Thread: First straight razor, Ralf Aust or Revisor

Originally Posted by RobinK

Interesting point, Bob. However, Dovo do operate a factory. As, I am sure, do the Chinese makers. Aust, Revisor and Wacker operate Kotten. The term "artisan" is at best misleading, and does not apply to Solingen manufacture anyway. We are talking about skilled craftsmen (cf dual education system) and decades of knowledge. Artisan makers are, by definition, self taught, which means they have to reinvent each and every wheel. This approach may appeal to some. I personally prefer things that work, and have a sensible price/performance ratio.

Let's agree to disagree with regards to nomenclature. For me, a razor either shaves, or it does not. The rest is a) totally personal (cf the myriads of hone wars here), and b) seems to be more of a cultural thing (cf German forums).

Most certainly we can agree to disagree wrt nomenclature.

Oth, as for a razor either shaves or doesn't, that is a complete over simplification imo. Personally I throw out a DE blade when it gets to the point where it starts tugging a bit and gives a shave that is no longer smooth and comfortable. However it will still shave after a fashion.

With a straight razor that has a blade providing a similar shave a simple touch up on a finishing hone will bring it back to shave ready if a good stropping fails to do so. I think that is the point on some factory edges as received from a new razor taken from a sealed razor box. It may shave after a fashion but needs that little bit extra to make it give a comfortable and smooth shave. It's a small but important difference.

Yes there certainly is no lack of cultural differences on a multi national forum. In the end it is whatever is acceptable and works for an individual as there are many different ways to the same end.

Bob