Thread: Cadman&Sons Bengall quality

I'm curious about the quality of steel used in an Ebay-special I purchased a couple weeks ago. I'm new to the (nearly) lost art of straight razor shaving and bought a new Dovo "Gemico" to get me started.
However, shortly after that purchase, I was told that a fellow really ought to have at least 2 razors and alternate between the two daily, thus allowing each razor to "rest" 24-48 hours between shaves.

So, instead of buying another new razor, I thought it would be interesting to puchase one of ebay-specials that have been cleaned up, if only just to have some "character". At the time, I had only two criteria:
1) Nothing made in Pakastan
2) A clean edge without any nicks.

After an hour of searching, this "Bengall" caught my fancy:



However, after the purchase, I looked around for information on this manufacture and only came up with dates of manufacture and other vague information. On issues of feedback from previous or current users of this razor, my search came up empty.

So, here's my question, albeit perhaps a bit silly:
If there were a 1-10 scale of quality for razors, with a Pakastan-made straight representing "1" and a great quality razor such as Dubl Duck or Puma representing "9" or "10"... where would both my Dovo (Soligen blade) and especially my Bengall (Sheffield blade) fit in the scheme of things?

I've heard decent things about Dovos and don't have much doubt that it'll take and hold an edge well, but I don't know jack about any reputation the old Bengalls had and wonder how it stacks up against the better quality razors.



Thanks in advance for any experience you can share!

Dan

Oh yeah, one more thing... is this type of blade what some call a "Spike"?

Dan,

I have a 7/8 Bengall I purchased on ebay and I am very happy with it. It took me a bit to get it sharp enough for my liking but other than that it is a great shaver. I also have a Dovo "Special" that my wife bought in a store for me. Also a real good shaver. Your Bengall looks great. Enjoy.

Rich

I have several of these Sheffield razors and each is a fine shaver. I'd buy more........ Lynn