Thread: 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)"



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)...

Originally Posted by DrElkaholic

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

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.