Thread: I really love my Sheffields but

Don't know about others out there but i do really love my Sheffield. There's something about those heavy blades that just feel good in the hand and i get a good comfortable shave with them. Tonight i got out one of my Henckels . A 50 1/2 Henckel. I noticed right away that there was a real difference in the razors. The shave is very close and smooth but with weepers that i haven't experienced in quite a long time. I wonder if it's just the shape of the Sheffield blades or that the German Henckel is straight and thinner. I do know that i will have to pay closer attention when i use these dancing razors. I just wonder about what others think and experienced. This has probably been brought up before but I'm old and have a short memory.

The heavy old Sheffield seem to glide thru my whiskers without a sound. Feel like you are taking off the lather with the side of your finger. Love them all.

I notice the same thing with my hart steel razor. Seems to cut effortlessly with the heavy blade. Not that the other razors require effort but I think the weight aids in a smooth motion.

I agree with you too. I've been through lots of razors but I always go back to the Sheffields. I just find the balance between sharp/smooth better with them, and the edge design more efficient as well. Kind of more organic and natural.
I keep a Union Cutlery co smiling square point in my rotation too because the steel takes a really sharp edge and it's nice to have some variety.
I often wonder why modern makers don't try to use the recipe for old style steel and stubtail design, even if just for fun. Could make them a little thicker so they're easier to use. I don't like the impersonal/clinical feel of tool steel. But that's just me.

I bounce back and forth between my Sheffields and German blades from time to time. Typically when I rotate a blade it is my shave of the week. I tend to get a better shave the second time, unless of course the previous razor was pretty close in size and grind. Recently I went from a 7/8 Sheffield to 7/8 shoulder less Ern that was very hollow. The third shave was what it should be. the first two not so much. It just was not as close and comfortable as it should have been. The following shaves were all that. Perhaps you simply need to rotate less when dramatically changing razors. It is often the subtle things that make the difference between wow and meh.

I mainly use the Ducks (surprise) but I do have some great Sheffields I use from time to time. Lighter the razor lighter the touch is what I feel.

I do not have a lot of razors in rotation, but I consider each one of them capable of an excellent shave. Every one of my razors brings it's own atmosphere to the ritual and sets the stage so to speak. Each razor produces its own visualization: the 19th century Sheffield wedge doesn't place me in the 19th century, but it gives me a tangible map to that time and place. So to does a mid 20th century full hollow made by the skilled craftsmen in Japan, Germany or Spain. The straight razor is my personal guide, back in time and around the world.

I like to think of Shefields as old friends, so smooth and comfortable. The first time I used a big ol Wade & Bucther I actually laughed with joy, now I have a heavy beard and I couldn't hear or feel anything, it just felt so familiar.
Compare this to a Soligen blade, pricise and efficient but to me cold and unloving. Not to say I dont like them because I really do just a different feel.

The old Sheffields, yes, what sweet music they make!

My favourite shave, all the rest are fun to use, but just make it sweeter to return to Sheffield steel...

I have tried lots of different grinds and makes of razors, but you are correct that the Sheffields are tops! Joseph Rodgers is my personal favorite