What is the use of rotating? [Archive]

lli

02-08-2008, 01:20 AM

Why do people use more razors?

1) different razor, for different circumstances?
aka different razor for different moods?
2) once you have more, you might as well use them?
3) to find out which once you like best?
4) because skills have developed which enables more agressive razors?
5) because it is better for the razor
6) to break routine
7) .......

Please your input.

Stauff

02-08-2008, 01:47 AM

lli

02-08-2008, 02:15 AM

Ah ha, but what is the fun in it? New experiences? Just like traveling to new countries?
Perfecting your skills with more razors?

As a newbie, I try first to perfect my skills with one razor, then will try other ones to see if I like them better.

AACJ

02-08-2008, 02:32 AM

Who knows, you might find a razor/blade combination that blows every other one away and give you the best shave of your life.

lli

02-08-2008, 02:37 AM

Who knows, you might find a razor/blade combination that blows every other one away and give you the best shave of your life.

That is reason 3 is it not?

That is now my planned approach as well. But there are people that just keep rotating them. (reason 2) And that is what puzzles me. Why willingly go for a shave that is worse?
Or are they all pleasant but in a different way? (reason 1).

Questions Questions....

Must Dash

02-08-2008, 02:47 AM

I put it down to mood, whim, guilt at owning a beautifully crafted shaving tool and not using it. Maybe it's not much different to choosing what I will wear that morning. Maybe it's finding that getting a perfect shave from a particular razor is a challenge - and I am in the frame of mind for a challenge. You can go for routine (same razor every Tuesday) or pick your razor at random.

All told, I believe the answer is 'whatever makes you happy and makes your daily shave a pleasurable experience'.

Cheers

Jeremy

lli

02-08-2008, 03:00 AM

Reason 5:

'whatever makes you happy and makes your daily shave a pleasurable experience'.
is to me I just another way to ask the same question I ask: Why do you rotate, what makes you happy? I would like to know what makes people happy that rotate. Why do they do it? I assume hay do not do it because it makes them sad... :wink:

BTW:
Interesting analogy, clothes.
In my case clothes are chosen based on the need I have that day. I am not a very fashon aware type. For me reason 1 would apply on clothes.

Sabledog

02-08-2008, 03:44 AM

For me, brush choice-I only use one at home and one if I travel. Blades-I mostly use one (Astra, Derby second), but feather works well in one razor.

The razor and soap/cream choice is the real rotation for me. You can live with one razor one soap, but there are so many out there, why not switch it around?
Soap/cream choice is by mood-which scent or texture do I feel like. For razors, some are more aggressive, I wouldn't want to use the slant every day, some days a milder one for a quicker cleanup is the right thing. ASB is a mood/scent/weather thing too.

So I vote for 1, 2, 3, 4, and probably 5! :thumbup1:

When I first started reading these boards, I though people were nuts saying: I liked it so much I used it ALL week! Now i understand!

Oh #5: Resistance is Futile!

:badger::badger::badger::badger::badger::badger::b adger::jump::badger::badger:

lli

02-08-2008, 03:51 AM

For razors, some are more aggressive, I wouldn't want to use the slant every day, some days a milder one for a quicker cleanup is the right thing.

So I vote for 1, 2, 3, 4, and probably 5! :thumbup1:

To me that sounds like reason 1
( I like to label people in boxes... :wink: )

Much appreciated this insight!

jss

02-08-2008, 04:09 AM

I haven't been at this very long..However it seems that even the more experienced/skillful have occasional unsatisfactory shaves..This sometimes requires a period of rest or healing for the face..It can be aided by the use of different equipment i.e. a gentler razor and/or a more forgiving blade..There a many variables between shavers..I've only attempted to highlight one..Good post IMHO....

Best regards,
jss

crankymoose

02-08-2008, 04:16 AM

generally health permitting I rotate through all my straights before starting over with them again, this accomplishes 2 things to me anyhow 1 I was told for straights it is good to have at least 2 in rotation to let the blade rest so the speak and the fine edge return to a normal state before stropping and use again. I don't know how true that is myself but it was a great excuse to buy acquire more straights, the other main benefit is by having multiple straights in rotation I don't have to touch them up nearly as often on strops or hones.

