Thread: You guys have probably heard this question severa times

I have been buying mostly vintage razors ,however I am at the point where I want a new one.One that has the sharpest blade easy to keep up not to expensive but a good all around razor.Iam thinking about a 5/8 or 6/8 since I am a beginner?I have read some post of guys buying new devo's and they were not ready shaveSo whats the real McCoy to buy?I see where there are French,japanese razors plus other brands.What other german brands are still being made
Appreciate your feed back ------------------Thank you. william

The problem with Dovo isn't really with the razor, it's the fact that their literature claims it's shave ready out of the box. It's more about where you buy it. Straight Razor Designs and The Superior Shave are two I personally have dealt with that only carry the good stuff, and will hone the razor to shave ready before they ship it. I'm sure people will chime in with other shops, but those are the two I can vouch for (so far). Read carefully, because some shops may look like a better deal, but are only offering to do the honing for an extra charge. Happy shopping!

Thank you so much ,one more thing which would you lean to 5/8 or 6/8 ?

It isn't clear to me what you think a new razor will bring to the party over and above a properly prepared vintage piece. There seems to be a premise I don't understand.

Thank you will check them out

Well ,at this time I am learning to hone a razor ,some vintage razors are worn out it takes an expert to bring this oldies back to life.I see where the german steel seems superior to others.Besides devo what other german brands are out there.Thank you.

New production razors - Listed in NO particular order of preference

German
Dovo
Wacker
Revisor
Ralf Aust
Boker

French
Thiers Issard

USA
Hart

Japan
Iwasaki - Kamisori style


I think I am missing one I didn't list customs either

These are proved brands there are others out there, that don't have quite as solid a reputation but you may find quite serviceable..

Originally Posted by gssixgun

I think I am missing one I didn't list customs either

Boker perhaps?

Edit: Nevermind...I can't read...lol

Regarding 5/8 vs 6/8 - it's entirely personal preference. If you think you would like a bigger, heavier blade, go 6/8, and if you think you'll like a smaller, slightly lighter blade, go with 5/8. Note also that the blade's grind will affect its weight as well.

Regarding new vs vintage and hone wear, while it's true that the hone wear on some vintage blades can make them a challenge to hone, that is not universally true. Many of my vintage blades have virtually no hone wear. You just have to be careful what you buy, and be a well-informed consumer. An advantage of buying from the classified here is that the sellers are members of the community and are not likely to mislead. So if you do see something in the classified that catches your eye, PM the seller and enquire whether it is shave-ready, and whether it has significant hone wear. I'm sure you'll get straight answers.

German steel is obviously very good, but it is in no way written in stone that it is 'better' than others. My favourite razors were all made in the mid-19th century in Sheffield. Japanese, Swedish, French, and Spanish steel is also highly regarded, but note as well that origin of manufacture does not necessarily indicate origin of the raw materials. For example a blade forged and ground in Solingen may be made from Swedish or English steel.

If you do want to go for a German blade, also keep an eye out for Boker.

A couple of lists that may help:

Good Straight Razor Brands - Straight Razor Place Library

Brands of Straight Razors to Avoid - Straight Razor Place Library

EDIT: man, you guys are quick on the draw today...

Regarding old vs new, out of 30 odd razors I have only 1 is new and they all shave pretty much the same, well. If you already have a 5/8 in your collection and want to try something different go for a 6/8. Either sized blade is a happy medium in the range of sizes available. I use both with a slight edge going to the 6/8 for holding more lather between swipes to clean off the blade.

Others have listed the reputable brands and the advice to get a razor made shave ready by the vendor is a good one. The only new razor I have was just not quite shave ready from the maker and that seems a common issue with new razors and factory edges.

Bob