Anyone rotate razors in the same shave session?

**aleman1949** · 07-03-2010, 10:04 AM

I've just gotten into the full wet shave process. I have been using a brush for 30+ years, but was using Gillette's latest and greatest razor set up. I got a Merkur HD Long Handle about six weeks ago, and I'm not going back. Between the new razor and improved lather technique (thanks to Mantic and you guys), I'm getting the best shaves of my life. The chore has become a joy. When I first started shaving in the early 60's, I used a DE and the old Gillette Blue Blades. I recall using the SS blades for a while, then moved on to the Techmatic, Trac 2, Atra, Mach 3, Fusion, etc. I must have remembered something from the old days, because I haven't cut myself once. (Now that I've said that, I'll probably do a real butcher job the next time I shave.)

Already, I'm thinking about getting some more razors - possibly the Merkur Slant, and the Merkur Mustache Trimmer. I don't have a mustache, but think the Trimmer would help around the nose. (SWMBO is not wild about my new passion, but over time she should lighten up - she's forgiven me for far worse.)

This got me thinking - is there merit in using two razors during the same shaving session. For example, use the Slant for the first WTG pass, then switching to the regular HD for the subsequent passes? Or, maybe use the HD first, then follow up with the Slant? Has anyone tried this? Or am I getting way to carried away?

Thanks, and Shave On!

**Harvey** · 07-03-2010, 10:07 AM

save your money on the trimmer...but a second razor isn,t out of line..I often use a Sensor on my neck after using my main razor of the day .

**nemo** · 07-03-2010, 10:13 AM

Yes, I do occasionally switch razors during a shave. Some do a better job in certain areas than others.

Welcome to B&B and glad you came full circle back to DE!

**Ruck** · 07-03-2010, 10:13 AM

Not a regular practice, but I've done it.

**Radar O\'Reilly** · 07-03-2010, 12:00 PM

If I decide to slack for more than a few days shaving, I go with my slant, as it clogs less easily compared to other razors. Then after the hair is a managable length/quantity, I switch to one of the other hitters in my bullpen.

**Slivovitz** · 07-03-2010, 02:26 PM

Almost never. I do remember doing this once, when a razor I was trying for the first time just wasn't working, and I wanted to finish up. I returned to the problem razor later and figured out how to make it work.

This thread comes as I was prepared to do the same thing this morning. I was about to use a Schick B type magazine repeater for the first time, and had my doubts about it. I was ready to switch to another razor if necessary, but it turned out that the B type was fine.

If a particular razor is hard to use on one part of my face, like getting right under the nose with a GEM 1912, then I take it as a challenge to make it work there anyway. That's just an attitude, though. As always, do whatever works for you.

**RocketMan** · 07-03-2010, 04:46 PM

Every once in a while I use a 1930's Schick to touch up under my nostrils - and a wee tricky spot on my chin. But that is the extent of it!

**alex2363** · 07-03-2010, 05:24 PM

hey, its all about you. like they say, just do you! if you wanna use 3 razors fo different techniques thats gonna help you, then by all means use 3 razors, hey like scarface says "the world is yours" so do what you want. theres merit in all you do.

**TravisJ ohnson** · 07-03-2010, 07:36 PM

I do my first pass with a Futur and the second with one of my straights. Sometimes the other way around. There's no technique to it, it's just fun.

**mas4u** · 07-03-2010, 09:03 PM

Originally Posted by aleman1949

This got me thinking - is there merit in using two razors during the same shaving session. For example, use the Slant for the first WTG pass, then switching to the regular HD for the subsequent passes? Or, maybe use the HD first, then follow up with the Slant? Has anyone tried this? Or am I getting way to carried away?

Tried it recently, and it works. I found that loading up three feathers on three different settings for WTG, XTG, & ATG is the only way to get a perfect shave for your skin type. I currently get 10 (once 12) days off one Feather blade and one razor. I am shooting for 30 days with the setup below. No fumbling adjusting, only change blades once a month, get a perfect shave everday.

Picture 005.jpg

... I suspect the new alum block will remain new looking if I keep shaving this way!

**Zumkopf** · 07-08-2010, 09:48 PM

I've been wetshaving for about a year now, but I still feel like I'm in the experimental stage. So sometimes I'll try two NEWs, one with a Feather and one with a Derby, or a Slim and a Fatboy, or a GEM 1912 on the first pass and a MMOC on the cross-passes, or an Old Type and a Futur (now THERE's a strange combination), etc. And sometimes I'll switch blade brands on a razor during a shave. Just to try to get some insight as to the differences, and what works where.

My most significant finding so far is that there are such a huge number of different variations of razor, blade, cream, soap, and brush, that I'll be a very old man before I settle on one razor, one blade, one soap/cream, and one brush. If ever.

**aleman1949** · 07-08-2010, 11:10 PM

Originally Posted by Zumkopf

I've been wetshaving for about a year now, but I still feel like I'm in the experimental stage. So sometimes I'll try two NEWs, one with a Feather and one with a Derby, or a Slim and a Fatboy, or a GEM 1912 on the first pass and a MMOC on the cross-passes, or an Old Type and a Futur (now THERE's a strange combination), etc. And sometimes I'll switch blade brands on a razor during a shave. Just to try to get some insight as to the differences, and what works where.

My most significant finding so far is that there are such a huge number of different variations of razor, blade, cream, soap, and brush, that I'll be a very old man before I settle on one razor, one blade, one soap/cream, and one brush. If ever.

I suspect that I will end up becoming a long-term experimenter as well. I think that in addition to getting a better shave, the variety of equipment just naturally appeals to man's tendency to get into equipment and accessories in whatever he is doing - e.g., golf, stereo, HD TV's, etc. We males can make things complicated, not because we need to, but because we can.

**Doric** · 07-08-2010, 11:24 PM

I have never switched razors during a shave, however I usually dial my slim down a few notches for a ATG pass on my upper lip.

**rtaylor61** · 07-08-2010, 11:47 PM

I always rotate the razor 180 and use both sides!

Randy

**Aberneth** · 07-09-2010, 01:29 AM

I use a Futur with an astra for my face (set all the way to 6 for the area under my sideburns

), and a tech with a lord for my neck.

**HokieGeek** · 07-09-2010, 07:25 AM

As I'm learning how to shave with a str8, I sometimes finish with my trusty merkur when the blood loss reaches critical levels, so I can be done quickly and tend to my wounds!

**americanarmsdealer** · 07-09-2010, 08:01 AM

Originally Posted by rtaylor61

I always rotate the razor 180 and use both sides!

Randy

+1!

**Monkeydad** · 07-09-2010, 10:50 AM

Only if something goes horribly wrong...like a new blade that I didn't know was designed by Jack the Ripper until I tried it.

**wolfmanxiii** · 07-09-2010, 10:57 AM

If I've got a few days growth I'll do my first pass with a straight and then move to a DE. I used to shave exclusively with a straight, but most of my straights need honing so I moved to DE's and now enjoy using a combination of the two.