Thread: Wacker Razors

Never had a stain problem with Hereberts razors. Great blades

I've had my eye on a Chevalier for a long time. But I heard a couple mixed reviews of Wacker's steel. And it seemed like a hefty price tag if that was in debate. I'm going to watch this thread and hopefully it will settle my mind......and find me shelling out $400 for a new razor......because I need it.

The older wackers were great Razors at a reasonable pricepoint,fit and finish was perfect.
The newer wackers I have seen in the past year are not made to the same standards JMO.
Buy from a dealer Direct that has them in stock and offers a return policy.

Originally Posted by OCDshaver

I've had my eye on a Chevalier for a long time. But I heard a couple mixed reviews of Wacker's steel. And it seemed like a hefty price tag if that was in debate. I'm going to watch this thread and hopefully it will settle my mind......and find me shelling out $400 for a new razor......because I need it.

This isn't going to help. This was my experience as well. I'd had a couple Wackers in the past, and they were fantastic razors, though I'd also read of some folks having some problems, in terms of fit and finish, and also with the metallurgy. I'd always lusted after a Chevalier, so when I saw the new US distributor had them in stock, I threw the dice. It arrived and was absolutely flawless, just like my other Wackers. I can't speak for all, but my experiences with Wacker razors, including those of newer manufacture, has been 100% positive.

Originally Posted by entropy1049

This isn't going to help. This was my experience as well. I'd had a couple Wackers in the past, and they were fantastic razors, though I'd also read of some folks having some problems, in terms of fit and finish, and also with the metallurgy. I'd always lusted after a Chevalier, so when I saw the new US distributor had them in stock, I threw the dice. It arrived and was absolutely flawless, just like my other Wackers. I can't speak for all, but my experiences with Wacker razors, including those of newer manufacture, has been 100% positive.

Had to give my head a shake there, I have a very similar Walleyman Brush and the Stone Fox shaving cream (very nice stuff), thought for a second, "I don't remember posting this??"....LOL...beautiful razor...been thinking about that exact Whacker for awhile now.

Originally Posted by entropy1049

This isn't going to help. This was my experience as well. I'd had a couple Wackers in the past, and they were fantastic razors, though I'd also read of some folks having some problems, in terms of fit and finish, and also with the metallurgy. I'd always lusted after a Chevalier, so when I saw the new US distributor had them in stock, I threw the dice. It arrived and was absolutely flawless, just like my other Wackers. I can't speak for all, but my experiences with Wacker razors, including those of newer manufacture, has been 100% positive.

Dammit ! I didn't know that razor existed and now I want one ...... Years ago I recall a member who was very well regarded posted that he honed a couple of Wacker razors and found them 'chippy.' So for a time people took that and ran with it, steered clear of them. I finally broke down and bought a two razor set with horn scales, one notch and one round point. I found them to be great shavers and the only honing I needed to do was a touch up on a y/g escher. No chippyness noticed on the pair.

As far as staining. I don't know what alloy my pair are made from, but they are high carbon, not stainless. IIRC he uses both depending on the razor. IME high carbon is subject to staining no matter who the maker is. If care isn't taken a high carbon razor may stain/rust.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

Dammit ! I didn't know that razor existed and now I want one ...... Years ago I recall a member who was very well regarded posted that he honed a couple of Wacker razors and found them 'chippy.' So for a time people took that and ran with it, steered clear of them.

This is what I heard as well. I also recall one member describing the steel as being on the "crispy" side. Of the new production razors, I really like the steel used by Revisor most. I always say that it feels like vintage steel. No chipping at all, very smooth, and easy to hone. The edges feel good on your face. Including one of my own, I've had about four Dovo's pass through my hands and I don't care for them. I was worried that Wacker would be similar to Dovo or, worse in my experience, like Hart. With a high price tag and mixed reviews, I've been cautious. But the allure of that Chevalier always has me on the brink of rolling the dice. I just don't want to holding another high priced chippy blade that I dread using.

Originally Posted by OCDshaver

This is what I heard as well. I also recall one member describing the steel as being on the "crispy" side. Of the new production razors, I really like the steel used by Revisor most. I always say that it feels like vintage steel. No chipping at all, very smooth, and easy to hone. The edges feel good on your face. Including one of my own, I've had about four Dovo's pass through my hands and I don't care for them. I was worried that Wacker would be similar to Dovo or, worse in my experience, like Hart. With a high price tag and mixed reviews, I've been cautious. But the allure of that Chevalier always has me on the brink of rolling the dice. I just don't want to holding another high priced chippy blade that I dread using.

And herein lies the problem with internet "truisms.." Misinformation gets repeated so often the some take it as fact, whether there is a grain of truth to it or not!

I bought a number of Wackers years back, and have been extremely pleased with all of them. It was common knowledge that Herr Wacker was getting on in years, and that the good razors would not be available indefinitely ..

I'm glad I've got mine, and would never part with them.

Originally Posted by Druid

And herein lies the problem with internet "truisms.." Misinformation gets repeated so often the some take it as fact, whether there is a grain of truth to it or not!

It might not be misinformation but a valued opinion by someone you know and trust. No one would say that there is 100% agreement on anything. But if you can see many people saying similar things, its enough (for me) to be cautious. I have a Hart that I think is best used as a paperweight. My opinion is not misinformation and does not mean that they all are no good. But its one person's experience and might be worth thinking about if you were in the market for one. It doesn't mean that your experience and mine will be the same. But the more similar opinions you hear, the more likely you may be to experience it yourself. Its good that you're happy with yours. But that too may be an "internet truism" or misinformation for all I know.

Originally Posted by OCDshaver

But the allure of that Chevalier always has me on the brink of rolling the dice. I just don't want to holding another high priced chippy blade that I dread using.

I googled Wacker Chevalier and the few places that showed the model were 'out of stock.' Wacker's site said that if you ordered one today it would be in stock in December. I'm not getting one regardless, even though I'd like to. I don't need anymore expensive razors at this stage of the game. OTOH, I'm reasonably sure if someone was to buy one of these beauties they would have no problem selling it if it didn't suit them.