Thread: Function vs. Aesthetics (poll for newbies)

I voted 60% function, 40% looks....NOT because either is unimportant, but because BOTH are important, with the emphasis on function.

Some esthetic's such as the scales really do effect function in the way that they feel in your hand while shaving, stroping, or even just picking them up up and opening the blade. So, although function is important, different materials As I aquire more razors, I find myself looking a more "unique" or decorated razors with Quality blade.

Originally Posted by metalhead

100% function if it looks good but wont shave whats the point, and if it shaves good why does appearance or brand matter

Ditto.....

Originally Posted by AlanII

75% functition, 25% cosmetics but it's more like 80:20. I do love the way they look though.

I would second this opinion in general.

What I look for most of all in items of all categories, is a nice "fit and finish". Things I buy don't have to look "trick" or "bling" (in fact, I prefer if they don't), but I want them to have a solid feel, and to seem well built - the feeling of QUALITY. I'm often willing to pay extra for that feel.

For the shanks of a razor, I think my primary concern would be function and stability. I'd want to see some thickness to them (so they're not feeling flimsy), a solid feeling hinge action, and for them to have a nice fit against the blade.

100 % function at this point because im tight budget, if i wasnt then 75 to 50 ratio for me

i would say 100 ratio because im on tight budget and i want the best function not looks, but if i wasnt then 75 top 25 ratio for me

I went with 75/25 as well. I'll say this though. If I thought I had no chance of finding a well priced good looking razor that gives a killer shave, I'd buy the first "good one" I could get my hands off regardless of looks. But lets face it, lots of nice razors shave well and we like pretty things.

Maybe we could poll on this question : "Are you willing to pay more for a prettier razor?". And to be fair, we could wait until the economy recovers :P

Right now, I think I'd be willing to pay 25 $ extra, maybe more, for an equal shave with better looks.

Of course, everyone has their own ideas about what makes a better looking razor.

100% function I have a stainless steel straight and several double edges. They are nothing to really look at some are a bit tarnished some don't look terribly nice, but for a sixty year old razor I'm not really complaining (I hope I look that good when I'm sixty).If they don't yield an excllent shave what's the point to them.

As has been mentioned above I'm most concerned about functionality. If it doesn't shave it's pretty useless to me. However if I'm gonna drop a 100 bucks on it I better get some nice scales as well. I would select 100 percent function but I'd be lying if I said I haven't wanted to buy a razor or anything else just because it looked cool

Don't some of the aesthetics effect the quality of the shave that you get from a straight?

I prefer function over aesthetics. I have a few razors that were given to me that are butt ugly, but they give great shaves. But to be completely honest I would never have bought them. So I chose the 75%/25% function vs. aesthetics. Like others have said I'm not going to plunk down cash for a razor that looks crappy. Of course if I ever start to restore razors then I guess that would change.

Allen