So, What "Does" It For You?

To pick up on Lynn's question under "To each his own" What does it for you in a razor?
I know we all own quite a variety, at least I do but what factor (condition and weekly budget asaide) makes you saw I GOT to have one?

For me it is a big round point blade, both gold wash and black engraving on the blade, inlaid handle or one of something other than black, decorated but tastefully so. (David's Dorko)

Second pick is just abot any 1850's chopper. Fat scales, pre-turn of the century sweep to the blade, engraving and amber horn hamdles.

Your pleasure Gents?

Tony

Well, for me, it's a file worked back on the blade. That simply bespeaks an extra effort on the part of the maker. Jimps on both sides of the tang and an added plus is a curved tang with double jimps.
An engraved, not etched, blade, ala "Carbo Magnetic" also shows more craftsmanship. Someone once said that a "roll engraving" process was used on the Carbo Magnetic razors.

For handle material I prefer natural materials over the plastics. But, a set of transparent scales has a unique appeal for me as long as there are a set of decorative bolsters on the end.

The black and gold etching on a blade, ala Puma, is quite attractive.

A square point is preferred over a round point any day. A round point simply is not threatening.
I just did some restoration on a razor that was in really bad shape shape. I got it for a $1.
It is a Boker, now 45/64ths, so I thought it would be worth the effort. Lots of rust, pitting and the tip was broken. Well, for the tip I ground it down on a 3 inch wheel and just followed the curvature of that wheel. Talk about a spike point! Whoa!

Off to honing land,

I prefer a razor that has elegance with simplicity. A razor that looks like it's meant to be used, not only meant to be looked at. That's why I find that razor of Dave's so appealing. Hal

I like a razor with a bit of weight to it. I prefer simple spines, with the exception of large fancy scalloped spine. :o) Love that one. I prefer 6/8 or 7/8 size, but not if the blade is very thin toward the edge. I heavy 5/8 razor can also bring a smile to my face. Gold washed blades are beautiful, but not practical in a razor that is to see daily use in my opinion.
Just give me that blue-gray aged metal look instead and I don't have to worry about wearing off the gold. For scales, I prefer ivory, horn or bone, but a tastfully done celluloid or plastic set is ok too if well made, preferably with 3 pins and nice metal embellishments. I prefer jimps top and bottom, but they seem to be a collecting point for corrosion, so I am kind of torn in this area.

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Originally Posted by string

I like a razor with a bit of weight to it. I prefer simple spines, with the exception of large fancy scalloped spine. :o) Love that one. I prefer 6/8 or 7/8 size, but not if the blade is very thin toward the edge. I heavy 5/8 razor can also bring a smile to my face. Gold washed blades are beautiful, but not practical in a razor that is to see daily use in my opinion.
Just give me that blue-gray aged metal look instead and I don't have to worry about wearing off the gold. For scales, I prefer ivory, horn or bone, but a tastfully done celluloid or plastic set is ok too if well made, preferably with 3 pins and nice metal embellishments. I prefer jimps top and bottom, but they seem to be a collecting point for corrosion, so I am kind of torn in this area.

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So, you're saying you like just about anything .... :wink:

Afraid so. Only thing I don't care for are those thin shiney razors that look like they are chrome plated and are very very light in the hand. I like heavier blades.

I'd like to have a razor made out of elephant Ivory with a gold plate on the handle with my name on it. Also I'd prefer a larger heavy blade with an ornate design.

That's hard to say. It's like asking what do you like in a woman. They all have something that catches your eye. It would be easier to say what I didn't like in a razor. ( Rust, chips, cracked scales, etc.) :D