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

I am looking to get started with a quality straight razor, and have been reading some great forums on here and learning a lot. I've been looking at vintage, German-made razors primarily, but I came across HRC Cutlery from Utah on Ebay and wondered if any of you have experience with their damascus steel straight razors? I am suspicious that their product looks too good to be true at about $70, but they have excellent reviews and sound legit. Here is a description of their handmade blade design:

"Blade Material: Damascus Steel 15N20 & 1095 Hand-Forged
Blade Hardness: 58-60 HRC on Rockwell scale
Total Layers: 512 (8 folds German 1095HC / Swedish 15N20)"

Attachment 204404

Thanks for any feedback you can offer! I am new to the forum.

please correct me if im wrong, which i might be, but im guessing it is not true demascus because its not really folded over numerous times to achieve the true demascus look. its dipped in ferric chloride.

It claims to be 512 layers (8 folds German 1095HC / Swedish 15N20)...

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Originally Posted by DrElkaholic

It claims to be 512 layers (8 folds German 1095HC / Swedish 15N20)...

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got me there... i did not actually read that part.
i hope some expert would have an input

maybe reputatable brands and artisans drives up the market price for these gems?

I’ve never had one but, I think you will find the consensus will be that the deal is too good to be true as they are rubbish. It will likely have geometry issues and may well not be able to take an edge any way.
For that money there are MUCH better options for a first (or any subsequent) razor, the SRP classifieds often have very good vintage blades that come shave ready.
I would run (not walk) away from the RSO (razor shaped object) you posted.

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.

Hi,

first of all, welcome to the forum.
I agree with what has been said, I wouldn't go near a blade like this. I have 2 new Dovo razors, not too expensive but great shavers.

To be honest, I think you already knew this..

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Originally Posted by DrElkaholic

I am suspicious that their product looks too good to be true at about $70, but they have excellent reviews and sound legit.

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Too good to be true, is all the reason you need to stay away from something.


Greetings
Yves

JMO, but doesn't it just look like a pocket knife shaped like an exotic razor? Everywhere I look in its construction I see folding knife. I'd stay away!

+3 on the SRP classifieds for getting a good, shave ready razor at a very reasonable price. The point of this whole SR thing is to enjoy the shave... Starting with a quality razor is a must.


Ooooh. Speaking of the SRP classifieds... brb

It seems to me that there are two shaving stores in Arizona, one in phoenix and the other in tucson. You may want to check one of those out. What you do wind up buying should be shave ready. By shave ready, what I mean is it should be hand honed and stropped, ready to shave with straight out of the box. There are also a number of reputable internet stores to check with. This site is actually part of the business of Straight Razor Designs, which has a very good reputation but is not the only show in town. If you would like to further discuss this you can PM me or reply in this post. Any good internet vendor will have done business with multiple people on this site and if you ask all those with positive experience will chime in.

That razor is garbage. And while it may make a suitable paperweight for your desk that will be the extent of it's usefulness. Trash.

These "blades" are not made is the U.S. they are "finished in the U.S." according to the solicitation on ebad.

As Neil Miller gets to say "Rubbish"

Thanks so much for the feedback, guys. I will steer clear of this, and similar blades. I will keep an eye on the classifieds here and do some more research. Razor Emporium is 10 minutes from my house here in Phoenix, so I may end up buying a razor from them or having them hone one for me if I find one in great shape otherwise. They just don't have anything under $110, and I was trying to stay a little less expensive for my first one. Do any of you have experience with them? Razors - Straight Razors - Razor Emporium

Again, thank you!

i believe razor emporium has really really bad reputation for their services for replating, but i think their products shouldn't be too bad. i managed to pick up a HMW brush from them last year

I wouldn't mind having the 5/8 Törnblom with green scales but I am partial to Swedish razors. Never bought anything off them so cannot comment on their qualities as vendors.

I know nothing about them, but for my taste, there are better choices, both in new, shave ready and vintage straights to be had.

FWIW, their prices on vintage Gillette DE razors seem high to me.

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Damascus Steel 15N20 & 1095 Hand-Forged

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I would be very suspicious of anything advertised as Damascus Steel. The original method of forging Damascus Steel was lost to history in the 1700s. Various attempts have been made over the years to reverse engineer this process (by examining antique blades) but to date none have reproduced it completely. It;s probably just cheep steel with a wavy pattern etched on it.

FWIW (I've been away for a while) --

If you want to shave with a straight razor, buy a new _basic_ round-point Dovo or Boker, shave-ready, from any of a number of vendors (including Straight Razor Designs, or "thesuperiorshave.com"). It'll be plain -- no romance -- but it'll be made of good steel, properly-tempered, properly-sharpened. Your cost should come in at around $100.

Get into the vintage and "fancy razor" market (which can be addictive and expensive) after you know that straight-razor shaving is really for you.

. Charles

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Originally Posted by kwco

I would be very suspicious of anything advertised as Damascus Steel. The original method of forging Damascus Steel was lost to history in the 1700s. Various attempts have been made over the years to reverse engineer this process (by examining antique blades) but to date none have reproduced it completely. It;s probably just cheep steel with a wavy pattern etched on it.

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Even if it does not meet the criteria needed to impress the razor users here, it is not simply a piece of cheap steel with a pattern etched on it. I'm going to suggest you do a little more research into the subject (pattern welding). Although, inexpensive compared to other modern steels, 1095 and 15N20 by themselves can make a good blade if all the other necessary conditions are met.

