Thread: The Holy Grail of Straight razors....

Originally Posted by albertaman

Ok guys...a question here....is there a rare or perhaps old razor considered to be the holy grail of straights? A make or model ?

I have spent days and days reading the forums and realize different strokes for different folks but wondered if there was a concensus of the rare and wonderful.

I can guarantee that you won't get a concensus.

All things considered, I'd have to go with my Fili 14. Easy to touch up, and the strop keeps it going forever.

Originally Posted by JDM61

Yeah, that one will keep you for a while. it that razor Al Penury wootz? I have an early integral wootz hunter with a stag handle and mecum buttcap from Al. Perhaps a really cool razor done in tasteful mosaic damascus for your next grailesque purchase?

The steel itself did come from Al Pendry, as I understand. But it was crafted by Joe Chandler. I don't know if Joe is even making razors any more, but at the time he made this one, his craftsmanship was widely praised among the wet shaving community. My particular razor is a simple, clean design, but that steel takes a wicked sharp/smooth edge and gives an amazing shave...

mine is also a W&B 8/8 FBU which I sniped on the Bay a while ago. It was the razor only. I put feathered horn scales on with bullseye pins. This was done by Glen. Very happy with it

Originally Posted by Refuge

mine is also a W&B 8/8 FBU which I sniped on the Bay a while ago. It was the razor only. I put feathered horn scales on with bullseye pins. This was done by Glen. Very happy with it

Beautiful razor, and very well done - they are my favorite straight razor, with the Filarmonica's also in the #1 spot in the Spanish category, so many categories, so much potential for RAD...

It has changed over time.
I think the W&B ottoman is very rare and sought after. Ditto for the Mappin Lancet point in near mint condition.
There are a couple of others.

And snailforge razors in general of course.

Originally Posted by albertaman

Ok guys...a question here....is there a rare or perhaps old razor considered to be the holy grail of straights? A make or model ?

I have spent days and days reading the forums and realize different strokes for different folks but wondered if there was a concensus of the rare and wonderful.

Everyone has their own, but the same do pop up a lot. Mine are: Iwasaki western, WB Ottoman, Zowada Timahagane, and Mastro Livi.

I've got a couple of mine so far: a pair of Max Sprechers, a Jenes Dragon, and an Iwasaki Tamahagane. I will bring a couple to the meet next month.

I think this is my current grail...wish me luck [pipe dream...]

Korff and Honsburg Dos Angelitos...photo pinched from elsewhere, thanks OP!

I would guess these two qualify as Holy Grails.

Here's one that went for $20,000 - $40,000 at auction:



And this one went for $10,000 I read:

hello. getting it down to a single grail razor??? unlikely. personally I am after a western grind folding kamisori in mint condition. There are such razors available, indeed Jamie has recently been making me grind his teeth over his tombo, but they are relatively far between and pricey!