When necessary and I use a DE I will generally stay with the same one for a few days, unless I am in a hurry then I grab a non adjustable 38c which is always good for a quick dependable shave without much thinking on my part unlike the adjustables I own that I admit I may be better off setting and forgetting but never do.

soaps usually same 5 out of 6 days, a different soap maybe 1 day a week and maybe a cream on sundays because I do like a little variety and I enjoy it this way which is what it is all about.

Prince

02-08-2008, 04:35 AM

lli

02-08-2008, 04:39 AM

This sometimes requires a period of rest or healing for the face..It can be aided by the use of different equipment i.e. a gentler razor and/or a more forgiving blade..There a many variables between shavers..I've only attempted to highlight one.

That sounds like reason 1 to me...

Good post IMHO....

Thanks !

generally health permitting I rotate through all my straights before starting over with them again, this accomplishes 2 things to me anyhow 1 I was told for straights it is good to have at least 2 in rotation to let the blade rest so the speak and the fine edge return to a normal state before stropping and use again. I don't know how true that is myself but it was a great excuse to buy acquire more straights, the other main benefit is by having multiple straights in rotation I don't have to touch them up nearly as often on strops or hones.

That is a new one: number 5: because it is better for the razor.

When necessary and I use a DE I will generally stay with the same one for a few days, unless I am in a hurry then I grab a non adjustable 38c which is always good for a quick dependable shave without much thinking on my part unlike the adjustables I own that I admit I may be better off setting and forgetting but never do.

That sounds like reason 1 to me...

Will try to keep scores at some point...

jazzman

02-08-2008, 04:39 AM

I put it down to mood, whim, guilt at owning a beautifully crafted shaving tool and not using it. Maybe it's not much different to choosing what I will wear that morning.

If you fall victim to RAD (and I've heard that resistance is futile), it would be a shame not to use them.

lli

02-08-2008, 04:41 AM

If you fall victim to RAD (and I've heard that resistance is futile), it would be a shame not to use them.

I've got you down as reason 2 then.

paero123

02-08-2008, 04:59 AM

I guess that you can't stand you have so many razors and one face per day only ;-)

I personaly do not have 'collector's soul' but I have some nice razors I bought relying on b&b and smf members' opinion; I tried all of them to find best one for me and now I have two favourite models (they shave almost the same) I shave with daily (this is my rotation) but from time to time I take one of other razors to try again - it's just a pain for me that I don't use Brit Aristo or Gold Executive just because other razors serve me better ;-)

radaddict

02-08-2008, 05:40 AM

Variety is the spice of life. Say, for instance, that your favorite food is lobster tails with butter sauce. Say also that you have this meal perhaps once per month. Now let's say that, for some reason, you start having lobster tails with butter sauce every day. It's great at first, but after a couple of weeks, you may not be sick of it, but you'd definitely want something different.

For most of us on this forum, shaving is a pleasure. It's quality "me" time. Rotating razors (or soaps or blades etc.) keeps the experience fresh and fun. It keeps the shaving experience from becoming mundane.

CJBianco

02-08-2008, 05:47 AM

Why do people use more razors?

1) different razor, for different circumstances?
2) once you have more, you might as well use them?
3) to find out which once you like best?
4) because skills have developed which enables more agressive razors?
5) because it is better for the razor
5) .......

Please your input.

It keeps the boredom away. =)

Me

CJBianco

02-08-2008, 05:49 AM

thirdeye

02-08-2008, 05:56 AM

CJBianco

02-08-2008, 06:11 AM

All the above....and 5) Because I can.....:biggrin:

I have no idea what made me laugh out loud, but that was AWESOME! Thank you! (I'm still laughing...because it's true.)

Me =)

lli

02-08-2008, 06:19 AM

I see your point, but the underlying assumption to me is that there is difference in experience, but not in quality.

It seems a variation on them 1, different razor for different moods!
I will add the possibility o the list.

@ Thirdeye & Prince: That sounds like reason 2.

Dangerous territory ahead !!!!

