Thread: Gold Dollar razors

GD razors are made in China. Are they to be avoided?

Not necessarily. My experience of them is that with some corrective work they hone up nicely and can give a nice shave. Sometimes the grinds are off and generally they need a bit of work so they can be used - although this caveat is offset by the price that they sell for.

There are a few models available and my advice pertains to the cheapest (I believe) #66 model.

I have avoided them. I understand that once you fix the small issues with geometry that they are ok shavers. I just don't follow that logic of buying a new razor that needs to be fixed in order to shave with it. I would never do it with anything else. There are so many inexpensive shave ready razors out there, many of them are in beautiful condition. Most of the vintage American razors are inexpensive and if you watch the classifieds they pop up with some regularity. Unless you are wanting to learn how to fix problem razors I don't get it. I have a great pair of pants for sale, they are new and once you restitch the seams they will be top quality! YMMV

Gold Dollars and Gold Monkeys are fun to buy and experiment with. Try your hand at reshaping blades, making new scales, etc. If you make a mess of it you haven't destroyed anything of value and you are out a few dollars. On the other hand if you think that you can buy a Gold Dollar and shave with it, that is not going to happen without doing metal work to be able to hone it and then hone it. Due to quality issues it may be an absolute bear to get that done.

If you want a serious razor to use look elsewhere. If you already have the skills and want a week of experimenting/work and MAYBE a useable razor in the end, buy one.

How may vintage American razors sell for $4.17 with any regularity? (That aren't requiring a ton of restoration) because that's how much a Gold Dollar can be had for as a Buy it Now price.

I don't wish to be argumentative and the issues you raise are salient to be sure - but costing less than $5 is their saving grace, IMHO.

Seriously ????

Here

http://straightrazorpalace.com/custo...ld-dollar.html


There are nearly 800 posts about Gold Dollars, Bad, Good, and Inbetween

Enjoy the read..

Ok, I can't say that I'll be surprised after hearing your comments.
I just ordered one for $11. A 66 model.
Let the grinding begin. LOL

I just got a 66 and it's seen some dremel work already.

I can tell it will be a bear to hone.

Like anything else in life, you get what you pay for.

Junk, IMO. No help from me........sorry!

Originally Posted by Christel

Not necessarily. My experience of them is that with some corrective work they hone up nicely and can give a nice shave. Sometimes the grinds are off and generally they need a bit of work so they can be used - although this caveat is offset by the price that they sell for.

There are a few models available and my advice pertains to the cheapest (I believe) #66 model.

But that's the thing!! How many new guys would even know what to fix?? Sure you can get an OK shave after fixing... But if you've never had a good straight or honed, how would you know what you are missing or what to fix?

I would say avoid at all cost until you have at min a year of shaving/honing experience. The Dollar can kill enthusiasm in a noob!