What is the advantage of having multiple razors?

[icedoverfire]

I'm not trying to bash anyone here. If you are a collector, then by all means - grow your collection to your heart's desire!

But what of more common people like me. I have a single DE razor and I'm not sure why I would need a second? Is it the case that certain DE's handle certain situations better? Is it just to mix it up? (having multiple DE's)?
Or could you say that it isn't really necessary to have multiple razors if you have really good technique, but that having multiple razors is nice (for the mix-it-up factor)?

I can understand why having a DE and a straight would be OK because straight razors are just that much better (albeit time consuming)...

Essentially for you non-collectors - what would your motivation be for buying another DE razor?


**If any of this doesn't make any sense - I am writing this running on only two hours of sleep...

- ice

 

[gaseousclay]

I stopped collecting razors at around 12. for me it was about trying new razors that didn't feel like cheese graters. I settled on the Gillette Tech and it has been my main go-to razor. I still have quite a few other vintage Gillettes but I don't see them as a waste but rather me owning a piece of history

 

[82R100]

It's because it's not a single dimension from worst -> best. Each has characteristics and demands a different technique. Mixing it up is fun, both in the resulting shave and in the challenge of the upcoming shave with a given razor, brush and soap/cream. It's all about variety and challenge and results.

- Chris

[Edit: and, as I'm fond of pointing out, there's more to safety razors than just DE's!]

 

[Chimensch]

I'll talk about straights because I've never used a DE. I used the same razor for a long time (29 years) because I simply wasn't exposed to a lot of choices. It was only after I found the Internet forums, where I was exposed to a lot of choices and opinions, that I became aware of the fact that I wasn't entirely satisfied with the razor I had. For example, my razor was stainless and I read that a carbon steel razor could hold an edge better, etc. Then, there were the different grinds, sizes, etc. I started buying different razors to see if there was one that I liked better. When I found one that I thought was "ideal" I stopped buying razors, except that I had always wanted a 7-day set, so I finally invested in one that had the type of blade that I liked. The same thing happened with hones, etc., until, I finally reached a point where I was convinced that the set-up I had was perfect and couldn't get any better. That's where I am right now.

 

[ouch]

I think that when you discover this thing of ours, you tend to want to try every configuration possible, and that involves acquiring lots of stuff. Eventually, you'll settle in with a few favorites. I have a lot of razors, but only a few see regular use.

 

[luvmysuper]

It's because it's not a single dimension from worst -> best. Each has characteristics and demands a different technique. Mixing it up is fun, both in the resulting shave and in the challenging of the upcoming shave with a given razor, brush and soap/cream. It's all about variety and challenge and results.

- Chris

[Edit: and, as I'm fond of pointing out, there's more to safety razors than just DE's!]

+1
There's the whole Single Edge world with GEM and Schick / Eversharp, which many folks prefer over the DE.
The Schick Injector is probably the easiest razor ever in getting the troublesome area under your nose due to its small head profile.
Each type seems to have its fan base.
If you are happy with one, and it's all you need, then that's fine.
Most folks seem to go through some type of collection phase at the beginning at least.

 

[silver surfer]

Do you eat oatmeal every day?

 

[icedoverfire]

Do you eat oatmeal every day?

LOLLL. I see your point

 

[ShaveAddict]

Do you eat oatmeal every day?

That's a good point

 

[Slartibartfast]

I would probably be happy just owning a coticule, 1 soap, and 1 or 2 razors if not for the forums.

Now i feel like i need to try everything and find that perfect setup.

I'll talk about straights because I've never used a DE. I used the same razor for a long time (29 years) because I simply wasn't exposed to a lot of choices. It was only after I found the Internet forums, where I was exposed to a lot of choices and opinions, that I became aware of the fact that I wasn't entirely satisfied with the razor I had. For example, my razor was stainless and I read that a carbon steel razor could hold an edge better, etc. Then, there were the different grinds, sizes, etc. I started buying different razors to see if there was one that I liked better. When I found one that I thought was "ideal" I stopped buying razors, except that I had always wanted a 7-day set, so I finally invested in one that had the type of blade that I liked. The same thing happened with hones, etc., until, I finally reached a point where I was convinced that the set-up I had was perfect and couldn't get any better. That's where I am right now.