Last warning before dangerous territory:

Variety is the spice of life.
I am curious what ones girlfriend would say to this defense! :mad3:

thirdeye

02-08-2008, 06:53 AM

@ Thirdeye & Prince: That sounds like reason 2.
Dangerous territory ahead !!!!
I am curious what ones girlfriend would say to this defense! :mad3:

I said all the above and........

Why would this be dangerous?

My girlfreind wouldn't care, my wife on the other hand.....:lol::lol::lol:....:eek:

thirdeye

02-08-2008, 06:54 AM

I have no idea what made me laugh out loud, but that was AWESOME! Thank you! (I'm still laughing...because it's true.)

Me =)

Glad I could be of some assistance today....:biggrin:

lli

02-08-2008, 07:01 AM

I said all the above and........

But all of the above is 2, isn't it?

Well this is splitting hairs, I see what you mean.

Thanks for your input.

stobes21

02-08-2008, 10:59 AM

Isn't splitting hairs what this whole thing is all about?

On the topic at hand: I only have 1 DE, so I don't rotate that, but I have been rotating soaps and cream samples to see what I like best, and going through the West Coast sampler pack for a similar reason.

CJBianco

02-08-2008, 01:12 PM

Why would this be dangerous?

My girlfreind wouldn't care, my wife on the other hand.....:lol::lol::lol:....:eek:

You're on a roll today! LMAO

Me =)

lli

02-09-2008, 03:37 PM

vcardona

02-10-2008, 12:26 AM

You can put me down for number 3. I only have one DE, but I am trying out new shaving soaps, creams, and aftershaves.

Mr.K

02-10-2008, 06:04 AM

I choose six. For me it represents, who knows?:001_smile

IanF

02-10-2008, 06:09 AM

I have purchase a few razors. I am generally evolving towards more aggressive razors. I keep looking for the perfect, closest shave possible, and part of my thinking is that I am taking steps towards a buying a straight razor.

I realize that this really isn't a rotation per se, but it does explain why I have multiple razors.

daniel.boone

02-10-2008, 06:19 AM

It's all about the journey.

lli

02-10-2008, 09:40 AM

I choose six. For me it represents, who knows?:001_smile
If you don't know..... well.... :confused:

It's all about the journey.

Man, that is too deep for me.

Mr.K

02-10-2008, 11:41 AM

If you don't know..... well.... :confused:

Man, that is too deep for me.

It's not an exact science. Do what you want and have fun with it. :biggrin:

Mojo88

02-10-2008, 12:11 PM

For me it's about trying several different razors. I have found each razor has it's own unique differences. Some are more forgiving than others and require more time to shave. I have a red tip that is very unforgiving, I think that red could symobolize blood loss. On the other hand my Fat Boy at 1 is very mild,it's what I am in the mood for that day that determines what I will use.

daniel.boone

02-10-2008, 01:00 PM

It's not an exact science. Do what you want and have fun with it. :biggrin:

exactly :biggrin:

ronw41

02-10-2008, 01:22 PM

Why? Because I can. :biggrin:

After 20 years of boring canned goop and cheap disposable razors, I have all kinds of choices. I have a great combo picked out (red tip SS with Astra Platinum blade), but I still like variety.

Yes, me too. What I mean to say is, after more than 20 years of shaving with just a disposable cartridge razor and a can of "@#$%&*", I like the fact that I can shave with my Red Tip a day or two then switch off to my Fat Boy for a while, then maybe to my regulare Super Speed, then to my Slim for a change up, then, well you get the idea. It keeps shaving interesting and fun and not just another boring daily routine.

After all, if we want a boring daily routine we have our jobs for that.:lol:

lli

02-10-2008, 03:11 PM

OK, OK....

I have added reason number 6: to break routine.

Now I am starting to get curious as to what makes you decide for what razor: do you have a preset order (does that smell routine or what), or do you decide on the basis of what you feel like (reason 1).....

Don't you just love disecting peoples motives..... :biggrin:

sprescott

02-10-2008, 06:29 PM

Why? Because I can. :biggrin:

After 20 years of boring canned goop and cheap disposable razors, I have all kinds of choices. I have a great combo picked out (red tip SS with Astra Platinum blade), but I still like variety.

