Quote Originally Posted by bigtom View Post
Thanks for all the replies, especially the ones in favour of the Bismarck.

It certainly seems to be a fine razor and after reading your thoughts and the reviews on it I have just placed an order for two, one black and one red so that I can have a bit of a rotation between them, not to mention I have a case that will hold two razors quite nicely and it would be a shame to leave it looking empty.

I am indeed from the UK, seems I have been a little remiss in completing my profile on here.

The classifieds on here look great; I managed to find a reasonable deal on the two Bismarcks and I'm actively considering spending the remainder of my budget on something nice from the items listed.

The other razor that has tickled my fancy is an 11/16 Revisor Gold that I have seen listed here:
Revisor Gold Straight Razor, Solingen

Does anyone happen to know of anywhere else that one can obtain a new Revisor? I read several of the reviews here on the forum about them and they seem to be quite the razor.

Bigtom,

From whom did you buy the Bismarks? We did not mention it, but for sure you need to purchase shave ready razors for you first ones. That was great thinking on the rotation.

You did not say if you have a strop - but that should be your next purchase. I would leave one of the Bismarks in untouched condition so you can use it as a reference when you strop. When you can duplicate the sharpness of the second Bismark, then move on to it.

New shavers (including myself when I was new) can easily ruin the edge of a shave ready razor by poor stropping technique - another reason for stashing the second razor for a bit.

Also - try and get a 3" wide strop - it is easier to learn on because you don't have to learn the x pattern as well as the proper pressure and flip sequence.

Good going - you are really going to love the Bismarks.

David

PS - I don't have a Revisor - but my aquisition disorder is never satisfied.