Thread: solingen vs. Sheffield Vintage Razors

ive learned a little about straight razors and knwo that most of the good vintage razors were made in either sheffield or solingen.

how do razors from the 2 places compare? is there any difference in the quality of steel of the 2 places?

also in looking at vintage razors. are there any brands that are better or worse than others?

I don't think you would go wrong with either.
Sweden and Spain are good too.

There's lots of good steel out there. My Sheffield Wade & Butcher is an excellent shave, but so's my Solingen Dubl Duck. Hard to choose the better steel really. The difference is like the difference between a 9.8 out of 10 and a 9.9. The TI's being 10's.

X

Originally Posted by trapperjohnme

also in looking at vintage razors. are there any brands that are better or worse than others?

I'd say to look for a size and shape that you like(i.e.-5/8, 6/8, 7/8, square point, round point, etc.) and go from there. There are various threads in here about favorite razors, or just browse through the SOTD threads about what people are using every day. A lot of us like Dubl Ducks, Wade & Butchers, Pumas and many others. Of my vintage razors, I happen to be very fond of a T. Hessen-Bruch brand out of Germany.
-Fred

I can tell you this. I am not sure of the codes, rules, requirements, etc. but:

Sheffield, England has been the finest tool makers for woodworking, joinery, and carpentry for over 200 years. I am talking about cutting tools like the planes, chisels, scrapers, saws, draw knifes and carving tools.

I also know that the finest utility knifes in the 1800's an d1900's have come from Solingen, Germany. I have some of these knives.

I do know that each region has a very strict set of codes, rules & by-laws. Both are excellent steel and excellent craftsomeship. I would be willing to make a choice of either sheffield or solengin.

I caution you to not forget the fine implements from Italy, Sweden (most swedish steel is truly Sheffeld steel), and spain. Now-a-days I expect a former comunist Europe influence.

History is a great way to pick a razor, and this very greatly influences me, but the shave is the final judge.

Gary

I think that any respected brand manufactured from quality steel no matter the origin will give you a fine shave. Yes there seems to be a list of the best of the best here which you will learn as your experience grows but for starters I would be more concerned with blade style and size and getting what you have as keen as possible.

I recently purchased a 5/8 TI with Bone handle from Classic Shaving and sent it to Lynn to be tweaked. It is beautiful but the pivot is way loose and Lynn could not tighten it up because of the angle he said. It sahves well, but I was disapivot and feels that reflects on the overall quality. I own Henckels and DOVO's and find the ability to take an edge every bit as good as the TI, especially if you get it to Lynn first.

I think the blind reverence to TI is unwarranted based upon my experience. I doubt I would buy another one, given that in the end its all about the edge and given the right steel, with the correct inital tweak and subsequent attention to the edge. I don't believe there is a significant difference between razors, given those prerequisites, in the $100-$250 range.

Now how about some of those customs. Now those pluck a whole fifferent chord!

I like all my Solingens, but I recently got a vintage Geo. Barnsley & Sons Rose Brand Sheffield razor, and it leaves anything else I've got in the dust. Absolutely wonderful shaver.