Wondering why these brand are expensive?

[macpowa]

I was wondering why these brand of straight razor are so expensive : Wade & Butcher, Dubl Duck and Filarmonica? What make them so special?

Thx.

[BobH]

Personally, nothing makes them so special. They are expensive because the demand is there, they get talked up much, and the supply is limited especially NOS razors. Arguably there are other razors that will shave you just as well but are not as well known.

Bob

[pfries]

Bob hit the nail on the head,

My favorite blade to shave with is a Genco 6/8 head barber.

It takes a sharp smooth edge and holds it, it was a $15 dollar eBay special,

great shaves are not measured in dollars or brands

[UKRob]

Personally, nothing makes them so special. They are expensive because the demand is there, they get talked up much, and the supply is limited especially NOS razors. Arguably there are other razors that will shave you just as well but are not as well known.

Bob

I don't entirely agree with BobH - there's also a question of quality apart from desirability. When it comes to a shaving edge a good honer could probably make it hard to distinguish a Gold Dollar edge from a DD Goldedge - but which razor would you prefer to own?

[BobH]

I don't entirely agree with BobH - there's also a question of quality apart from desirability. When it comes to a shaving edge a good honer could probably make it hard to distinguish a Gold Dollar edge from a DD Goldedge - but which razor would you prefer to own?

Good point, bragging rights enter into it too but mean very little if the object is to to get a decent shave.

Bob

[gssixgun]

Sorry I disagree, with the above, they are proved brands, they Hone and Shave well, doesn't mean there are not other good brands, but those mentioned in good condition will deliver the goods..


I am eliminating the price factor, because a short time back (Less then 5 years) you could buy any of the 3 in NOS or Mint condition all day long for less then $50 and they were still "The Brands" to own because they deliver..

[Daekkon]

There are alot of other good brands that i am discovering.

Granted i do really want a wade and butcher and a TI.

But i think ill stick to more affordable brand until i can find a steal on the better names

[WW243]

I'm sure this is true, but it is also the most depressing information on the forum....This means that in 2019 a NOS Filarmonica will cost over 5K. I feel sick.

Sorry I disagree, with the above, they are proved brands, they Hone and Shave well, doesn't mean there are not other good brands, but those mentioned in good condition will deliver the goods..


I am eliminating the price factor, because a short time back (Less then 5 years) you could buy any of the 3 in NOS or Mint condition all day long for less then $50 and they were still "The Brands" to own because they deliver..

[Johnus]

I believe that I read that Genco outsourced a lot of their razors. Some being made in Germany and other countries. While I'm not an expert, I do have one or two less than stellar Gencos.

[crouton976]

I believe that I read that Genco outsourced a lot of their razors. Some being made in Germany and other countries. While I'm not an expert, I do have one or two less than stellar Gencos.

I don't think they outsourced them... They did however sell the company to Case, which is when they moved to Bradford, PA.

As for yours being less than stellar, in what way? I'm not saying I doubt you, I'm genuinely curious. Even with my mediocre honing skills, I'm getting great edges and shaves with mine. I had Glen hone two of them, one of which was really harsh at first, but mellowed after about the third shave and is doing great now.

Again, I'm not necessarily saying that Genco's are in the same class as the brands the OP mentioned, I'm just saying that I don't see how they fall short of said brands.