Thread: Vintage Razor vs New Razor

I'm a beginner when it comes to shaving with straight razors, and decent shaving supplies, so I need help from this community. I might say some stupid stuff, as I'm pretty ignorant on this topic, so sorry in advance!

So I want to know if there is something wrong with buying a vintage $65 or $100 kamisori, as opposed to the new one's which cost $150-$200. Are the vintage one's considerably worse than the new pricey one's? Are they on the same level and the only reason the vintage one's don't cost $150-$200 is because they've been used?

I want a REALLY damn good shave, as I want to restart my beard growth with beard oil, a healthy lifestyle and just for the sake of regrowth. So are vintage straight razors just as good as brand new straight razors? Or are they worse? What should I look for in terms of pricing and quality?

Also the vintage one's say "Shave Ready", are they usually sharp enough for a really good shave with only stropping needed? Or do I need to do a bit more to it when I receive it in order to get a good shave?

Thanks for the help!

Old razors, given their condition is good, is every bit as good as new ones.
At least!

Condition is vital though, you don't want to have issues with hone wear, warping, frowns and what not.

But yes, the older razors can hold their own against any new razor!

First of all welcome to the forum.

I don't use a kamisori, but I do have both new a vintage straights in my collection. Providing that the edge is right there is really no difference in the shave. I would say that getting a truly shave ready razor is a must. I don't know that you can guarantee that when buying vintage. If you buy one from this forum and ask the seller to ensure that it is shave ready then you will get just that. Ebay on the other hand is likely to be a little more of a risk. It does take some experience when buying vintage or used to recognise issues such as blade geometry and hone wear.

I am not sure I fully understand your reasons behind this though. You want to shave so that you can grow a beard. The thing is you will not likely get a great shave until you have been doing this for a few months. So if you want to get back to the fresh beard quickly you might be better visiting a barber.

I have had beards in the past, but now that I have discovered the art of the straight razor my beard growing days are behind me.

Good luck with this.

Welcome to the forum.

If you are asking specifically about kamisori, asymmetrically ground razors, as opposed to the more commonly found symmetrically ground straight razor, I could not say having never used a kamisori. Other than that I would have to agree with Birnado's post.

If you have not used a straight razor before.

Keep in mind a damn good shave is mostly about having the right technique and a shave ready razor. Getting a shave ready razor is the easier of the two. If you have never used a straight razor before chances are you will not get a damned good shave right out of the gate. Something like the best race car paired with an inexperienced drive produces abysmal results. It can take 100 shaves/3 month to get good result with a straight razor.

Normally "shave ready" mean just that, ready to shave without stropping. That also depends on who honed it and their definition of shave ready. I mention without stropping because if you have never stropped a razor before you can dull the edge by poor stropping technique rather than maintaining or improving it. Beginners usually do the former more often than not. At least I did.

Last but not least is the making of a good lather using shaving soap/cream and a brush. If you have not done that before it may take a bit of practice to make a lather good enough to shave with. A good lather is an essential part of achieving a damned good shave.

I am not trying to discourage you only to point out shaving with a straight razor takes longer to learn than most think.

Bob

Originally Posted by BrotherPaine

I'm a beginner when it comes to shaving with straight razors, and decent shaving supplies, so I need help from this community. I might say some stupid stuff, as I'm pretty ignorant on this topic, so sorry in advance!

So I want to know if there is something wrong with buying a vintage $65 or $100 kamisori, as opposed to the new one's which cost $150-$200. Are the vintage one's considerably worse than the new pricey one's? Are they on the same level and the only reason the vintage one's don't cost $150-$200 is because they've been used?

I want a REALLY damn good shave, as I want to restart my beard growth with beard oil, a healthy lifestyle and just for the sake of regrowth. So are vintage straight razors just as good as brand new straight razors? Or are they worse? What should I look for in terms of pricing and quality?

Also the vintage one's say "Shave Ready", are they usually sharp enough for a really good shave with only stropping needed? Or do I need to do a bit more to it when I receive it in order to get a good shave?

Thanks for the help!

Nothing wrong with vintage razors, they shave just fine. Avoid kamisori if you are just starting out.
If you want a REALLY damn good shave instantly, try a DE. Not sure about the regrowth question, maybe just grow a beard and eat more carrots...
If a razor on the classifieds here is advertised as shave ready, don't strop before first shave.

I am a bit confused. Do you want to shave with a straight razor or grow a beard?

Putting down money for a razor and using it once makes little sense.

A lot of great 8nfo sent your way. Take it all as experianced straight razor shavers. As others have said, it takes months of use to obtain a great shave with a straight. Again, not trying to discourage you. Jump in with both feet and enjoy the learning experiance. As far as a beard, i got no info for ya. I do have facial hair but i keep it trim and small and with that i dont need to deal with oils or anything fancy. Face soap and go.

BTW, Welcome to SRP. The best place on the web to learn and enjoy straight razor shaving. Learning to restore razors and more.

I have 2 straights that are both modern. I'd like to try a vintage but am worried about the condition. I'd only trust buying a vintage off the boards here because I would trust that it would be usable.

I own a new Dovo, Portland Razor co. and a Herr custom. I honestly prefer the vintage blades I have over the new ones. Nothing wrong with the new blades I just don't enjoy them as much. A great vintage razor can be found for not a lot of money in antique stores or on line. Knowing what to look for is key.
I can not speak for kamis because I have no desire to own one and have never used one.
I will add, don't let them beat you up about the beard and straight shaving I grow a beard for at least half the year and use a straight to shave my neck and under my eyes. Works well and I keep nice tight beard lines this way. Best of luck in your adventure.

I have a beard and shave with a Portland Razor Company Sprite. 2” blade by 6/8”, and it is right sized to trim around a beard, and it is a first class product made by equally first class people. I bought a new razor, a larger investment than the vintages at which I looked. If I am invested financially and mentally, I will use it and take care of it. Just my experience.