Using Two Razors For One Shave?

As I collected straight razors during the last three months, it just happened that I often collected both a smaller 4/8 and a larger 5/8 or 6/8 of the same type of razor.

For example I have:
4/8 Heljestrand MK 24 & 6/8 Heljestrand No. 6,
4/8 dubl duck Special No. 1 & 5/8 dubl duck Goldedge,
4/8 Red Imp 132 & 11/16 Red Imp 133,
4/8 Spike & 5/8 Spike, and a
4/8 Green Spike & 5/8 Green Spike.

In the beginning, as a rank amateur, I experimented a lot while learning the skills of straight razor shaving. I often found it helpful to use the larger 5/8 razor on my face and neck and the smaller 4/8 on my upper lip and chin. The smaller razor just seemed to be more agile and easier to handle around my nose. It was nice having both sizes while learning. Anyone else do this?

After three months, I have also discovered, that with more experience, it doesn't seem to matter which razor I use. For example, the small Heljestrand MK24 shaves the face really well and the larger Heljestrand No. 6 now has no problem doing the upper lip and chin. In the beginning, my technique was so erratic that every shave was a hit or miss proposition. It was easy to want to blame the razor. But as my technique improves day by day, I find that the razor is far less a factor than the shave preparation, the quality of the shaving cream, and, of course, the consistency of my actual shaving technique.

I am loving the whole journey of straight razor shaving and greatly appreciate all the support and valuable advice I receive on SRP! I especially appreciate the support and encouragement you give to Newbies. It is seldom that I see a putdown or snide remark on this site. I am proud to be in such good company. I look forward to seeing what my shaves will be like after a couple more years of experience and hard practice.

I also have razors in different sizes, but I never use them for a specific purpose. If I pick it up, it is for the whole shave, be it a 3/8 or a 7/8. Like you, I find that it doesn't make much difference which size it is for the quality of my shave. Ofc, a 3/8 is easier to get flat beneath the nose :D and especially so for me since I also have a moustache I keep (I just shave inbetween my nose and the moustache). Razor size is just something that adds a little spice to my shaving routine.

You've inspired me. I'm going to use two razors at the same time this morning to do my cheeks.

Hello, DLB:

The size of a straight razor is a personal choice. I like the 5/8" and the 6/8". My two 4/8" razors are reserved mostly for travel. The 7/8" razors and beyond are big for my small hands, so I don't have any.

I choose one razor for the entire shave. I don't need two. The smaller blades are more maneuverable on the upper lip and the chin. Yet with experience one can handle any size blade in those areas.

It's your choice: if you want to use two blades for one shave, that is quite all right. Eventually, though, you might find no need for that.

Regards,

Obie

Sounds like a nice collection you have so far, DLB. And yes, experience alone will dictate which size(s) is preferable for you.

Though I wouldn't personally use 2 razors for a single shave, if it works for you then keep on it. Happy shaving!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ace

You've inspired me. I'm going to use two razors at the same time this morning to do my cheeks.

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Will you be sure to post a video? If it goes well, we could start a new section in the Wiki called "Saving Time With Your Straight Razor Shaves." If it goes poorly, you can send it in to "America's Funniest Videos."

I have no doubt that an experienced shaver could do a two-handed shave but with my inexperience, I don't want to use up my styptic pencil all in one day.
:gl:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Obie

Hello, DLB:

The size of a straight razor is a personal choice. I like the 5/8" and the 6/8". My two 4/8" razors are reserved mostly for travel. The 7/8" razors and beyond are big for my small hands, so I don't have any.

I choose one razor for the entire shave. I don't need two. The smaller blades are more maneuverable on the upper lip and the chin. Yet with experience one can handle any size blade in those areas.

It's your choice: if you want to use two blades for one shave, that is quite all right. Eventually, though, you might find no need for that.

Regards,

Obie

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Hi Obie,

I also gravitate to 5/8s and 6/8s. My best shaves have come from a 6/8 Thiers-Issard Grolet razor and a 5/8 Wolstenholm "Pipe" razor. That said, I am really amazed at how well the 4/8 Heljestrand MK24 shaves. It is very close to the Grelot and "Pipe."

I only used two razors while I was experimenting and learning what the various razors can do.

DLB,
Glad your enjoying the world of straight razors!
I use two straights for every shave. I won't put a strop in my bathroom, that turns halfway into a steam room after a shower, so I have a fresh razor for the second pass.
I think it cool you have multiple sizes of each type of razor.
Ed
quicknicker

I quite often find I use several razors for each shave when I've just honed a load up and I want to test shave them all..! :)

But if its just me on my own then I'll pick one and just use that.

What it really comes down to is what you want to do and what works for you. If you get good results, then keep doing it!

Like Stubear, every now and then I have to test more than one razor at a time: that's generally an annoyance, sometimes interesting though. In the usual run of things I'd much rather do the job with one razor start to finish.

Nonetheless ... just this last week I did a two razor shave, and yes I admit it: it was so I could put them both in the photo. Quite a success though, with the 5/8 Gotta doing the bulk of the work, and tidying up duties going to a 3/8 Gebr. Lang. Not something I'll be doing regularly, but there's something in it.

Can someone with a thinner facial hair make use of larger blades >6/8?

It seems common for the larger width straights to have less aggressive grinding also, more limited from 1/2 hollow to full wedge. I was under the impression, aesthetics and personal attraction aside, that the bigger blades I describe was intended for those with more dense, thick, and long facial hair. How true, or false is this?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by drgreen

Can someone with a thinner facial hair make use of larger blades >6/8?

It seems common for the larger width straights to have less aggressive grinding also, more limited from 1/2 hollow to full wedge. I was under the impression, aesthetics and personal attraction aside, that the bigger blades I describe was intended for those with more dense, thick, and long facial hair. How true, or false is this?

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False.

Razors of all shapes, sizes and grind should be able provide excellent shaves no matter if you have peach fuzz or a bear pelt. I'm not sure where this "you need a wedge to shave a heavy beard" mentality comes from, but it's certainlt been around for a while and there are more than a couple that subscribe to it. Just an old wives' tale as far as I'm concerned.

If you have thin facial hair you will be just fine with a 6/8, full hollow, 1/4 hollow whatever.

Thanks Ryan, you're always a great mythbuster!