Good luck.

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Originally Posted by Joed

Almost every time I shave I use a different razor and may not get back to the first one for quite some time.

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+1 for me too. Another +1 for the variance in honing accounting for a variance in the shave but that is improving with practice. I never shave with the same razor twice in a week unless I'm trying to dial it in on the hones. Then I may use it on consecutive days. That is RAD, I don't know if it is a blessing or a curse. :banghead:

I have a pretty big rotation so each time I shave I always notice some differences between them but not requiring changes in technique. The only time I have that issue is for instance if I go from a 4/8s to a 7/8s I have to watch the scales position so they don't get in the way as I shave.

Thanks for all the input. Sounds like it's probably just a difference in honing. I think I'll try to touch up my new razors similar to my old ones and see if that solves my confusion. I did notice the new razor pulling some but I thought maybe my technique needed to be changed. Maybe the razor just need to be sharper.

Cheers,
Dan

Hello, everyone:

I rotate my razors, too, and have discovered that each razor has its own personality and characteristic. My razors are 4/8", 5/8" and 6/8" in size, with round point, Spanish point, square point and dreadnought. Although my overall razor technique remains the same with all the razors, I find myself making subtle changes in the way each individual razor is used.

Regards,

Obie

I also seldom use the same razor twice in a week, and have found the most important difference among razors that I need to pay attention to is the point. If I go from round points to spike or French, and am not very careful around the ears, I nick myself.

I, on the other hand, notice no difference at all when I rotate my razors. Turn 'em over, turn 'em end for end, spin 'em around a bit, nothing, they still shave the same. :)

Seriously tho', other than the obvious differences due to relative sharpness the biggest variable I need to pay attention to is the difference in length of the blade - and the tip shape if different than the last razor used. Couple a change to a longer blade with a change from a round tip to a square tip and there have been times when I'm lucky to still have ears. Not that they work that well, but one gets used to cosmetic appearances and functionality: they are somewhere to hang the hearing aids.

:beer2:

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Originally Posted by Bruce

Seriously tho', other than the obvious differences due to relative sharpness the biggest variable I need to pay attention to is the difference in length of the blade - and the tip shape if different than the last razor used.

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Me too. I have a custom by Josh Earl that is about a quarter inch longer than average and I have to be aware of that . Also maneuvering an 8/8 blade when I've been shaving with 5/8 for awhile. Not a big thing but subtle differences in the feel.

I find I notice a difference in the width of the blade. I have to watch my angles when I got from 5/8" up to a wider 7/8" or 15/16".

And I totally have to rethink things when I use my Kamisori..! I've only used that twice so far, and it gives wonderful shaves, but its totally different to use than a Western razor. For me at least anyway...! :)

I have six different razors, all with some level of hollow ground blade and a mix of spike and round points. I can sense some difference in balance and some blades are "springier" in that they have a more severe grind. But, I don't pay a great deal of attention to things like angle etc, I just do what comes naturally with each blade. I suppose there are some minor differences from blade to blade, but I am afraid if I tried to analyze these while shaving, I would end up cutting myself. Too much analysis is either the second or third largest cause of injury while shaving.

My first thought is that regardless of razor style, the cutting edge should be essentially the same for all razors. The difference may be in how each edge is prepared (honed and stropped) and that may be perceived as the "difference."

Sounds like the consensus is that the razors were probably just honed differently and that would account for the difference in the edge and feel of the razor. I need to get my honing skills down so I can adjust new razors to match my tastes.
thanks for all the input gents