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Originally Posted by DrElkaholic

Thanks so much for the feedback, guys. I will steer clear of this, and similar blades. I will keep an eye on the classifieds here and do some more research. Razor Emporium is 10 minutes from my house here in Phoenix, so I may end up buying a razor from them or having them hone one for me if I find one in great shape otherwise. They just don't have anything under $110, and I was trying to stay a little less expensive for my first one. Do any of you have experience with them? Razors - Straight Razors - Razor Emporium

Again, thank you!

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Classifieds and more research would be a good idea. Regarding your local option, their straight razor honing is done by a banned former member here who couldn't remember if he had honed hundreds or thousands of razors in ten years all in the course of two years. There is not much that is true about his honing.

Didnt read the entire thread but the first clue should be in the words on the pic, thats more of a knife

I got a few CHEAP items to practice my honing skills. Just nice to keep the talent sharp...lol.
Got one of these KNOWING it was too good to be true however, I like the challenge. Been a few hours on mine and "ALMOST" have an edge on it. Probably like the other member(s) said...rubbish, paper weight, or letter opener...oh...forgot Axe.

True Damascus costs about 100 bucks an inch. Even they can't get the fine edge needed for a razor. Not sorry for the purchase (40 bucks) but its nice to know how to mess up a crappy piece vs the true items. Davo so far (to me seems the bomb right out of the box. I got a Heckles (had it for 20 years as a gift from an OLD barber) so I don't know how old it is, but stropped it a couple gentle times and shaved better than disposable persona's. Quality is quality and junk is JUNK. Please be advised.

Thanks for listening to me,
DaBarber.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by DrElkaholic

I am looking to get started with a quality straight razor, and have been reading some great forums on here and learning a lot. I've been looking at vintage, German-made razors primarily, but I came across HRC Cutlery from Utah on Ebay and wondered if any of you have experience with their damascus steel straight razors? I am suspicious that their product looks too good to be true at about $70, but they have excellent reviews and sound legit. Here is a description of their handmade blade design:

"Blade Material: Damascus Steel 15N20 & 1095 Hand-Forged
Blade Hardness: 58-60 HRC on Rockwell scale
Total Layers: 512 (8 folds German 1095HC / Swedish 15N20)"

Attachment 204404

Thanks for any feedback you can offer! I am new to the forum.

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Quote:

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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.

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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.

you know...others say...what is "standard look"? Well, I know how to sharpen...from way back FYI, so personally, if you never sharpened shit before, get a piece of this steel stock and PRACTICE! I (we) can help you get through the tough times. But if you can put an edge on something that will cut you, you can put an edge that will give you the shave of your life!!!

I ended up picking crap from ebay and re-did the edges on things that should have been thrown away...I use them regularly. if and edge is sharp...its good to go. don't worry about "BLING" but the Cavo <sp> for 250 bucks is the bomb...however, my "throw away" "piece of crap" shaves just as nice...PRACTICE your sharpening.

There is no magic bullet here...and don't listen to "I did this and I did that" crap. You are the judge of your sharpening skills. Work it man (girl). We are all here to help you over the "hump".

dr elk, I should post my "Damascus" knock off on here, very similar blade with a different handle. Rip off IMO. I would stick to (and again IMO if you wanna really shave yourself or anyone else) something main stream ready (especially if you're new to shaves). I think I misplaced a post here regarding sharpening, but...I found it and maybe it can help, (its about sharping steel).

This is the post....
you know...others say...what is "standard look"? Well, I know how to sharpen...from way back FYI, so personally, if you never sharpened shit before, get a piece of this steel stock and PRACTICE! I (we) can help you get through the tough times. But if you can put an edge on something that will cut you, you can put an edge that will give you the shave of your life!!!

I ended up picking crap from ebay and re-did the edges on things that should have been thrown away...I use them regularly. if and edge is sharp...its good to go. don't worry about "BLING" but the Cavo <sp> for 250 bucks is the bomb...however, my "throw away" "piece of crap" shaves just as nice...PRACTICE your sharpening.

There is no magic bullet here...and don't listen to "I did this and I did that" crap. You are the judge of your sharpening skills. Work it man (girl). We are all here to help you over the "hump.

End of post.

ok...lets go back to the Damascus steel, like I said before, my researched pulled (as well as a friend who has knives {Damascus}) said its about 100 bucks an inch. "Cheap" Damascus "look-a-likes" are acid etched and not really the "REAL" thing.

You might wanna call this guy and he might get you straight on Damascus steel.

https://raysknives.netfirms.com/
http://raysknives.netfirms.com/aboutdamascus.htm

HIGH PRICED...REAL DEAL.

Do your research before you spend hard earned cash on junk.

If you wanna shave...many great alternatives.

All the best and stay in touch.

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Originally Posted by DaBarber

All the best and stay in touch.

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You do realize that you've jumped onto a thread that's been inactive for a couple of years and are giving advice to a guy who hasn't been on the site for well over a year?

Oh God...I'm gonna loose sleep. Peace out bro

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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

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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.

Just a reminder…

"Family friendly" language is required here, so please avoid inappropriate language.

And while I'm at it, sharp and comfortable are not the same thing when honing a razor.