Thread: Best vintage shaver?

Henckels, Wade and Butcher, Joseph Rogers and Sons, GOTTA, Bengall, Puma, etc. There is literally hundreds of good Straight razor brands out there from back in the day. A lot more than there are being made right now. Check out the wiki for brands to avoid, that'd be easier.

I would recommend taking a look at Good Straight Razor Brands - Straight Razor Place Wiki and Brands of Straight Razors to avoid - Straight Razor Place Wiki.

Ceterum censeo that Pumas are totally overrated (as I do not own one), but Gebrüder Lützenhoff made the best ever razor (mine).

Most vintage razors should be fine shavers so long as they are quality and honed correctly.

Personally I don't buy into one brand or the other being levels above the rest. I think a quality blade, honed right, in the hands of an experienced shaver is what makes the difference. Also taking into account personal preferences, etc.

I think the top brands are highly regarded because of the consistency they had in producing fine blades. Not to say though that any specific razor is better because of it's name.

Spendur has it spot on. American blades can be had for cheap and are top quality. Also many American blades were made in Germany and marketed here by US companies. So you get a fine German steel blade for cheap.

I agree with the guys here on this... I'll just clarify a few points that reflect my opinions.

First off, I wouldn't use a DD as my gold standard for best vintage shaver. I know many people like them, and they get good prices, but that doesn't mean they are the best (also the models can be quite different).

I am a huge fan of sheffield steel and heavy grinds. Now, no two razors are the same, but my Fred. Reynolds smiling 7/8 is awesome. I love Wade and Butchers, and one of my sharpest smoothest razors is a hollow ground Joseph rodgers. Basically, I am a sheffield fan.

hope this helps answer your question.

I doubt if my favorite means anything, but since you asked I have a 5/8 Boker Red Injun that would be hard to beat.

I have an old Henckels 72 and a King Cutter that are "go to" shavers. I have to say that it's the razor, not the brand because I have several american & german oldies that shave great.

Hmmm... if a razor is good enough not to toss in the bin after 50 years of shaving.. it cant be bad.

I've got a Puma, Dorko, ERN, julius Dirlam, Crown and a J.A. Henckels.. The ERN is probably the least sought after razor but its great value for money. My favourite razor at the moment is the Henckels.. just because its scary sharp, it has a smile, spikepoint,full hollow and I rescaled it, removed a chip and honed it myself.. just love it..I think tomorow the Dorko will be my favourite..

Hope it helps..

Maarten

That's like asking "what is the best car?".

Everyone has their own favorites.
Today the one I liked the best was my Mastro Livi re-grind.
Tomorrow it will be my Wacker, or one of my TIs...
or maybe my Böker Celebrated or "the Mammoth" Henckels...
or...

Best car? easy - Aston Martin v8 or any modern Bentley.
Best old razor.......Well I gave my 'common as muck' Kropp a whirl last night after watching that German fellow Willi speed shaving and got a very close shave in 2 passes.
Kropps were very common in the UK back in the day, but seem really good razors. (Along with Gotta's, Taylors and many more)