Thread: The Boker Brotherhood

Originally Posted by rosborn

I'm pretty well set on making my first straight razor a brand new Boker King Cutter 5/8. I've read good things about the blade. Should I have any concerns about the celluloid scales?

Only the Dubl Duck's & the Otto Deutsch Hans to me are most prone to the cell rot. There might be another I'm forgetting but a lot of others that have celluloid scales aren't so problematic. I'm sure some other members on here might be able to mention some that I didn't. Usually the transparent scales are celluloid unless they are acrylic.

I'm getting close to making my first straight razor purchase (remember...I am coming from the DE razor world) and a few Bokers are in the running - the King Cutter (cool tree emblem on the scale), the Edleweiss and the Celebrated. I have read that there isn't much material difference between the blades of these razors - they are all 5/8" rounded full hollow grind carbon steel blades. Is it correct that there isn't much difference between the blades and that the difference in price has more to do with the difference in the material of the scales?

If I were to choose from those 3 I would go with the Edelweiss due to the scales having that ivory look and I believe the King Cutter has the celluoid scales which I have read are not the best as compared to other materials. The Celebrated is listed as a "extra" full hollow grind. Not sure what that means in relation to the full hollow grind but it would be my second pick. In the grand scheme of things from the site I looked at for pricing those three are only separated by $30 from lowest to highest. Not a issue in my book.

So that is my 2 cents and I am sure others will chime in. Plus I think the Edelweiss is a no longer so it will be gone when gone. I assume all eventually are. But that one just has alot of curb appeal. They are all 3 shoulder blades so there is not real big difference there.

Good Luck and post a picture when you get which ever one you go with.

Originally Posted by rosborn

I'm getting close to making my first straight razor purchase (remember...I am coming from the DE razor world) and a few Bokers are in the running - the King Cutter (cool tree emblem on the scale), the Edleweiss and the Celebrated. I have read that there isn't much material difference between the blades of these razors - they are all 5/8" rounded full hollow grind carbon steel blades. Is it correct that there isn't much difference between the blades and that the difference in price has more to do with the difference in the material of the scales?

Originally Posted by Michael70

If I were to choose from those 3 I would go with the Edelweiss due to the scales having that ivory look and I believe the King Cutter has the celluoid scales which I have read are not the best as compared to other materials. The Celebrated is listed as a "extra" full hollow grind. Not sure what that means in relation to the full hollow grind but it would be my second pick. In the grand scheme of things from the site I looked at for pricing those three are only separated by $30 from lowest to highest. Not a issue in my book.

So that is my 2 cents and I am sure others will chime in. Plus I think the Edelweiss is a no longer so it will be gone when gone. I assume all eventually are. But that one just has alot of curb appeal. They are all 3 shoulder blades so there is not real big difference there.

Good Luck and post a picture when you get which ever one you go with.

Hi Michael,

Thank you for your reply. May I ask what site you were looking at for the prices?

Here's the deal for me. I am looking at Ralf Aust, Boker and Dovo razors. I like the offerings from all three but am more inclined towards Boker. The first straight razor may not be that big of a deal to many but I want mine to be somewhat special in a current manufacture specimen while still under $200.

I will most certainly post a photo when I get it. Very exciting stuff!

Rob

I have bought a few razors from "The Superior Shave" where I looked those three up. If you are contemplating between those three brands I will throw a curve ball at you for sure..............Ralf Aust are some of the best I have and my cheapest RA for $103 may be the best most consistent razor I have with the black acrylic scales. That would be my first razor if I were in your shoes. Plus Lynn will put a edge on that razor like no one's business!

I love Bokers and have a Elite which I would not get rid of for nothing. That is my only Boker to date. I have a Dovo Gentleman and a second RA as well in a 6/8 sizing. Both are great but the cheapest of these razors may well be the best..........go figure!

Originally Posted by rosborn

Hi Michael,

Thank you for your reply. May I ask what site you were looking at for the prices?

Here's the deal for me. I am looking at Ralf Aust, Boker and Dovo razors. I like the offerings from all three but am more inclined towards Boker. The first straight razor may not be that big of a deal to many but I want mine to be somewhat special in a current manufacture specimen while still under $200.

I will most certainly post a photo when I get it. Very exciting stuff!

Rob

Originally Posted by Michael70

I have bought a few razors from "The Superior Shave" where I looked those three up. If you are contemplating between those three brands I will throw a curve ball at you for sure..............Ralf Aust are some of the best I have and my cheapest RA for $103 may be the best most consistent razor I have with the black acrylic scales. That would be my first razor if I were in your shoes. Plus Lynn will put a edge on that razor like no one's business!

I love Bokers and have a Elite which I would not get rid of for nothing. That is my only Boker to date. I have a Dovo Gentleman and a second RA as well in a 6/8 sizing. Both are great but the cheapest of these razors may well be the best..........go figure!

He's right! Lynn will put an edge on it like you won't believe! I have seen his honing from a friends razor. He didn't start this forum for grins!

Originally Posted by Michael70

I have bought a few razors from "The Superior Shave" where I looked those three up. If you are contemplating between those three brands I will throw a curve ball at you for sure..............Ralf Aust are some of the best I have and my cheapest RA for $103 may be the best most consistent razor I have with the black acrylic scales. That would be my first razor if I were in your shoes. Plus Lynn will put a edge on that razor like no one's business!

I love Bokers and have a Elite which I would not get rid of for nothing. That is my only Boker to date. I have a Dovo Gentleman and a second RA as well in a 6/8 sizing. Both are great but the cheapest of these razors may well be the best..........go figure!

Interesting...Don, at Straight Razor Designs, keeps recommending the least expensive Ralf Aust over every Boker and Dovo I throw at him. Food for thought.

Thank you very much!

Originally Posted by rosborn

Interesting...Don, at Straight Razor Designs, keeps recommending the least expensive Ralf Aust over every Boker and Dovo I throw at him. Food for thought.

Thank you very much!

I will almost guarantee you that if you buy that $103 RA with black plastic/acrylic??? scales you will be pleased. It is a constant workhorse for sure. And when you get that blade stropped or even touched up and flick your thumb pad over the edge you get this addicting "ting" sound like a singer!!!! It is a nice razor and at that price point the best buy in my opinion. Some may disagree but this is a subjective hobby of course!