Thread: Intro and questions

Originally Posted by IanS

If you skim to top couple pages of the Razors forum, there was a "top 5 makers" list. Probably hard to go wrong with one of the makers from there.

Actually, a lot. Because they are hyped, they are generally overpriced. Because they are overpriced and reasonably rare, many are sold that are of dubious quality, to say the least. In short, totally not recommended for a beginner, unless you have more money than sense. There are other issues, too. Dubl Ducks are known to have massive problems with their scales. While they are good shavers (and reasonably easy to hone because of their hollow grind), I fail to see what the hype is about. Same for Filarmonicas, by the way. Given the choice between 5 no name Solingen vintage razors and one of the hyped brand names, I would go for the lot of 5 any time.

They are hyped because they aren't of dubious quality. And overpriced doesn't come into play as you aren't going to pay $100+ for your first razor unless you're buying new. I'd assume even a noob would have the common sense not to buy a razor that is obviously damaged. I can't comment on Dubl Ducks scales, but I do have LOTS of generic Solingens and I can say with confidence just from seeing pictures of Dubl scales that they appear far better than the average generic scales.


"Given the choice between 5 no name Solingen vintage razors and one of the hyped brand names, I would go for the lot of 5 any time."

Anyone who wouldn't is a fool. Just because a razor that the majority of the forums considers to be one of the best isn't five times as good as another doesn't change the fact that it is going to be a safer choice for getting a quality blade. I'd rather spend $30 on a JR &son than a John Doe & son. And outside of a few exceptions (BIG W&B, Mint Henkles/ducks/Fils, a few others) the price premium you are basing your argument on just isn't there.

Originally Posted by IanS

They are hyped because they aren't of dubious quality.

They are hyped because people who have seen maybe 20 razors think they've seen it all, and can extrapolate from one specimen. If Lynn, Glen, Max, Ivan, Nelson or any person I trust tell me to buy a specific razor, I will. And that's that.

Originally Posted by IanS

And overpriced doesn't come into play as you aren't going to pay $100+ for your first razor unless you're buying new.

And how exactly are you going to get a Filarmonica (to take the latest hype as an example) for less than USD 100? Trial and error on eBay? Well, good luck. Of course it can happen, but that would be pure luck.

Originally Posted by IanS

I'd assume even a noob would have the common sense not to buy a razor that is obviously damaged.

Beginners join this site to acquire knowledge. Apparently, there is at least one exception to this rule. Still, you may want to refrain from making assumptions.

Originally Posted by IanS

I can't comment on Dubl Ducks scales, but I do have LOTS of generic Solingens and I can say with confidence just from seeing pictures of Dubl scales that they appear far better than the average generic scales.

That's why I said that pictures can be deceptive. Dubl Duck scales suck big time. They are among the worst scales ever made. Especially for the price tag that comes with them. 9 out of 10 have issues. 1 out of 50 is perfect.

Originally Posted by IanS

"Given the choice between 5 no name Solingen vintage razors and one of the hyped brand names, I would go for the lot of 5 any time."

Anyone who wouldn't is a fool. Just because a razor that the majority of the forums considers to be one of the best isn't five times as good as another doesn't change the fact that it is going to be a safer choice for getting a quality blade.

I challenge this claim.

Originally Posted by IanS

I'd rather spend $30 on a JR &son than a John Doe & son. And outside of a few exceptions (BIG W&B, Mint Henkles/ducks/Fils, a few others) the price premium you are basing your argument on just isn't there.

Right. I have here in my collection 5 no name Solingen razors (like the fabled Lützenkirchen "Seal") that cost me less than EUR 100. All in original and excellent shape, one mint. I'd like to have an excellent, preferably mint, Puma 89 for EUR 100, please. PM me for shipping details. In a squeeze, a mint Satinwedge will do.

How many pages is that thread? When I see names like W&B, JR&Son etc in 20+ lists your argument that users have "only" used 20 razors becomes moot.

A fil just ended for ~$30 on eBay. Yes it's got a little rust and hone wear, but less than an hour and I could have it shave ready (I was #2 bidder on a value bid of ~$20 ($12 shipping)). I also got my Fil off eBay. Other than replacement scales it appeared to be in NOS condition. Turned out that it wasn't, but that doesn't affect what I paid.

I have the common decency to assume that people are able to recognize that damage is something to avoid. I'd have to have my head pretty far up my own ass to try and believe otherwise.

Being mint has nothing to do with how well a razor shaves. A worn Quality razor will shave better than a no name in Excellent/Mint the majority of the time. I'd rather have a 62 Jag E with a rebuilt engine and worn interior than a mint 2010 Dodge Neon. I'm willing to bet the Jag will perform better too.

You might want to get down off your high horse and actually read my post before you start acting like a dick by completely ignoring what I said and making statements that make it clear you have no response to the claims I've actually made. Such as rebutting that Ducks can be had under $100 if they aren't in mint condition by requesting a mint condition Duck for under $100. It just makes you look too full of yourself to bother reading before you start arguing.

Originally Posted by IanS

You might want to get down off your high horse and actually read my post before you start acting like a dick by completely ignoring what I said and making statements that make it clear you have no response to the claims I've actually made. Such as rebutting that Ducks can be had under $100 if they aren't in mint condition by requesting a mint condition Duck for under $100. It just makes you look too full of yourself to bother reading before you start arguing.

I felt like quoting this. You're out of order, sir. The only reason you might get away with it, is because you used that tone against a moderator, and you would be shouting power abuse all over if they did something about it. I personally hate it when people are called a "dick" and "full of themselves" whenever they disagree with you.

I hope Sweeny realizes who's advice he should take at heart here, and it saddens me that a newbie thread of a guy seeking advice needs to be hijacked by a guy with an attitude problem.

I wish someone would remove this post, together with your lack of courtesy, from these boards.

Bart.

I disagree. I specifically made a clear argument. He portrayed my argument as the exact opposite of what I had said in what I can only see as a deliberate and mocking tone.

I gave an opinion. BB disagreed and gave reasons. I responded to those reasons and he replied in a post that was half well spoken and reasoned and half condescension and uppity self-righteousness at the prospect that someone would dare have an opinion divergent from his own, admittedly a tone I'm getting used to from many members here.

Well this has certainly made for an interesting first thread.

I am not here to take sides and so therefore am not going to reveal any information as to what I am thinking towards anyone on this thread at this present time.

That is an exception to Bart however. It is brave of you to step in and speak logically towards what is going on and what should not be happening.

As for IanS and Robin, I am going to do my best at putting this in a positive light by saying that it is admirable you both are passionate about your differing brands.
While one of you may hate a brand and another may love it though, whether it is factual or because of personal experiences/opinions, it should not be reason for an argument unless it is formal in order to correct somebody.

Either way, I believe everyone on the forum will agree that when the insults get personal is when it should stop.

We all have our own thoughts and opinions on many different subjects, but it is not necessary to engage in putting each other down on any level.

Hopefully everybody reading this post can learn from it and from here on, there will be fewer arguments.

Sweeney

P.S. - Feel free to call me Todd