Thread: Torn between the 2

Originally Posted by lz6

I have shaved with both razors. My preference is for the Elite by a wide margin.

Would you mind elaborating more? If unsuitable to post, PM me please.

Originally Posted by RezDog

I have the Bismark. One of the factors you need to consider is where you get it from, that whole shave ready thing. Brad at Maggard has a very good reputation for sharpening. The Bismark is a beauty. Yes the gold wash comes off with stropping. I do prefer razors that have a little less bling. Mo writing no etching and no gold wash. The Bismark does shave very well. I would expect that from any quality maker. The blade shape on those two are remarkably close. You may have to decide based on price and availability.

I to am worried about the gold wash coming off.

I only used MAGGARD photos, because they were similar in size and position, for reason of this post. I have sourced both razors, unfortunately they are from different places.

Originally Posted by lethalgraphix

I will look into it. Any known state side distributor's?

There are no distributors that I know of. You have to buy direct from Revisor. They were good to deal with and shipped quickly.

RezDog brought up a good point about the shave readiness of the razor. If buying a razor with a factory edge you may or may not have have it honed when you get it. OTH it is not a given that factory edges are all bad either.

Bob

This style of razor is made by Dovo, Böker, Wacker and Revisor (Giesen & Forsthoff did a few batches as well I think, but it's not a manufacturer I'd recommend). All use the same blanks, so differences in steel are negligible. As for looks and price, in comparison, I'd go for a Revisor. To me they look better at pretty much the same price point or cheaper (this, this and this, for example).

I haven't used any of these though, so I can't say anything about their performance and I'm not slamming any of the other manufacturers (I have heard the Wacker's thumbnotch makes stropping a bit difficult, but don't quote me on that).

I really happen to like shoulder less razors and have 6 in my current collection. I have a Bismarck judt as pictured. It was actually the second nice razor I purchased. I struggled to shave well with it for quite some time in particular, but now I use it frequently and it shaves great. The razor certainly was not the reason for my troubles. It also happens to be easy to hone, at least for me.
The gold wash does fade over time. I don't care too much as it is an workhorse for me. I like the grind in general and all of the choices you have been presented are good ones. I have had my eye on an Elite for a while!

Same razors, different trim levels. Pick a color?

just because someone is going to mention it eventually...I don't own one but the Ralph Aust also is new production and there was a thread a few months ago about their shoulderless version which was really good looking.
Edit in retrospect it may have been an LE version

I do like the Boker, it reminds me of a W&B I picked up recently.

Originally Posted by Damo

just because someone is going to mention it eventually...I don't own one but the Ralph Aust also is new production and there was a thread a few months ago about their shoulderless version which was really good looking.
Edit in retrospect it may have been an LE version

I would consider a Aust, but SRD is out of Aust shoulderless blades. Plus Revisor, I'm inquirring about them, but haven't heard back.

Originally Posted by lethalgraphix

I would consider a Aust, but SRD is out of Aust shoulderless blades. Plus Revisor, I'm inquirring about them, but haven't heard back.

Revisor is on Easter holiday until Monday.