 

[RBE17]

Most folks seem to go through some type of collection phase at the beginning at least.

I tried a whole bunch of vintage Gillettes when I was starting. I settled on one and a Merkur 38C. I sold the Gillettes I didn't like.

Do you eat oatmeal every day?

No, but I sleep w/ the same woman every night. Sometimes it pays to faithful and variety need not be the spice of life. Also, I might not eat oatmeal every day, but when I do I use the same tools to do so. Sometimes the prep and outcome is a little different though.

 

[Bart]

I too bought several straight razors to try the different models and makes. Most of them I got for cheap off Ebay. I enjoy restoring them. I hardly ever shave with one of my own (mostly test shaving other people's freshly honed razors ), yet I ended up preferring 4 or 5 razors. I occasionally give one of the others away, or lend them out. I lost one of my favorite razors, a 7/8 Sheffield wedge, to a Dutchman that vanished of the Earth once I lend it to him. He also kept a 4/8 Friodur, that I care less about. I have about 10 razors left, some still in need of restoration.

With hones I took the same route. Started with a Coticule and a BBW. Got a Nakayama, later the Chosera 5 and 10K. Found out that I prefer the Coticule, but somehow, I can't part with the other hones. I still use the Nakayama sometimes. The Chosera's I still use to prepare identical razors before I finish them on different Coticules that I test for Ardennes Coticule.

I don't think I will buy additional hones anytime soon, maybe one Coticule if I ever come across one that I can't resist on aesthetical grounds.

Same for strops, the one badger brush I have, and a couple soaps/creams.

Kind regards,
Bart.

 

[velvetgoldmine]

If you have to ask that question, maybe you're not in the right place.....

 

[mkevenson]

I would say that it probably is best to have a minimum of 2 razors. If something happens to one, you have a spare. I use about 10-12 in rotation, but it is not necessary. I am a bit of a collector on a beer budget, tho. On this site ADs are common and resistance is almost FUTILE.

 

[BigRich]

I acquired and tried various combinations of everything. Now I have one razor and one brush with just a handful of aftershaves, creams and soaps at any one time.

 

[icedoverfire]

If you have to ask that question, maybe you're not in the right place.....

I know most people here, according to mkevenson, are ADers. I have no problem with that.
I think at the time I wrote this I was emulating my dad... he's not much of a collector type.

- ice

 

[Hansel]

I have a single DE razor and I'm not sure why I would need a second? Is it the case that certain DE's handle certain situations better? Is it just to mix it up? (having multiple DE's)?
Or could you say that it isn't really necessary to have multiple razors if you have really good technique, but that having multiple razors is nice (for the mix-it-up factor)?

If you have one good one, or at least one that works reliably for you, you don't NEED a second.

Some of them shave differently, yes. Feather Portable razors are scary aggressive, Gillette Tech razors are pretty darn mild. A tech is easier to get up under the nose for some people that a TTO style.

Mixing it up sometimes is nice, and you don't need more than one if your technique works with your preferred razor. I do have a second one, my Lord branded Tech-style (Not as nice as my Gillette ones for shaving with) with a pack of blades in the downstairs bathroom. If I'm on my way out the door and notice that I've missed a spot or forgotten my mustache area, I'll splash some hot water on, get the goop-in-a-can, and go WTG one pass to touch up. It's nice to have it there if i just need to get a few missed whiskers.

But, in short, no, you don't need more than one.

 

[Yorkie]

I have fourteen straights (inc. a seven day set and a twin set) but I have one main one I use and maybe two more that I sometimes use as they are shave readyish. If they were all shave ready (apart from one of the 7ds which has a chipped blade) then I'd have a nice rotation and use them all.

I've also got two DE's which I had given. I haven't used these as I don't have any blades for them. If I had some I might give them a go but would be twitching to use my straights first. Never really fancied using supermarket blades in them as they might be rubbish and I wouldn't enjoy my shaving ritual.