Thread: On razor rotation and resting

A resting tool makes a sad picture.

Won't comment on the above.... (One of the Mods will just block it!!)

What is the problem in saying that this is sadder than that ???

Or that I prefer to see this than that ?

What

is

the

problem ?

Mine have no choice but to rest, as I shave in the same rotation with them.

I have 45 straights and usually use the same one for at least 2 or 3 weeks daily. I haven't found different results from resting vs not resting the razors in them needing touch ups.

I winnowed my 40 odd straights down to 20 "special ones" (yes, they all wanted into that category) and I rotate those. Shave with one a few days and then on to another. I strop 25/50 right after shaving and then often another 20-30 before using it again the next morning, as the lather works. It has become a great routine for me over the past six months.

An issue of ego. At one time we felt that we had dominion over all animals. Then we found that may be not.
Many still hold that opinion over what we call the "Inanimate". Are our carbon atoms any different than the ones in a razor? Are our iron atoms any different?
Just because our atoms create different compounds that reach to each other differently it doesn't mean that the atoms in a razor aren't made of electrons and protons and etc that don't move and chg locations.
It them rest and change.

As long as the electrons and protons in my razors stay in them, I can live with it. If they start moving off the blade, then I'm going to get concerned.

I shave with an 1880s Wade and Butcher for days at a time.

Assuming that the "resting" theory is correct, I think that we have not given it its due credit. Assume that, after shaving, a razor goes into an extended rest period of 24 to 48 hours. Are we really honoring that as we should?

Are we providing the proper conditions for this resting period? Do they need a proper place to do this resting? Are they more comfortable in a dark environment with no disturbance from noise? Should we keep the TV volume turned down and tip-toe around the house?

Even worse, think about what we do when it is time to use them again. Do we just grab them, strop them quickly and start using them? Try that with your wife and see how that works.

If we are going to give our razors proper rest, then we have to think a little about rousing them from their sleep and getting them ready properly for another shave. I don't think just getting them and shaving with them is very respectful. My recommendations:

1. Get them out of storage, slowly bringing them into the light ever so gradually.
2. Open the blade very, very slowly and smoothly.
3. Avoid any harsh stropping actions.
4. Dip the blade in coffee, caffeine for a fast shave, de-caf for a slower, more careful shave.
5. Compliment them on how pretty they are, saying "My oh my, you look just wonderful this morning."
6. Give them a little kiss on the spine and say "You are my favorite razor, and I will never leave you for another."
7. Shave, and if you get a cut it means the razor knows you lied to it.