Straight rotation

[nilserik]

Hiya.

Why do most people rotate their straight razors?
Do you have to or is it just for fun and for the right to own more then one straight
I've never thought about buying more just to rotate em.


Cheers,
Erik

 

[riooso]

I am not probably the norm. I don't have a huge rotation, only about 5 razors. I could not get along with just one because I want to hone when I have some time, and that can be anytime in 2 months with the razors that I have. Some are wider than others and there are a couple that have different grinds. Sometimes I don't like using full hollow and, for the most part, I shave with a 1/4 grind. For me, 1/4's are just more comfortable. I have a French point that although not terribly aggressive one must pay attention a little more than a standard toe.


Take Care,
Richard

 

[W_B_K]

Some say it gives time for the razors edge to get back in line. Maybe, I don't know. It does help extend the time between honing a razor, so that is one benefit anyway.

I have a few because I enjoy using different styles, although I am currently hooked on the Japanese straight.

 

[Leche]

It does help extend the time between honing a razor, so that is one benefit anyway.

This is probably the biggest advantage other than changing it up. Some say you should let the edge rest a day but I haven't seen any evidence proving the theory.

 

[taffy]

Does save on honing, plus its nice to have a choice

 

[nilserik]

Hmm so maybe for me who only shaves 2-3 days per week, working away from sunday to thursday so only shaving during the weekends. Got a little forest on the thursday when I get home, thats the day when it hurts to shave

Oh well, I might have to get a rotation then. Was mostly curious on why people did it.

Could maybe work just as well to not rotate for me who dosen't shave that much.

Thanks,
Erik

 

[BladeRunner001]

Others have already eluded to this:

1. More in your rotation = less honing & hone wear + more choice.

2. You always have a backup or two in case something goes wrong .

3. You NEVER have enough .

Cheers,
Robert

 

[Luc]

I currently have 8 straights in the rotation, 13 with the honemeister... 4 waiting to go to the honemeister and 2 that need touch-ups.

Rotation is good as it's like having a different wine every day! Different straight, different feeling and I only keep the ones that make me go WOW!

 

[Defend Tacoma]

Beacuse I like cool stuff. Straight razors = cool. I have two at the moment with many currently inbound! Oh, and that honing thing too!

 

[wrl]

I only rotate three razors. I own a few more, but I'm trying to see them off to shavers whom will actually use them. My reasons are to reduce the wear speed and to have options in the event of a damaged edge.

Of course at some point, appreciation for craftsmanship, performance, and aesthetics get us all.

 

[Ru4scuba?]

Are you just getting started? If so, the best advice I was given was to ignore the massive rotations of the Wise Ancients on B&B who have Olympian shave skills and can cut whiskers with a sharp sea shell...stick with one str8 for awhile until you get the hang of it.

If however, you are experienced...then the point is moot...buy away with free abandon!

 

[johnmrson]

I've got about 12 shave ready straights in my rotation at the moment. I usually shave for a full week with one, put it back and then move onto the next one. I just like the difference between razors.

 

[Klarion]

I have 7 nice little razors. Theoretically, this allows me to use a new one every day of the week. Unfortunately, my favorite dominates at like 60% usage. I'm basically just saving it some wear, the way things are going.

 

[azmark]

I use to do the daily rotation but there were some razors that were to good to use once and put away. Now I pick a razor for the week (M-F), enjoy it and put it away on one particular case. Whenever that razor comes back up, I shave and rehone and put it in the "honed" case. Just experimenting but I've come to like keeping the same razors for a few days though it may be weeks before the next razor comes around again.

 

[Luc]

I've got about 12 shave ready straights in my rotation at the moment. I usually shave for a full week with one, put it back and then move onto the next one. I just like the difference between razors.

Already 12? I'll have to talk to Oz to know when he estimate my straights to be ready... I got 13 with him at the moment...

 

[SliceOfLife]

I don't have a rotation. I just have ~100 straights. There are about 20 I can't sell. And another 80 waiting to be fixed up and used before I decide if I want to keep them.

To think, when I started this I figured I'd make myself a seven day set eventually and never buy another razor.

 

[Slash McCoy]

Some say the blade needs to rest. Maybe that's so, maybe not. But it is a good excuse to have a bunch of razors, and that's reason enough to repeat the mantra, whether it be science or merely urban legend. I probably have about 40 razors, but only about 1/3 of them are actually shave-ready at the moment. I enjoy once in a while pulling one out and giving it a workout on the stones, then shaving with it the next morning. I find it very soothing to the mind.

 

[honed]

Because it's so fun with straight razors, each have their own personality & I just want to get to know them all

 

[nilserik]

Hmm I must say it looks like I need a few atleast, maybe 3 or 4.. Maybe even more

Oh well, thanks for your opinions!

 

[BillEllis]

I have a couple, myself...