Thread: Help with razor selection

Thanks dude but why do some people prefer vintage over new razors

Well, for that answer I think you'll have to spend some time reading on the forum

I startet shaving with a straight razor about 4 months ago so I dont know too much. My first razor was a Muhle RM30 (belive its a rebranded Dovo). Pretty cheap (compared to new Dovo's) and shaves like a dream from what I can tell. 5/8 hollow ground.

As mentioned, 5/8 or 6/8 blades from a good manufacturer will be a good place to start. I only have one new production razor, a 6/8 Thiers Issard. It shaves as good as any vintage razor I have. If I were looking to buy another new blade, my first choice would be a Spanish point Ralf Aust, second would be a Dovo Bismarck. Those are just razors that fit my personal taste. Any razor from the known good razor manufacturers will serve you well.

Originally Posted by Ryan81

Thanks dude but why do some people prefer vintage over new razors

1. Cheaper (Generally)
2. Generally new blades tend to be full hollow, whereas lots of vintage blades have a range of grinds that add to the experience. You’ll find a marked difference between a full hollow and a wedge or even a true frameback, for that matter.
3. History.
4. Restoration. Some vintage blades have been neglected and some people find it enjoyable to restore them to their prime condition. I must confess I quite enjoy taking a razor with chips and/or cracks and scabby scales, working for a few hours and ending with something that looks almost new (Poetic licence required with the more neglected razors).

My first razor was a half hollow Dovo Best Quality 5/8". Excellent starter razor, make sure you get your first razors from a vendor that will hone them well. I also recommend if you look for a vintage check the classifieds, most are honed shave ready. If you are starting out I do not recommend Ebay until you are more familiar with what to look for in a razor.

I would get a 5/8 Dovo you just cant go wrong with that size or brand. I have both 5/8 and 6/8 and the 5/8 are so easy to work with.
Treat yourself and will be glad you did.