I completely agree with this selection. Changing up razors, blades and soaps gives me some variety for the usually boring; but, necessary task of shaving my face each morning. I personally like my selection of various shaving options.

-Steve

pjdatzil

02-10-2008, 06:45 PM

I used to hate shaving! I don't have a lot of razors and soaps/cream combinations, but I have enough to make shaving enjoyable. DE shaving has made me excited to get up in the morning to start my day right! (How cheesy does that sound?)

Big_E

02-10-2008, 06:50 PM

dreadpirate

02-10-2008, 08:36 PM

IMO, there is no use at all in rotating razors, it's just fun. Sticking with one razor will eventually give you superior technique, changing all the time will surely make that a more lengthy process. I could shave with the same brush, soap and razor every day, but rotating a little keeps the experience more satisfying.

I absolutely agree. I have 5 Gillettes and a Merkur - the Merkur is my favorite and I really don't need the Gillettes - but it is all in fun.

dreadpirate

02-10-2008, 08:38 PM

I happen to like shaving with a straight blade (I have 17 of them). I also like to use Gem razors (got 3 of those). I love the schick Injector razor (2 of those) and still love my Mach3 razor. I can't use them all at once so I rotate.
Ernest

PS: I rotate my shaving soaps, creams and aftershaves too. :tongue_sm

I think rotating aftershaves makes a whole lot of sense. If I am going to be out in the dry, blustery cold, I will definitely prefer an after shave that will best protect my face from the elements.

WithTheGrain

02-10-2008, 08:48 PM

I don't rotate really. I have an HD which I use almost all of the time. I also have a redtip, a 47/48 SS and a Slim. I don't use my Gillettes that much though. I love the look of my 47/48, but I never get a good shave. I am not sure if it is not aggressive enough or if I just don't have the angle, but the HD always comes out nicer. I traveled this weekend and brought the Redtip and used a swede and the shave was great. I may rotate that in more than I have been. I haven't messed with the Slim, but I may do so. The only razor that I really want to find is a fatboy; I love the look and would like to give it a try.

TstebinsB

02-10-2008, 08:55 PM

spinyeel

02-11-2008, 01:37 AM

I have several Gillettes that I rotate and they give great shaves, but I have a desire to come to grips with a Gem.Something about the different technique required appeals to me.My blades are on their way to Oz as we speak.:001_smile

lli

02-11-2008, 01:56 PM

I think rotating aftershaves makes a whole lot of sense. If I am going to be out in the dry, blustery cold, I will definitely prefer an after shave that will best protect my face from the elements.

It is far easier to understand the rotation of aftershaves, creams and soaps. There is scent involved (amongst other things), and that is very mood related.

But on the razors, I would expect people to search for the optimum shave and having found that, stick to it untill the search for perfection continues.
Rotation seems incompatible with search for perfection.

Sabledog

02-11-2008, 02:22 PM

I guess I feel that way about blades; there are a couple that work well, use the best one for that razor. I get nothing from a blade that is not sharp and smooth (read: best); I do not use a blade because the mood strikes me as a soap might. Though with blades I still experiment in case I find a "better" one.

A razor may be less "good", but I use it occasionally for another significance such as the historical value of the ranger tech. Though it may not be "better" than others, the fact that it IS still a good razor makes me want to use it. But also resting the face with a less aggressive razor is a good idea!

I'd be happy with a single brush, single blade brand, but a variety or razors, creams, soaps, and aftershaves--that's what makes it fun! For razors, it's not just "better", but "different" is good enough reason to use different ones!

Our use of DE is very different from users when they had little choice but to use DE (difference between a hobby and a chore). We are interested enough, in general, to find the right razor, blade, soap etc. That's the fun. In the DE heyday, there were few choices (no internet buying and probably little time spent tracking down "that" razor) and men primarily had a single razor and whatever blade was readily available. Considering Gillette has no interest in it's own history, how many users knew or cared what other models were out there? I think that contributed heavily to it's downfall.

