Thread: Do I Mess With Success

Since getting my str8s back from the honemiester I have my third perfect shave with my Torrey. I never even used it prior to sending it off, I used my Genco.
So I know many here rotate their blades, but why mess with success. Do I keep using the Torrey and leave my Genco in reserve or should I rotate them?
What is the benefit of rotating blades?
Brian

I say do whatever works for you.

Most of us have a rotation because we own so many razors it would be a shame not to use them. As well, a rotation will cut down on the frequency of touchups and/or honing sessions per individual razor. That's to say it will take longer to dull the edge because you are using multiple blades.

You will also hear the "resting theory" as another reason to rotate - the old theory that your blade has to rest for 24 hrs or so for the teeth to realign. I wouldn't worry too much about that one as most of us don't give that idea any merit.

I was thinking I could use the unused blade as a standard. If my Torrey gets to where it does not feel right, or a question of the blades condition comes into doubt, I could break out the Genco to verify blade problem or user problem.
Brian

There is also the theory that a blade left unused over time will lose it's edge. I don't know how I feel about this but many members seem to fell it has credibility. I use a razor for a week and then go to the next one. This means each one is used about every 76 or 8 weeks (more, as my collection grows). So far, they seem to keep a decent edge.

Originally Posted by leadduck

There is also the theory that a blade left unused over time will lose it's edge. I don't know how I feel about this but many members seem to fell it has credibility. I use a razor for a week and then go to the next one. This means each one is used about every 76 or 8 weeks (more, as my collection grows). So far, they seem to keep a decent edge.

I usually go with the 1 week rotation as well, with Sunday being the switch day.

Personally I don't buy the "sit and it will lose its edge" theory. But if it were true, what a pain in the butt that would be!

Honestly, for me, the best part of having a nice rotation is getting to use all the various blades. They're all unique -- some quite obvious and others rather subtle.

I find it quite enjoyable to look at a razor and think, "Hmm, haven't used this one in a while...", and then you take it for a spin and wonder why you waited so long to use it.

I would shave with both of them if you want, but I would leave one away from your stones, if you have any. That way you can compare your job against a honemeister's. I say razors are meant to be shaved with.

Originally Posted by Ryan82

I usually go with the 1 week rotation as well, with Sunday being the switch day.

Personally I don't buy the "sit and it will lose its edge" theory. But if it were true, what a pain in the butt that would be!

Oxidation will attack the edge over time, given the chance, unless the razor is stored appropriately.

Originally Posted by onimaru55

Oxidation will attack the edge over time, given the chance, unless the razor is stored appropriately.

That's true, but I was accounting for proper storage conditions - oiled and put away in some sort of storage/display box. At least that is what I do.