Thread: Brands of Straight Razor

Hi, I've just been browsing the section on brands of razor to choose or avoid.
I have been using a straight razor for about 3 months so I am no expert but the shop I bought from had two razors in the shop both of which were 'Erbe' a German/Sollingen brand.

I haven't seen this brand mentioned on the site so I was wondering if anyone else uses Erbe or has any comments on this brand? The one I bought was inexpensive and I am getting a great shave out of it so I am wondering what the difference is between an expensive blade and the one I have which was about 46 euros?

I have a tough beard to get through so I prep with steam and Proraso pre/post shave and can't imagine why I would buy another model/brand.........

Comments welcome.

Cheers

Ubert

There were probably hundreds of brands out there, many little known, First you have to distinguish vintage from new. The new stuff is limited because so few makers are out there. If you have a vintage piece and it's made in Germany or any major country it's quality. New razors, the stuff made in Pakistan is junk and the chinese stuff you have to be careful about. I'm not familiar with the brand you have there and you didn't say if it's new or vintage. I'm guessing it's vintage.

Hi - thanks for the reply.

The blade I bought is new - I live right next door to Germany, the shop I bought from supplies the barber shops and hairdressers here.

I've seen the make on German websites.

I am really impressed with the shave I get and more than anything I am wondering how it would improve by spending more on a blade......

Cheers,

U

I tried searching google for erbe straight razor and only came up with DE's. Can you post a photo of yours, or link to a website that has it?

Sure, I will look one up for you. If you are using google though you need use the German for straight razor: rassiermesser (shaving knife) and of course the brand - I guess google images should have something.

The blade shown on page link below is exactly the same as mine - the only difference in the model is the handle; mine is a one-piece olive wood handle. I also bought from a supply shop so I was able to get a much lower price.

Rasiermesser & Co. | Erbe: Rasiermesser 5/8" - Griffschalen aus echtem Hirschhorn | für Männer - online kaufen | DerGepflegteMann.de

spending more money on more expensive razors does not equate to a better shave. Unless you have a magic elfin blade forged in the fires of mordor But, spending more money on a finer grit/quality finishing hone and strop will likely equate to a better shave, in the right hands. OR, learn the hones you have already very, very well, and that'll get you a better shave too.

Thanks for the reply.

That's really the info I was looking for.

So in other words it's how you look after your blade not how much you pay.

I am pretty sure my blade was not forged by the German elves of Solingen.

I have a small simple paddle strop, pasted on one side, I do a few passes on the pasted side and then twice as many on the leather side; the result is a fine shave.

I learned pretty quickly that blade care cannot be underestimated. My barber is from the old school of hair cutting and has given me a lot of tips - he even tells me not to wipe the blade, just clean in it hot water because they are so delicate.

Just as a point of shaving trivia, I always thought is was a myth that old school barbers learned to use straight razors by applying lather to balloons and shaving them - this happens to be true - my own barber loves to talk about the old days and happened to mention this training method one day.

Anyway - thanks again - I guess I will have to hone at some point but I will wait until my eyes are watering during my shave before I make an attempt at that.

Cheers.

Ubert

Ubert,
Just to shed some light on the matter for everyone. Look closely at the Erbe Straight Razor and the Safety Razors, do they look familiar? If you are Honing razors on a daily basis you should notice they look very familiar.... just like Timors. They are made for a company that wanted their own brand name. Erbe is not Vintage it is a new razor made in the last 2 - 3 years by Giesen & Forsthoff.

Originally Posted by Profbenz

Hi, I've just been browsing the section on brands of razor to choose or avoid.
I have been using a straight razor for about 3 months so I am no expert but the shop I bought from had two razors in the shop both of which were 'Erbe' a German/Sollingen brand.

I haven't seen this brand mentioned on the site so I was wondering if anyone else uses Erbe or has any comments on this brand? The one I bought was inexpensive and I am getting a great shave out of it so I am wondering what the difference is between an expensive blade and the one I have which was about 46 euros?

I have a tough beard to get through so I prep with steam and Proraso pre/post shave and can't imagine why I would buy another model/brand.........

Comments welcome.

Cheers

Ubert

I can assure you that Erbe are not made by Revisor. Until two years ago, you could go to Burger Landstraße, and pick one up for €18 (industrial selling). I shall check next Thursday how much they really are.

The good news is that these razors are actually made in Solingen.

The blades with that etching are readily available, and several companies use them. The scales are made by an independent company in Solingen, and also used by several outfits.