Thread: what brands of razors are still being made like dovo,dorko,filiarmonic,boker,henckle?

Regardless, the process of machining a blade with a cnc to me is cold and clinical whereas a hand made blade made by the skilled hands of a craftsman who has honed his skills over many years and had them passed down to him through many generations of tradesmen is much more appealing to me and any cosmetic imperfections would only add to the character of the blade and make it like no other to the owner. Many machines can produce beautiful works of art but none to date are remembered or thought of like the Mona Lisa or the sculpture of David. Imho.

Originally Posted by TurbineBlade

Regardless, the process of machining a blade with a cnc to me is cold and clinical whereas a hand made blade made by the skilled hands of a craftsman who has honed his skills over many years and had them passed down to him through many generations of tradesmen is much more appealing to me and any cosmetic imperfections would only add to the character of the blade and make it like no other to the owner. Many machines can produce beautiful works of art but none to date are remembered or thought of like the Mona Lisa or the sculpture of David. Imho.

Unfortunately, not all modern blades are made to 'craftsman' standards - there are lots of threads criticising the quality of new bought blades - by all the makers mentioned earlier on. If Dove (or whoever) sold a perfect CNC blade, I'd jump at the chance of owning one - although I'd still probably have to change the crappy nails used instead of peened rod.

Originally Posted by UKRob

Unfortunately, not all modern blades are made to 'craftsman' standards - there are lots of threads criticising the quality of new bought blades - by all the makers mentioned earlier on. If Dove (or whoever) sold a perfect CNC blade, I'd jump at the chance of owning one - although I'd still probably have to change the crappy nails used instead of peened rod.

No, production razors are not made to craftsman/handmade standards. Most are produced using a mix of machine work and handwork. You want handmade then custom is the only choice. Yes, I'd try a cnc machined laser sharpened straight razor if one were available just to see what is what. Totally agree with the crappy nails comment. Unfortunately it is a time/cost saving "feature" on today's production razor.

Bob

Originally Posted by BobH

No, production razors are not made to craftsman/handmade standards. Most are produced using a mix of machine work and handwork. You want handmade then custom is the only choice. Yes, I'd try a cnc machined laser sharpened straight razor if one were available just to see what is what. Totally agree with the crappy nails comment. Unfortunately it is a time/cost saving "feature" on today's production razor.

Bob

And when Bob and Rob both agree, Bob's your uncle. Or Rob as the case may be seeing that I have 18 nieces/nephews and in excess of 40 great nieces/nephews.

Your uncle Bob or mine? Might just better keep Bob, Bob, Bobbing along eh.

Bob

If by 'stamped out' you mean drop forged then I'm pretty sure all factory made blades are made this way. They have been for a very long time. You can see this process in the various Dovo videos floating around.

They are still finish ground by hand, if you call feeding a 90% pre-shaped blade between two wheels hand grinding

[QUOTE=mikew;

They are still finish ground by hand, if you call feeding a 90% pre-shaped blade between two wheels hand grinding [/QUOTE]

Yea, the critical part is done by hand even if the blade is 90% pre-shaped.

Bob

Originally Posted by UKRob

Unfortunately, not all modern blades are made to 'craftsman' standards - there are lots of threads criticising the quality of new bought blades - by all the makers mentioned earlier on. If Dove (or whoever) sold a perfect CNC blade, I'd jump at the chance of owning one - although I'd still probably have to change the crappy nails used instead of peened rod.

+1 - I've had several contemporary Dovos that are total crap right out of the box - spent hours fixing Dovo bevels to my standards and some I've just plain given up on - not worth the effort. Vintage razors seem to be much better made IMO - I have some that are practically perfect.

I like technology and while a computer will never paint the Sistine Chapel, a perfectly machined razor made out of the hardest stainless out there would be nice. I love my Mastro Livi Inox but the hand carved jimps are unevenly spaced - it bothers me in some way... shaves great though... The point is, if machines don't take over, who will?

-john

Originally Posted by ocelot27

+1 - I've had several contemporary Dovos that are total crap right out of the box - spent hours fixing Dovo bevels to my standards and some I've just plain given up on - not worth the effort. Vintage razors seem to be much better made IMO - I have some that are practically perfect.

I like technology and while a computer will never paint the Sistine Chapel, a perfectly machined razor made out of the hardest stainless out there would be nice. I love my Mastro Livi Inox but the hand carved jimps are unevenly spaced - it bothers me in some way... shaves great though... The point is, if machines don't take over, who will?

-john

Have had 4 Livis,sold them all,the craftsmenship is just not right for me,Not bashing in any way,I just found them to be somewhat crude and clunky.

My first razor was a Dovo Best Quality, good blade to get a start with. My other Dovo is a Bismarck and must admit, am not a fan at all. Had it honed twice, by two different honemasters, and I find the shave always wanting - never really close enough, and I get some irritation.

I have three TI's, all very nice, no complaints there, but, "meh".

Personally, the old blades, vintage and antique, seem to always deliver the best results for me. Having said that, each razor seems to have it's own personality IMO. The Joseph Elliot Damascus I just shaved with I expected to be good, like a typical old wedge, but not fantastic like some of my other vintage and antique blades. Lo and behold, this blade delivered an uber smooth and close shave and I was very pleasantly surprised...my two cents...more I shave with different blades, they each seem to have their own personality...no two are alike!