Thread: One Big or Lots of Littles

None of my razors cost me more than $22. Now I would love to trade them in for an Alex Jaques, but I also consider...


....what is the "aw *&@^!*" value if I drop one of my current razors vs. one Alex Jaques.

Fancy customs are nice and make for great eye candy, but you have to ask yourself if that $1000 Livi is going to shave you any better than a $50 vintage "no-name" Solingen?

Quantity-wise, my razor collection is likely downright pitiful compared to most guys here. But quality-wise they are priceless, at least to me. I feel I have a good mix of the well known brands, grinds, styles and origins, which was my intention when I started out. Not to say some of them didn't cost some $$ (Wonderedge, anyone?)....

But in the end, who am I kidding? One of these years when my wife isn't looking I'll probably order that Williams/Livi/Zowada that I secretly wanted

I have only "collected" 5. But I have been having the same thoughts, that a razor has to be really special now. Been looking at the Henkel stainless 7/8. Perhaps I'll get an early xmas present??

Yes, I know it would shave just the same, but I just like the look of it.

Originally Posted by jeffegg2

Been looking at the Henkel stainless 7/8. Yes, I know it would shave just the same, but I just like the look of it.

I have one of those with custom scales, and is one of my showpieces. It's the only INOX in my collection and a nice razor.

I happen to have a foot in both camps. There are around 50 to 60 razors in my collection, but 4 of them represent most of the dollars spent.

Now I really enjoy those 4, but some of the others are outstanding shavers that just are not getting the use they should.

As I near retirement I consider packing my boat lighter. Besides, what are the kids going to do with them? They don't know a Dovo from a Livi.

Ultimately I foresee selling off all but 10 to 15 that I just could not do without, but not yet. No, not yet.

I am happy with how I am going about my purchases. To start I bought a couple from Dylan. Then a few more. I was wanting to save cash, but try as many different styles as possible. I have spent very little compared to many others and have tried many different types of blades. At this point I have few favorites and have become relatively proficient at each blade. I even went back to a blade that I hated before and now really enjoy.
At this point I have bought about a dozen or so shave-ready and another dozen that I have played with. I feel confident that I could handle any western style straight with comfort and ease. Now if I ever am able to procure a custom or even a sought after razor I will be able to appreciate it and utilize the blade to its potential.
So I guess I agree with the concept of both. Knowing what I know now I would buy a bunch of different grinds and points as well as countries of origin, then a custom or two when and if I am at that point in life.

-G

Originally Posted by Alembic

Ok, so I'm sitting here thinking about all of the razors I have purchased, and I have spent a lot of money on razors that I have paid around $50.00 a piece for. I have some very fine vintage steel to show for it, and about 54 razors.

But it got me to thinking. Should I have just bought one or two really nice razors - like say a Livi? I would have spent about the same amount.

I did the same thing with pipes. I have 9 or 10 good medium priced pipes, and I could be smoking a Dunhill for the amount I spent on mediums.

So, what say all of you? Lots of littles or one big purchase?

(Or both)

With 54 razors...... "some fine vintage steel" you are
way ahead of the shaving game.

When the game switches from shaving to collecting art
you are just beginning a long and very different adventure.

With 54 razors you sort of have your work cut out giving each a
full shave evaluation. Saving for a week with a single well honed
blade is about the minimum evaluation period for deciding
if a blade is or is not a fine shaver and keeper.

All in all this sounds like fun way to spend a year.

I prefer to get the one big one.

This is just because I know what I love and want. So I know that the one I want it more worth it than lots of small razor purchases that I will never really shave with.

Why limit yourself. I've chosen to plant my feet firmly on both sides of this aisle. I have a few razors for which I have invested more than I imagined I would, and a number of inexpensive razors that give me great shaves as well. Ultimately, do what makes you happy!

I've often struggled with this question. I have to say that I am fickle. Sometimes it has to be the Livi regrind, the Robert Williams, or one of the last of the Le Grelots. However I love my little Dubl Duck collection. They were relatively cheap. Sometime it's just buying a nice Swedish Eskilstuna. I guess, at least for me, I simply like collecting razors! Now that I've said all that, I realize that I have not even come close to answering your question. Time for my nap!