We like the slow process, the mix and match, the variability not to mention the whole internet to utilize! :w00t:

Neosophist

02-11-2008, 02:24 PM

i'll use any new aquisition for at least a week to get a good 'feel' for it, but unless it's better than what I always use i'll go back to my normal rig :)

lli

02-13-2008, 01:51 AM

An attempt to make a summary from the above postings (and posts in other treads):

Would it be fair to say that (in general) one could distinguish the following levels:
1) The complete newbies first buys a razor, then while or after perfecting his shaving skills he will try out different blades to get an optimal result.
2) As soon as the newbie is somewhat learned, he will try different razors, sometimes a bit more aggressive sometimes less, to find his optimal blade/razor combination.
3) Along the way, the now experienced shaver will be able to feel the difference between good shaves. There sometimes will be a best shave and some other good and interesting ones, and sometimes there will be more very comparable shaves. Sometimes new razors are tried to see where they fit.
4) Rotating for reasons of pleasure (not to find out how good a shave is) is the level of the shave master. Different razor for different moods or circumstances, or just "why not use them if you have them".
Some people even shave with a not so good razor every once in a while to appreciate the better ones more.
Sometimes new additions to the collection are tried out and find their way into the rotation. Also, sometimes people get bored by an in itself good razor which is then benched (temporarily?).

So it seems true rotation (not just finding out what suits you best), is pleasure related, not quality....

Your reaction please.....

Chisholm

02-13-2008, 07:34 AM

My five razors get used each day in rotation. Varety is the spice of life!
They all provide a different shaving experience. Each good in its own way!
Gillette Superspeed. Love that craftsmanship. What a gentle experience.
Merkur HD. Chunky & solid a bit more aggressive.
Merkur slant bar. great for honing the delicate touch. Love to hear the brsitles being sliced off against the grain.
Merkur Long handle open comb. Great balance, a real artists tool gentle on the skin, in spite of what they say.
Merkur Futur. Set on 2. Just let the great beast glide its way across your face no need to press. That great big rounded head runs a smooth as silk!
There that's why I rotate my razors.
How about soaps. Crabtree & Evelyn Nomad: Love that smell
Palmolive. So traditional, great lather.
Creams. Ingram: What a menthol buzz!
Palmolive: Great refreshing smell, smooth lather
Erasmic: Macho smell, fantastic lubricating copious lather.
Proraso: Great lather, superb smell. I can almost imagine the inside of an Italian barbers!
Brushes!
Edwin Jagger super badger monster: Sheer shaving luxury with that gigantic soft head.
Men-u b synthetic. Makes more lather per gramme of cream than anything.

Cheers,
Martin :eek:

Isaias

02-13-2008, 08:22 AM

Wow... you really are determined to find the essence of a razor and the out most potential of a collection of razors, collection that is in some sense a way to give some order and know something about this chaotic universe.

Put me down for 1, 2, 4, 6.
Actually #1 is too vague and may enclose every other point.
But there are maaany more reasons.

I like to show off my razors to visitors. ( i.e. #1 + #6 + vanity?)
My travel needs make it more convenient for me to use a DE than a s8 or a Feather.
Availability of blades. If I do not have DE or Feather blades I use my mach3.
Sharpness of razor. i.e. I am too lazy to learn to hone, or change the blade in the middle of a shave.
More aggressive razors give you skills to use better your more gentle razors (a reciprocal of #4)

Furthermore, every razor I have is in itself great. But I each one has a particular function and limitations. It something like this.
Speed, Health, BBNess, skills required.
I can only pick 3. Depending on what I need or have I will choose the razor.

Nancy Boy

02-13-2008, 09:30 AM

I change razors about every two or three days. I find that my face builds up a resistance if I keep using the same razor, even with a fresh blade. It sounds odd, but true, at least for me.

It's kind of like under arm deodorant or shampoo -- you need to rotate between several kinds or your body/scalp builds up an immunity to it.

Isaias

02-13-2008, 09:46 AM

It's kind of like under arm deodorant or shampoo -- you need to rotate between several kinds or your body/scalp builds up an immunity to it.

:001_huh: First time I hear something like this.

lli

02-13-2008, 01:33 PM

Hmm, first time someone mentions this, I will add it to the reasons.
It seems I cannot add it anymore...

