New Steel vs Vintage Steel
So for the last month, I've been trying a little experiment, and tonight, I think I came to a conclusion, at least for myself.
I've been swapping between using new blades, like a Revisor, new TI's, Dovo, against using vintage blades, old TI, W&B, Wilkinson, etc...and it seems to me, I get a far superior shave from the vintage steel in the older blades.
What settled it for me absolutely was my last two shaves, both razors had been recently professionally honed.
The vintage blade left my face feeling smooth as silk, and I went for a BBS shave, WTG, XTG and all over ATG. Face was like glass. 9/10
Today, I used a new production blade, did the same BBS shave routine, and while the shave is fine, comfort level was much lower, and the result was not consistent all over the face, could feel some stubbly areas where I couldn't with the vintage steel. I'd rate the shave 7.5/10.
This may be obvious to some members here, but would like to hear opinions and whether the manner of making the type of steel used in these vintage blades is truly lost, or what other factor, at least IMO, seems to be a significant difference in the shave of vintage vs new production razors?
Cheers!
New Steel vs Vintage Steel
Steel does not equal steel.
The alloy compositions you are comparing might have significant differences. While time may be a factor, the hardness and composition combined with suitability of the honing techniques, may be far greater contributions to what you observe.
Just a speculation, but I'd guess that a great razor from 100 years ago has a better chance of surviving and finding a home in your rotation...are the new razors you are using "great razors"? Will they be recognized as such in 100 years?