Razor Rotation Issue

OK, I have had this problem happen a number of times now, so I can no longer pass it off as a once off issue....

A bit of a background: I have multiple (10 ish) razors that I rotate, but I tend to use the same razor for a number of months before swapping to a different one.

My problem is that more often than not, when I Change to a different razor, I tend to get irritation. It's not so bad that I would call it shaving rash, but it is irritating. after the first week or so of shaving the irritation subsidies and I no longer get it, until I change razors again....

Is it too much of a stretch to say that my skin could get used to a certain blade, and then be 'shocked' at the change, only to get used the next one that I rotate in? Or would it be more plausible that it could be the sharpness of the razor at the beginning of the rotation period is allot sharper than a week or so into it, and that aggressive edge is what is causing the irritation?

FYI prior to using straights I was on DE's shaving with feather blades without a problem (some people find those blades too aggressive for their skin).

Is there anyone else out there that experiences or has experienced the same issue?

-Luke-

I alternate 15 or so and a dozen DE's, could be any razor any day. The biggest trouble I've found is each razor has its own style if you will.

I've gotten used to the subtle differences and tend to adjust accordingly. I'm guess about the time your irritation goes away you've gotten used to the nuances of that razor again.

Is it the same razor that's causing the irritation ? IOW, Will the next day's shave be irritation free if you use the one causing the problem the day before ?
Can you look at the edge under magnification to inspect for rust issues ?

I have no idea how long you have been shaving with straights. In theory the way your thread read you've been at it for a while. I find that it's not so much of an issue for me with the changing of razors as much of a changing of grinds. They different grinds each shave just a little different for me. I don not get irritation from changing grinds but it may take me a shave or two before I get a really bbs shave. So it may be a changing how you shave slightly. On my face the difference between a good shave and a passable shave is not much of a variation of technique. you may be having a similar experience

do you jump from say a 5/8 to a 7/8? and just need to fine tune in the slight angle adjustments or something

It sounds like you are just going through a phase of familiarizing your self with your razors again. I have this issue when I go back to using a favorite of mine after a month or so of staying with one razor.

Every razor has a personality all it's own. Maybe jot down some notes about the particulars of a particular blade and do a "refresher" course before lathering up for a reunion with an old friend.

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Originally Posted by onimaru55

Is it the same razor that's causing the irritation ? IOW, Will the next day's shave be irritation free if you use the one causing the problem the day before ?
Can you look at the edge under magnification to inspect for rust issues ?

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Nope it's different razors each time and usually only over the first week of use, after that there is on irritation. Irritation hangs around for a few days (I shave every morning) but slowly dies down.

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Originally Posted by bombay

do you jump from say a 5/8 to a 7/8? and just need to fine tune in the slight angle adjustments or something

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I haven't measured all the blades in my rotation, but they are all pretty much the same size, I think around 5/8 - 6/8 for the ones I use on my face. They are (as RezDog pointed out) a variety of different grinds from full wedge to extra hollow.... could be something in that, but I don't think it is any particular grind that is giving me the issue, maybe just too long on one type before changing. Shorter rotation periods might help, I will have to try that and see.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by WhiskerHarvest

It sounds like you are just going through a phase of familiarizing your self with your razors again. I have this issue when I go back to using a favorite of mine after a month or so of staying with one razor.

Every razor has a personality all it's own. Maybe jot down some notes about the particulars of a particular blade and do a "refresher" course before lathering up for a reunion with an old friend.

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I think you're right, cause I do spend a few months on one particular blade before changing to a new one.

One thing I like about straights is that they all have a personality of their own. It kind of gives 'mood' to each shave! :-)

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Originally Posted by Mcduck

I think you're right, cause I do spend a few months on one particular blade before changing to a new one.

One thing I like about straights is that they all have a personality of their own. It kind of gives 'mood' to each shave! :-)

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Yeah, some are sweet and smooth, others are aggressive, and I have one finicky bugger that bites if the angle isn't just right!

You might have an edge corrosion/rusting issue if they are lying for extended periods without use. Be sure to keep them in a dry environment with dessicant and certainly put them up dry. I would recommend taking some time and stropping them all every few weeks, regardless of which one you are using. This cleans the bevels and they only get better!

I had that picture in my mind too Sharptonn. A little crust from sitting getting stropped off on the face. That and some daily stropping makes it go eventually. Next time try stropping 5 times the laps than you ever have, before going to the new one and take the advice above.

Thanks Sharptonn and 10Pups, good advice.. I do keep them in a dry place with moisture packs in the box, but SE Australia is a pretty humid place, so it wouldn't surprise me if there is still a bit of micro corrosion on the edge. Stropping wise, I usually strop straight before a shave, 50 on webbing and 50 on leather. I will give more a go for the first time when I change and see if that helps.

Thanks for all the help / ideas / advice gents! This is great!