I change razors about every two or three days. I find that my face builds up a resistance if I keep using the same razor, even with a fresh blade. It sounds odd, but true, at least for me.

It's kind of like under arm deodorant or shampoo -- you need to rotate between several kinds or your body/scalp builds up an immunity to it.

drumana

02-13-2008, 03:56 PM

What is the use of rotating razors? No use, really. Just for grins I guess.

Myself, I stick basically with one razor - the one that works best for me.

BillyR75

02-13-2008, 04:08 PM

I've tried 6 DE razors, but am down to 2. When I was rotating it was to get a feel for different razors, but now I prefer to just stick with what I'm comfortable with. Different creams and soaps can add the variety I crave, but with a razor, although there can be that roaming period, I think it's best to eventually settle down. So yeah, put me down as reason 3, (to find out which I liked the best).

lli

02-23-2008, 01:37 PM

I have recently acquired my second razor: Excuse being travel and low cost.
I also put an order in for a Mergress.

So, in short, I too will be rotating.
I am curious what category I fall into. At first 3 I think.....

Tanamack

02-23-2008, 02:51 PM

I like the idea, of having an idea, what a razor feels like, you know , in case someone wants to chat about razors I can say "Ya, I used that one and found it very ....blah blah blah". Call it a learning curve or thirst for first hand knowledge in regards to shaving habits of my forefathers,(I have razors from 1930 to present day)

I'm getting to deep here....better go

Androclese

02-23-2008, 03:21 PM

My first thought was ... I don't know why and I don't care why, it's just more interesting that way. However, once I started looking at the razors in my collection, I realized that they are all unique. Each of my six razors is different from the others by weight, handle length, size of the head. One of the razors is adjustable, but I'm only using one setting.

When I look at the blades that I have, I have 7 different brands right at the moment, but have only used three of them. If the pattern with these blades continues, I would expect each of the seven different brands to shave differently.

Six different razors and seven different blades, thats 42 unique razor/blade combinations. I think it's really about variety. Maybe that's six in your list.

tim8557

02-23-2008, 03:50 PM

Personally, I'd rather spend my time rotating my wine of the evening. A Razor is a Razor

BillyR75

02-23-2008, 10:53 PM

Personally, I'd rather spend my time rotating my wine of the evening. A Razor is a Razor

Good answer!

I was one of the ones who voted "To see which one I liked best."
I tried a Slim, a Slant, a Progress, an American made NEW and an English NEW. I've now sold off all my razors but one, the Merkur Classic I started with. However... I have a new Merkur 1904 open comb on the way. Still curious how the old-style open comb will perform, having tried two NEWs.

Billy

spinyeel

02-23-2008, 11:15 PM

Ask yourself.Would you rather drive a different classic European sports car every day,or stick with just one?Classic shavers are no different,though a tad cheaper.Variety is the spice of life.:smile:

St0ne

02-23-2008, 11:31 PM

I think this is the Shavegeekery some people get so worked up about. Is it not?

IMO when you make it's somesone hobby I don't see any reason why they wouldn't. I'd compare it to being a Wine lovers. Would you really expect a wine lover to stop trying all other wines because they found the best?

Big_E

02-23-2008, 11:50 PM

It is far easier to understand the rotation of aftershaves, creams and soaps. There is scent involved (amongst other things), and that is very mood related.

But on the razors, I would expect people to search for the optimum shave and having found that, stick to it untill the search for perfection continues.
Rotation seems incompatible with search for perfection.

That might make sense to normal people in a normal world but you're outta luck here. :biggrin:
It's more fun to have a different razor most everyday. Sometimes I feel like using a fast Injector razor, or a nice DE razor. Sometimes I feel my oats and will use a straight blade razor.:tongue_sm
Ernest

Sabledog

02-24-2008, 06:04 AM

I suspect that there are many people who choose a single razor and stick to it; they likely are not on a forum talking about shaving, though!

I got my brother using DE about 4 months ago, gave him a tech, '40's super speed, and a ball-handled New. He hasn't used anything but the tech because he likes it.

ratcheer

02-24-2008, 08:04 AM