When I started using a straight razor back in December, it was easy to grade my razors into A, B, and C shavers. However, after getting all my razors honed and in tip top shape and after finishing nearly 150 shaves, I am finding it really difficult to rate my razors. Razors that I originally gave a "C" ranking, like my Henckels 401, now provide me with an "A+" shave. I cannot think of any of my razors that do not provide at least an "A" shave.
Obviously, having the razors properly honed along with a growing technique on my part makes the "A" shaves possible. Now, just to distinguish and rank my razors, I have gone to A, A+, A++, and A+++ rankings. I feel it more accurately represents the truth of the razors.
Yes, I do have some current favorites like a 6/8 Thiers-Issard Le Grelot and a 5/8 J. A. Henckels 72 1/2 but it based upon how the razor feels in my hand and on my face. Since all of my razors can provide a truly effective shave, my new goal is to work towards getting each razor to shave with the greatest possible smoothness and comfort.
It is a nice problem to have. I cannot imagine how I even thought I could fairly rank razors with my beginning technique. What I was really ranking was my miserable and inconsistent technique.
:hmmm:
Happy Shaving!
:D