Thread: 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. 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.

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.

+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.

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.

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.

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.