Thread: Quality of razor = quality of shave?

Do the currently available new razors come in different grades such as good, better, best? My first razor was a Dovo best quality. Not to brag, but I give myself a smoother, more comfortable shave than my barber. This aside, I received my new Edelweiss last week and the first shave was magnificent. Same prep, same everything except the razor. Is there truly that much differenence in razors or was this a fluke. I am intending to have a rotation of razors as I understand that the razor needs a "rest" between shaves mush as a fine pipe needs a rest between smokes. I would appreciate some opinions from the more experienced folks in out hobby.

I am new, but I have some suspicions and suggestions.

Many barbers probably don't do as good of a job as a diligent home shaver not trying to serve AND make a profit. Some may be fantastic, but I suspect most are just "pretty good"

As for better shavers...I'd suggest that a WELL honed cheap (not garbage) razor will shave VERY well. That said some of the new offerings in modern steels with optimized heat treats and grinding processes result in an edge bevel that is much smaller (thinner behind the bevel) and they seem to have a higher perceived sharpness to me. This results in an "easier" shave as the razor seems to glide through the hairs.

Razors can vary wildly in quality of edge that they can take, shave they can give, etc. There is no standard order of quality currently available and probably never will be. This is due to too many factors including the honer, the finishing stone, the hardening process, steel consistency, and more.
There is variation in every razor even identical razors can be very different. This could also be a fluke in that your technique could have changed, your lather consistency could be different, your beard prep could have been longer/better.
So, taking all of these factors and more into consideration. You could have any number of situations happening here. Unless you find this to be a consistent outcome and you take both razors to an experienced razor honer to evaluate what is happening specifically in your situation it is difficult to know exactly what is happening.

I'm not aware of any scientific test that has been done to determine some hierarchy of quality from one steel to another. I think it is safe to say if the razor is a quality steel no matter the variation you will get a quality shave. There are just too many variables besides the steel to take into account.

Thanks for the opinions from all above. Perhaps the difference is an elusive factor. All I know is the shave was worlds better than any of my other razors and came fresh from SRD where I assume either Lynn or Don did the prep. I want to have a rotation and enjoy that experience all the time. Thanks all!

Just make sure the razor stays proper sharp and you will continue to enjoy those shaves. As far as the others go I'd be willing to bet they can be made to shave in a similar fashion. Just keep in mind if the others are different from a weight, balance, size or grind standpoint that could cause you to use them a tad differently which can cause a big difference in how they shave from your perspective.