Besides having AD, what are some reasons for having more than one DE Safety Razor? Is there a need to have more than one razor? Im new to DE shaving and have a Parker 99R, which gets the job done. However after perusing B&B for a few weeks Ive noticed that a lot of you have more than one razor and would love a legitimate reason to go to the SWMBO with to get another one. Any suggestions on what I should acquire? Thanks!
Why Have More Than One Safety Razor?
- Thread starter Fubarico
- Start date
Even if you don't intend to collect, you should know how all the different varieties perform so you can make an educated decision on which type you will use exclusively. You need to try, in the most general sense:
A closed comb double edge
An open comb double edge
A slant
A closed comb single edge
An open comb single edge
Oh, and additionally, you might not understand just how nuanced all of these razors really are. Modern cartridge razors are really just barbaric tools that rip hair off of your face; vintage DEs and even modern DEs all have subtle differences in performance. If you need proof of that, look at how Gillette marketed the Superspeed series. The Blue Tip was mild, the Flare Tip was average, and the Red Tip was aggressive. Just looking at each of these razors, you wouldn't think there'd be such a difference in performance between them.
A closed comb double edge
An open comb double edge
A slant
A closed comb single edge
An open comb single edge
Oh, and additionally, you might not understand just how nuanced all of these razors really are. Modern cartridge razors are really just barbaric tools that rip hair off of your face; vintage DEs and even modern DEs all have subtle differences in performance. If you need proof of that, look at how Gillette marketed the Superspeed series. The Blue Tip was mild, the Flare Tip was average, and the Red Tip was aggressive. Just looking at each of these razors, you wouldn't think there'd be such a difference in performance between them.
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I have a second razor in my travel kit, but beyond that, I've never found a practical reason for having more than one razor.
Great advice Memento mori the SE shave is a different experience and produces a BBS.
TP
TP
Variety.
I couldn't imagine limiting myself to one razor exclusively.
My beard goes through various stages of growth, depending on how many days its been since my last shave. As such, I need to have different tools to select from, appropriate to the amount of whiskers I need to harvest that day.
In order, depending on how many days of stubble:
1- 34G with Derby
2- Bull Mastiff handle + Stahly head with Derby
3+ 39C with Feather
Also in the mix is a Mergress with AstraSP, which I sometimes use for the 2-day shave.
My beard goes through various stages of growth, depending on how many days its been since my last shave. As such, I need to have different tools to select from, appropriate to the amount of whiskers I need to harvest that day.
In order, depending on how many days of stubble:
1- 34G with Derby
2- Bull Mastiff handle + Stahly head with Derby
3+ 39C with Feather
Also in the mix is a Mergress with AstraSP, which I sometimes use for the 2-day shave.
No need. It just happened...
One extra is just normal redundancy. Easy to justify.
A second extra razor could be a travel razor, because you don't want to lose one of your good ones on a trip. Fairly plausible.
After that, you're just experimenting with new things to see how you like them, and possibly starting to get into collecting. That's what I've done.
But you only need one.
A second extra razor could be a travel razor, because you don't want to lose one of your good ones on a trip. Fairly plausible.
After that, you're just experimenting with new things to see how you like them, and possibly starting to get into collecting. That's what I've done.
But you only need one.
For me it's mostly just that I like variety and on the quest for the perfect shave.
But I make choices based on how long my stubble is - the cobra classic is awesome at mowing down long stubble. Also, if I'm half awake and/or in a hurry, an Astra in my progress is an easy shave to go quick and not have to pay close attention to what I'm doing. A feather in my futur is a great shave but I have to go slow and pay close attention to technique.
But I make choices based on how long my stubble is - the cobra classic is awesome at mowing down long stubble. Also, if I'm half awake and/or in a hurry, an Astra in my progress is an easy shave to go quick and not have to pay close attention to what I'm doing. A feather in my futur is a great shave but I have to go slow and pay close attention to technique.
+1. Mmmmmm. Yes. I like having choices, and I like switching things up from time to time.
-- Chet
I am on a quest to find my One True Razor, my One True Brush, and my One True Soap/Cream. Once I find them, I will sell or PIF all of the others.
Do you believe me? Yeah, neither did SWMBO.
Do you believe me? Yeah, neither did SWMBO.
each one shaves different is all a bout variety. 
Hi there,
Yeah, there's some valid reasons for having multiple razors, and one of em is gonna get you the ok from your wife to buy more. Nice huh?
For the first month most razors are fine to start with. During that time the technique is improving and maybe 3-4 different blades have been tried using the same razor with all. By then there's a preferred blade to use as a sorta 'control' blade. That would be the time to try another razor, but only if you feel like it.
It all depends how far down the rabbit hole you wanna go. You gotta keep in mind the razor you have now is almost certainly not gonna be the right one for you. That's true of the majority of first razors used, and not just the model you have. Not all razors shave the same, as you'll hear countless times.
It's really up to each of us to determine the kind of shaving experience that fits us. It takes some trial and error to find the perfect razor/blade combo, but that's not the main thing really. The idea is to find out how to make shaving better, and everyone has different thoughts on what that means.
Trying another razor(s) after a month is pretty important in figuring this 'hobby' out properly. It's all about comparisons, and there's no substitute for trying each razor (and blade) yourself.
Hope that helps out,
Martin
I started out with a Tech. It got the job done. I have tried several others since starting, though, and I have found that I never use Techs, regular Superspeeds, or Single Edges anymore. They all got the job done, but I've found a few razors (Slim Adjustable, Red Tip, Merkur Slant) that surpass the other five or six that I've used in terms of comfort and performance.
I think in my case, I just get better shaves from more aggressive razors. I can get BBS with the other razors I have, but it takes significantly more reduction effort and buffing, etc. It's two smooth passes + touch up with the Slant, Red Tip, or Slim and I very seldom get irritation.
Plus, I'm one of the "variety is good" kind of guys.
The Slim is a winner for me because I like its weight and the slightly longer handle. The adjustability factor is great. I can go all out 9 for a few days growth, or dial it down to a 7 for a daily shave.
The Red Tip is about the same as the Slim on 7, and I like its thicker handle and balance.
The Slant is probably in the same arena in terms of aggressiveness as the other two, but for heavy growth, it's works great. Plus, it's a nice change of pace.
I think in my case, I just get better shaves from more aggressive razors. I can get BBS with the other razors I have, but it takes significantly more reduction effort and buffing, etc. It's two smooth passes + touch up with the Slant, Red Tip, or Slim and I very seldom get irritation.
Plus, I'm one of the "variety is good" kind of guys.
The Slim is a winner for me because I like its weight and the slightly longer handle. The adjustability factor is great. I can go all out 9 for a few days growth, or dial it down to a 7 for a daily shave.
The Red Tip is about the same as the Slim on 7, and I like its thicker handle and balance.
The Slant is probably in the same arena in terms of aggressiveness as the other two, but for heavy growth, it's works great. Plus, it's a nice change of pace.
I have a Fatboy that gives me aa great close shave, but is more irritating than I like. I can handle it every 2-3 days but not everyday or my skin would be hurting. That is just one reason.
With that said, I have a bunch because it is fun to shave with different combos, and had 3-4 before I put the Fatboy into that mix.
+1 Well said!!!
Why do women have more than 1 purse or more than a couple pair of shoes? Variety. Thats why and thats why you want no need more than 1 razor. 
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