Thread: I'm a simple man, looking for a top quality shaver - what razor?

I'm a simple man. I'm not looking for fancy scales or fancy (e.g. damascus) steel. I don't care whether a razor is old or new, as long as it's in good condition. I just want a razor with good steel, that is reasonably easy to hone, keeps its edge well, and---most importantly---shaves well. In short, I'm happy to pay for a great blade, but not much else.

What do you guys suggest? Would I be better served watching for a vintage razor like a Dubl Duck, JA Henckels, or ? or buying something in current production? I thought the TI Sheffield Steel razors look like they might be good, but perhaps there are better choices?

Also, would I be better sticking to a full hollow, or getting a half hollow? My current full hollow Super Kama razor makes a lot of noise and I'd kind of like something quieter. Also, would a half hollow hold its edge longer?

Please discuss, and thanks, in advance, for your thoughts, gents.

Steve --- I have the Dovo Special Black that I got with Tony's kit --- does me right --- but I don't have much to compare it to . It's just black plastic scale and blade --- simple, well made, ---

Justin

I'd suggest getting a secondhand one if you're looking for simple. I myself have a few that I'm offering but there's a few other people that are selling as well. At leat that way yhou'll know that you'regetting a tested and true blade plus it'll be shaveready in most cases.

Thanks for the suggestions, gents. I should be clear: my main objective is to get the best blade possible and I'm happy to pay up for superior steel. I just don't want to pay for fancy scales, rarity, collectibility, etc.

If you are looking at current TIs - I think the SRP LE is all that! I mean, as a shaver. Scales - they are alright, but it certainly is worthy of better scales (they are what they are to keep the cost down a bit)

Cheers
Ivo

Originally Posted by SteveS

Thanks for the suggestions, gents. I should be clear: my main objective is to get the best blade possible and I'm happy to pay up for superior steel. I just don't want to pay for fancy scales, rarity, collectibility, etc.

Oh -- I see --good topic to bring up because I would like a definitive answer on this as well --- do all the Dovo razors use the same steel or does price only reflect ornamentation and scales --- good subject.

Justin

Boy, you'll probably get as many opinions as there are members! As far as I can tell, the three big variables are material, size and grind, followed by a preference for blade shape.

When it comes to basic materials, Solingen steel and Sheffield steel are the two most highly regarded of the vintage blades. There has been considerable discussion regarding the metallurgical properties of some of the new steels, and don't even ASK about damascus/damasteel/wootz steels (but those don't fall into your category.) My personal preference is for Sheffield - it just seems a marginal bit 'softer' (my term) and easier to hone...but probably doesn't hold an edge quite as long as the Solingen.

When it comes to grind...well, it goes all the way from the Full-Hollow 'singing' razors to a wedge...and here's where personal preference REALLY comes into play. The thinner the blade, generally, the more 'flex'...some like the very thin blades, some prefer something with a bit more heft. I personally go for the half to quarter hollows...I've never had a wedge, but I hear that they are more difficult to hone (I assume because the whole side of the blade is touching the hone, not just the edge and the spine). I find h half/quarter hollow Sheffield's give me the right balance between stiffness of blade and smoothness of shave.

Size of blade generally varies from 3/8 to 8/8 and beyond - with 5/8 and 6/8 seeming to be the most popular. My preference tends toward the smaller (3/8 to 4/8) blades - I've used quite a few 5/8 and 6/8 - nothing bigger -I find the smaller blades easier to maneuver around my (large) nose and mustaches, and in the cleft below my lower lip.

And blade shape is another variable totally dependent on personal preference. Probably the most popular and common is the round point (I'm sorry, but I find round points....well....boring). My preference is for a Barber notch (just for good, old-timey sexy-coolness) and a French point (for ease of trimming and detailing around the mustache).

In summary my personl preferences are, and recomendations would be:

Sheffield: a black handled Wade and Butcher, 4/8 Barber notch

Solingen: a NOS black handled Merkur 4/8 French Point - (currently available on eBay.)

okay, guys, fire away

-whatever

-Lou

BTW: I didn't even touch on Stainless vs Carbon steels - but I'm tired of typing!

EDIT: When I started typing, there were no replys to this thread -
(...I have GOT to learn speed typing!...)

A stiffer grind will definitely cut down on the noise. You can get better deals on a good condition vintage in shave-ready condition if you buy it from one of the members here.

I'm a big fanof Sheffield steel. It's either that or Stainless mostly for me.....but I've yet to buy one for myself. (a Stainless that is...I've got two sheffields in my posession of which one TI)


But mainly...it's all personal preference...there's not real "best" out there really.

Originally Posted by FiReSTaRT

A stiffer grind will definitely cut down on the noise. You can get better deals on a good condition vintage in shave-ready condition if you buy it from one of the members here.

I will agree with Firestart on buying a vintage from
a forum member.

Also as far as new razors go, I have a 6/8 Dovo Special
and have been very satisfied with it.


Terry