Why rotate?

[Parallax]

No, experimenting with blades is important for someone that is learning. But if you change too many variables at once (blade, razor, soap), it will be harder to measure.

I think the main thing is to not move past your first razor until you have really gotten to know it.

This is not science and we don't have laboratories in which to control a single variable. All kinds of stuff is shifting all the time, whether we're aware of it or not. So I'm not much on trying to isolate variables. No matter what I do, I learn. May as well have fun with it.

[BestFaceForward]

Do you want the real answer or the one I tell my wife? ;)

+1!

[Parallax]

Yes, best advice ever: have fun!


MWF = Mitchell's Woolfat Shaving Soap

Thanks for posting this. Very helpful. Where's the best place to snag me some fat?

[BazC]

Wow, thanks for all the advice folks, I think I'll stick with my plan, grab that pot of MWF, use up the baldes I have then buy a sample pack of blades. I'll definitely stick to my new Ball End Tech (arrived yesterday!) it's a brilliant little razor and will keep me happy for a few months! :D

[dpmtherrien]

Nothing like mixing it up every once in awhile.

[dcobranchi]

I've only tried Wilkinson Sword so far and I'm quite happy with those, do you think I would be better off sticking to the Wilkinsons for a while before experimenting with different blades?

Ding! Ding! Ding! We have a winner. One blade, one razor, one soap/cream. That'd be my advice. I'm at this 6 months and I've just recently gotten to the point where I feel confident enough in my technique to change blades and know that any differences I experience are real.

[Ski-Patroller]

Yes I can see the logic of that. I'm new to DE shaving (1 week) but had planned to change a couple of things. I'm currently using a Palmolive stick but intend getting some Mitchells Wool Fat since I discovered it's sold in a shop very nearby. Assuming I can get a decent lather from it I would then stay with that for a while. Then I was going to get a selection pack of blades and see which ones I like. I've only tried Wilkinson Sword so far and I'm quite happy with those, do you think I would be better off sticking to the Wilkinsons for a while before experimenting with different blades?

If you are getting good shaves with the Wilkinsons I'd stay with them for a couple of weeks, but you think they are bad or even terrible, try something else. Just don't change everything at the same time.

[Rivguy]

I like the variety of changing brushes and software for the pleasure of the experience. I have a number of razors and have settled on just a few blades that I rotate depending on the razor I select. I also enjoy changing software seasonally. For me, some products just seem to be more enjoyable in warm or cold weather. I have always been a strong proponent of only changing one variable at a time so that when different results are obtained, I know what the factor was that resulted in that change. This is especially true when trying something new. I think that this is a sound practice for those new to wet shaving. There is plenty of time to try new products once you have mastered the technique which is the most important element in wet shaving. It is not important that you use the most popular, latest or most expensive products discussed here. What is important is that you select products that give you the best and most enjoyable shaves.

Regards,

Doug

[smalltank]

"variety is the spice of life"

[Oblique Human]

Disparateness in material, a mélange of fragrances, a multifarious assault on the senses.

[T-Dog]

Rotation is absolutely necessary (in order to justify all of the gear that you have bought!)

[sp514]

It's mostly because variety is the spice of life.

Sure you could make do with one brush, one razor, one shaving soap/ shaving cream, one aftershave, and one cologne, but most of us think that is rather boring.

Many of us have turned the daily shave into a hobby, rather than simply a chore that has to be completed.

Yes! Variety is the spice of life indeed. One of the reasons I fell out of love with P160 (fantastic soap) is because I used it exclusively for a while and got tired of the 'marzipan' scent.

[celestino]

Fun.

+1

[Kilroy08]

Why, you ask? Like many others, to keep things fresh and exciting. Shaving used to be a chore for me, now it's fun. Plus, my.... umm, well, let's see here.... 5 razors and cigar box full of assorted blades aren't just going to shave themselves.

[warhawk]

It's all about having FUN!!!

WARHAWK

[Oblique Human]

Yes! Variety is the spice of life indeed. One of the reasons I fell out of love with P160 (fantastic soap) is because I used it exclusively for a while and got tired of the 'marzipan' scent.

+1.. and that is also a very good reason right there.

[JDTTO]

Some moments call for a different shave.

I just shaved with my gillette NEW and got an amazing close shave (lasting BBS in 3 passes) but I would not want to shave this close every day. My daily shaver is a Gillette SS which gives me a DFS with the same effort and a little more comfort.

I have a Slim Adjustable on the way, maybe this ends the razor rotation but I think it won't.

[Giant Kiwi]

[QUOTE=Parallax;4074553]Thanks for posting this. Very helpful. Where's the best place to snag me some fat?[/QUOTE

http://connaughtshaving.com/mitchellsshaving.html

http://www.shaving.ie/products/Mitch...-and-Dish.html

Don't be put off by the 'fat' is hard to lather.

Awesome stuff

[mongo1958]

Tell that to your wife or girlfriend

You'll get bored if you use the same product over and over again.

[BazC]

Thanks for the input guys, I don't doubt I'll be rotating myself once my technique is sorted out!