i have a quick question that i can't find a definite answer for. besides $200 what is the difference between a $100 razor and a $300 razor if shaving this way works out for me i want to get a heart steel razor they're just so darn pretty.
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i have a quick question that i can't find a definite answer for. besides $200 what is the difference between a $100 razor and a $300 razor if shaving this way works out for me i want to get a heart steel razor they're just so darn pretty.
Bragging rights? I use a 19 dollar razor so hardy harr harrr! :p
Functionally, my Hart Steel isn't much different than any other 1/4 hollow 6/8. It's a harder stainless steel than you'd probably find in a vintage blade of the same characteristics, which I think I can feel, but I bought it because it's new and I like it. At the time, I just wanted something that no one had unevenly honed or jury rigged because I had been using old fixer-uppers. Of course, not all vintage razors are fixer-uppers, so YMMV.
Buy a $100 Dovo and use it for 6 mos.Than you will know the answere.
what does YMMV stand for?
Your mileage may vary
This is a good question... and it has three or four correct answers.
* Inspection... My first new razor back in the day was a second. The inspector saw something less than ideal
and whacked the tang with "second". It is still a good razor and I still use it forty years later.
* Scale material. Plastic, bone, horn, wood, exotic wood, all look different and have different results.
* polish the best polish takes time, time costs.
* etching, gold, file work on the spine, it all takes time and when done right is very pleasing.
* steel, there are differences most steel has additions that are less than ideal for razors.
steel for knives does well with carbide forming additions, not so razors. The best
razor steel has small markets and can be expensive or hard to find.
* hardening+tempering how, how well. Too hard and the edge chips, cracks and is hard to hone,
too soft and it will not hold an edge. With modern tools and some care this is almost easy
today, Before thermocouples and modern instruments not so easy... Lead baths, molten salts.
factory secrets, trained eyes, master craftsmen, dominated old school and still do to some degree.
* Darn pretty costs extra.
In my opinion if you cannot tell the difference do not pay for it on a name brand. Spend the
difference on a better strop and a professional honing.
And yes you will end up with an expensive razor or two when all is said and done.
thanks for the good detailed answer niftyshaving its just that out of all the razors iv seen on the web the hart steel have that old american woodsman look they don't look so frilly i like that also love the emblem on the thiers-issard sheffeld silver steel black horn $269.48 regardless of the one i might get ill be saving up for a loooong while before i can get one. really wanting to see or feel the difference one day for myself
Where do you live? There may be a senior member nearby willing to show off his collection
I work with a guy that uses disposable Bic razors...and he uses them for 6-months before replacing one (I have no idea how he does it...his face must be like kevlar). Anyway, to him your $100 razor is excessive extravagance.
Personally I enjoy my Hart immensely and want another to rotate in.
Value is in the eye of the beholder. It is your life...enjoy it the way you see fit!
The Hart is a well made shaver IMO, but only you can say if it is worth the 2 extra bills.
Am I to assume that after six months with a Dovo, I'd be disappointed? Bummer...I was just starting to think it was time to buy a brand new razor for a change.Quote:
Buy a $100 Dovo and use it for 6 mos.Than you will know the answere.
All things straight razor are subjective to a great extent. i have several Dovo models and I am crazy about them. Take a look at the different Dovo models available just on Straight Razor Designs and keep track of what interests you and call Don
at SRD and he will lend you some guidance. Enjoy.
When you get around the $200+ mark you are paying for fancy scales, decorated blade, perhaps a different steel and probably brand recognition. Assuming good steel was used, the $19 razor will do the exact same thing as the $300 razor - shave whiskers.
BG, you're on here now? Cool! Sorry to go off topic, but my BG Hart is one of my favorites.
I have to agree,at some point your paying for window dressing.I have a Jenco,Imperial and a new Dovo BQ.The first two I got for free,the Dovo cost me $85.They all shave great the only real edge the Dovo has over the others is its shiny unstained new steel.But that does not stop me wanting the Dovo Flowing with its fancy spine work and African blackwood scales for $250.!
Would I spend $300 for a razor? But would I spend $25 each on 12 razors? Which would end up the better deal?
Guess its all in what you want out of life.
This is a topic more bent on "to each their own." I own a Hart. Absolutely good razor. I wanted something that would last and was American made. I believe in supporting our businesses. I will say I love the shave it gives and that it will always be my main razor as it was my first.
I will also say I am currently focused though on getting my Dubl Duck ready because I want to see how it performs.
No do not assume that....
A modern Dovo razor is a well made razor. The entry priced Dovo blades are simple almost no polish
minimum etch with plastic scales but they shave well when correctly honed and stropped.
You will not be disappointed.
After six months expect to have a professional hone it again...
A $80-85 Dovo (5/8 or 6/8) is a darn fine blade.
I did!
My first razor was a Dovo Bismarck. It is still in my rotation today.
Great shaver, I don't think I'll ever sell it.
So it's going to make me forget how to hone? :dropjaw:Quote:
After six months expect to have a professional hone it again...
Golly no... that is what a second razor is for.
I hone my blades much more often than needed but not my current good shave.
I use it until another is as sharp and smooth.
A lot like working on cars. You need a second for the
days when you need parts or have to get to work before
your main ride is running again. Mechanics worth their salt
will not have a fleet of loaners....