Thread: How many does one need?

This is most likely a typical newbie thread but how many straight razors does one need? Initially, a couple so one can be used/practiced with while the other is re-honed if necessary. But straight razors can/should last a lifetime, if properly taken care of? I understand RAD (because I am also a pipe smoker afflicted with PAD). What is the purpose of the seven day razor sets? If I have a few well performing straights then I can shave and theoretically avoid RAD?

One word.
More!

Sure you COULD make do with 1 or 2 but as long as you can afford to....get MORE. LOL
Seriously though you might have to get a few to see what grind, size and type of shape your face likes. Doesn't hurt to have a couple to try out.

Avoiding rad is very difficult.....so many grinds...so little time. 4/8 5/8 6/8 7/8 8/8 and all the tweeners...French point,round point,square point, thumb notch, different steels......there are more combinations here than Powerball !!!!!!! Have FUN !!!

2 is recommended like you said. Only because of the interruption of your daily ritual when out for a fix. If it has to go out. You could learn it yourself with some nearby hands on help and be self sufficient with 1. Good luck with all that and not winding up with 1 of everything :<0)


The old guys I have met that have always used a straight , have 1.

Rhoadsie:
I started out thinking just this way, get one, then a couple more just so that I have a spare or two, then I need to find out what other grinds-sizes-steels I might like, well you get the picture.

Seven day sets are so that you can shave with a different razor that's the same every day of the week, but then there are 52 weeks in a year and I can't find that many seven day sets so I have decided that one razor a week (on average) is about right.

And I originally thought I would save money buy not purchasing throw away cartridges.

You should have one from every maker, just to be sure they all don't shave the same. Only makes sense to me.

I'd say at most 7, one for each day, but people do just fine with two blades.
Of course when the AD kicks in it is no longer a question of "need", it is a question of "want" .

One shave ready rave and a good quality barbers hone should be all that is needed. In theory it should never have to leave your home. Seven day sets I think were for people with far too much money so they could have someone else strop and maintain their razors once a week. That way they only hd to worry about shaving. Probably one of the valets tasks.

I guess you could ask the same question about pants? How many pairs of pants do you really need? Or socks...after the essentials, it's all about desire...

As I suspected, I have found a group of enablers Seriously, though I will prepare and accept the RAD Hopefully when I teach my son to shave he will end up with 1 for life (thanks 10pups)