Thread: Buying my first straight razor--question about damascus steel and HRC Cutlery

Like the previous poster I have never owned one nor even heard of the company but would come to the same conclusions for the same reasons. I believe Boker had a limited edition Damascus razor listing for about $1200.00 iirc so that would indicate to me that the razor you are looking at is just to cheap for what it claims to be.

Bob

Dr. Elkaholic,

Considering a razor with a Damascus Steel blade priced at the absurd amount of $70, a heavy blade grind that is suited more for an ax, a blade that probably would not take an edge no matter what you do to it, a handle that is probably more suited for a knife and that it probably weighs a ton, considering all of these negative attributes for a razor, if I may suggest, buy yourself a quality and shave ready 5/8 or 6/8 Ralf Aust, Boker, Revisor, Thiers-Issard or Dovo and give yourself a good start.

This forum lists numerous prominent vendors that will supply everything you need, including an inexpensive but quality strop. You'll be wise to also check out the classified here for quality and shave ready razors.

By the way, welcome to Straight Razor Place. We are delighted to have you with us. Please do some research on the forum and do ask questions. You already have regarding your first razor, which indicates that you are going about this the right way. The best of luck.

Oh, another point: please stay away from eBay until you know your way around the straight razor world.

Cheapest new DOVO you might be able to get at about 70+ USD. Plain carbon steel. Do you reckon they can deliver similar quality and fold the piece of steel 9 times? Stay away from it unless you want a fancy butter knife.

Went to their eBay store . . . looked up one of their razors. In the descriptive text all of their material discusses the quality of their knives. Trying to sell you a razor by touting their experience in knife making should be all you need to know to avoid this company.

For a first razor it would be wise to go for the standard look and not bling. Dovo Boker are good razors and you can find many other names too many too mention that would serve you well. If I were you I would pick out a standard type razor learn to use it and study the different makers and get some time under your belt. some times the pretty doesn't cut it. just my thoughts on the subject.

Originally Posted by rhensley

For a first razor it would be wise to go for the standard look and not bling. Dovo Boker are good razors and you can find many other names too many too mention that would serve you well. If I were you I would pick out a standard type razor learn to use it and study the different makers and get some time under your belt. some times the pretty doesn't cut it. just my thoughts on the subject.

HRC is the name of an old Sheffield brand in UK. Handsworth razor company. Looks like Utah brand has taken the name to give it vintage kudos. I have a genuine HRC blade

One of the local barbershops had these on display, they are HEAVY and made more as a Pocket Knife. Very cool looking, but NOT A RAZOR!

I know this is a really old thread, but just in case any other newbies were considering one of these.

Originally Posted by carloanichini

HRC is the name of an old Sheffield brand in UK. Handsworth razor company. Looks like Utah brand has taken the name to give it vintage kudos. I have a genuine HRC blade

Sorry to shoot down your very first post (and welcome to SRP) but in this context HRC has nothing to do with a Sheffield brand. HRC is the acronym for a particular Rockwell Hardness scale.