This seems to be one of the great mysteries of the universe. There are some really great vintage razors and they're not all priced like Dubl Ducks. But for a new guy to find out which are good shavers and which which are so-so or not even.... well, pretty much he's got to buy a bunch because this is a topic that folks stay pretty tight-lipped about.

I've got about all the razors I can find a place for and am having a hard time finding anything to buy that really fills a gap I want to fill, so I'll 'fess up about some of the most reliably good shavers of the bunch.

#1 is Robeson Shuredge. I haven't met a Robeson I didn't like yet. I have a number of the Robesons and they're all excellent shavers. Bartmann High class, Dovo, Dubl Duck Satinedge - all good shavers, but none of these shave any better than my Robesons.

#2 would be the Wade and Butcher Specials. This is another razor that's reliably given me excellent shaves. Of the W&B specials, I haven't had a bummer yet.

#3. M. Jung - not as common as the 1st two and often goes for what I consider a ridulously low price for the quality of the razor. While I usually can find a Robeson or W&B Special in very good restorable condition for $15 - $20.00, an M Jung can often be found for $10.00 - and they usually have very nice bone or ivory handles. I've only had a chance to get a few of these, but for a razor you don't hear about, it's a surprisingly sweet shave that takes and holds a very good edge.

All three of these, if in decent condition and not honed out of geometry make great every-day razors capable of delivering a shave that is effortless, close and comfortable.

Of course, there are Filarmonicas, Henckels Friodurs, Dorkos and others that bring a high market value and are very good razors, but I don't really consider any of these to be great bargains, although you do get your money's worth. I thought it would be a good idea to "share the wealth" a bit, though, regarding some of the vintage "Ebay Specials" that are both good bargains and good shaves.