Thread: still confused

I have been straight shaving for about a month, got the bug real bad and bought a slew of razors, 6 to be exact, all vintage. I think nice.
my question is what is the difference between a decent vintage razor (like genco)
and a very expensive new razor like Dovo or DBL duck etc.
is it the blade? the scales? or the name
is it that much of a difference, should I stop buying less expensive antique blades and buy an expensive new blade?

this biggest, most obvious difference is that the antique blade is not antique if you are only spending a few bucks on it. It's just old.

Old blades are cheaper becaue they come with flaws. Older, corroded, pitted, dirty blades with scales that may be scratched, chipped or outright broken.

So the first thing to do is separate antique from old when you are buying from an antique store or eBay.

That is four questions, to be precise. The steel is the most prominent difference in terms of functionality. Quite honestly, I have so far failed to notice any major difference in performance between vintage and new production razors. Once honed, they shave.

As far as scales are concerned, nothing much has changed outside the custom sector. Plastic, bone, horn are still the most common scale materials.

Names are an interesting topic, not least because Dovo has been around forever, but recently names such as Böker, Puma or Revisor have been revived. I am still waiting for someone to come up with a vintage Solingen brand name to put on our list of razors that should be avoided, though.

Last, I fail to see the last point. A USD 30 vintage razor usually has the potential to shave as well as any modern production razor. At the end of the day, you have to find out for yourself which one(s) suit you best. There are too many variables in straight razor shaving for anyone to give you a definitive answer on that question (although some may try).

Regards,
Robin

Originally Posted by brick0572

I have been straight shaving for about a month, got the bug real bad and bought a slew of razors, 6 to be exact, all vintage. I think nice.
my question is what is the difference between a decent vintage razor (like genco)
and a very expensive new razor like Dovo or DBL duck etc.
is it the blade? the scales? or the name
is it that much of a difference, should I stop buying less expensive antique blades and buy an expensive new blade?

Mainly quality of the steel. there is no new DBL duck OUT there.

One is new the other is old, condition and salvagability is key here can it be brought to a usable condition, there are a lot of razors out there that are vintage and all they need is a cleaning and honing.

Sounds like you have a nice handful of razors. Every razor has their particulars and after shaving alot with them, you will find which ones appeal to you the most, but this takes time.

Keep reading up on the Wiki and studying your collection. I think you will find most of the Book answers there.

Good Luck and have fun with them,

Pabster

There is little correlation between the price of a razor and its shaving quality. You could buy a $40 Eboy special and with a little work have a gleaming dead accurate shaver that will shave as good as a $1000 custom made razor.

When you pay more for a razor your paying for many things; name, condition of razor if vintage, if custom reputation of maker, fancy work and scale material,rarity and that elusive what the market will bear and collectivity and competition with collectors and users.

I don't think blade materials affect the price with vintage stuff. Whether it's stainless or Carbon or Swedish Steel or Sheffield Steel or a singing blade doesn't necessarily affect the price. Damascus yes but that's a special case.

Buy what you like it's your money right? I can tell you I have two "expensive new" razors out of my current 15 razors. Neither one is among my top ten and every "antique" which I prefer shaving with was also cheaper than the new razors.

A new car costs $45,000. A used one, $5000. The new one is a Chevy Malibu. Built well, shall last. But, the used one is a Mercedes-Benz. Top of the line model, too. On top of that, we have taken the used Benz and reconditioned it in and out. We had all the tools and parts in our garage so the cost was non-existent. Just took time. We have rebuilt the engine, new tires, brakes, plugs, wires, just a total recondition. Well, we didn't paint it. So, she may have a few faded spots on her body.

For sake of argument let's lose the term, antique. We shall use "old" or, "vintage" if you prefer.

So, the same is true with vintage razors versus new production razors. I used the domestic vs. import comparison only to illustrate the vintage razor at one time was of top quality. Not to take away from high quality razors being made today. More of a price illustration. You could, though, fill in the blanks with a used MB vs. a new MB, but the price variables may vary greatly.

And, I think I have just really over-thought this illustration. I hope someone gets the point. Geesh. To think I went to college for writing....
(no one said I passed, nor finished).

Originally Posted by Desdinova

this biggest, most obvious difference is that the antique blade is not antique if you are only spending a few bucks on it. It's just old.

Old blades are cheaper becaue they come with flaws. Older, corroded, pitted, dirty blades with scales that may be scratched, chipped or outright broken.

So the first thing to do is separate antique from old when you are buying from an antique store or eBay.

This has nothing to do with anything. The break between old and antique is price? That's not close to accurate. I have spent under $10 on blades that were close to shave ready, no visible flaws and no nicks or scratches, and spent over $60 on desirable 8/8 choppers with shot scales and corrosion pits that you could ladle soup with. I have a Freidr. Baurman and Sohne "Comfort" that has perfect scales, no hone wear, and not a scratch on it that Max was nice enough to send me free of charge. Would it be "old" or "antique"?

An antique (Latin: antiquus; old) is an old collectable item. It is collected or desirable because of its age, rarity, condition, utility, or other unique features. It is an object that represents a previous era in human society.

That being said, I prefer to spend my money on older blades. As a matter of fact, I don't think I would trade one of my vintage blades (even one needing extensive work) for a newer razor. Because they don't make them any more. They will keep making new Dovo Bismarcks for a while I am sure, but my vintage Bismarck can't be replaced. I have no desire well up inside me when I see a new Dovo or TI, much in the way that I have no notable excitement when I view new vehicles. Now, my 57 Ford, on the other hand...