Thread: Why is one straight Razor better than others?

I have found myself wondering why one straight razor is better than others?

I know that there are generally junk razors from manufacturers using cheap material but I am not referring to them. I am referring to Ralf Aust, Dovo, Thiers-Issard, Boker Straight, and those in that category. I know that scale material and design can make a price difference and thickness/width of blades can also determine price and prefferance but what about material?

Is the forging processes different, is each razor from each manufacturer different from another? I am sure some amount of personal preference comes into play here kind of like the brand of oil someone religiously uses, or the favorite pistol one chooses to carry. Why do some enthusiasts prefer one brand of straight razor over another? Is it just the name, or is there more in play?

Welcome aboard jrudd,

You asked a lot of good questions in one post, so to help get you on the right track, make sure you have read these links.

Many good razors go through our "classifieds" section, above. Also we have several good custom razor makers here that are members. You really can't go wrong with any of these two options. Just try to stay away from the razors that you will read about in the links.

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Assuming that razors are all equally honed, then there are only very marginal differences between the shaving ability of hundreds of razors from quality makers. The biggest difference is probably down to individual preferences like size, weight, grind, blade shape etc etc.

I agree with John here it is probably more ergonomics, different size hands might suit different tangs, different blades might suit different faces. Though with that being said it is also quite personal, how I hold a razor may be different from someone else.

It may have seemed like a stupid question to some, but I ask a lot of questions. I suppose I will have a preference most likely to one of the first few razors I try out due to the fact that I probably wont have a huge collection of razors to try in the near future. I will most likely either lean towards or stay away from my first razor with that decision made subconsciously after I process my first few experiences with it.

I do have a small collection of razors, Cheap Gold Dollar, which I don't much care for, a Ralf Aust 5/8 bare boned model, a Vintage winchester, and a vintage Dovo. I am only using one right now until I can get that perfect shave.

In your question you can not answer unequivocally, all individually. A lot of factors there.

I am guessing here but I think the difference is in the grind and the temper of the steel. One will just seem better sometimes

Originally Posted by jrudd

It may have seemed like a stupid question to some, but I ask a lot of questions. I suppose I will have a preference most likely to one of the first few razors I try out due to the fact that I probably wont have a huge collection of razors to try in the near future. I will most likely either lean towards or stay away from my first razor with that decision made subconsciously after I process my first few experiences with it.

I do have a small collection of razors, Cheap Gold Dollar, which I don't much care for, a Ralf Aust 5/8 bare boned model, a Vintage winchester, and a vintage Dovo. I am only using one right now until I can get that perfect shave.

A perfect shave will take some time to achieve (call it 100 shaves). Having said that, you will begin to lean towards a type of razor as you try a few out...it may be based on how it feels in the hand, or the audible feedback....perhaps how the blade feels on the skin. I actually dialed in my favorite feel fairly early after trying perhaps a dozen or so razors. I like all kinds generally and appreciate different attributes...but there are a couple I have a few of because they just work so effortlessly for me. it is certainly different for everyone. I do try to just shave with as many as I can, and I definitely have a wide variety of widths and grinds....keeps me on my toes!

Of the brands you mention I would say that it comes down to the quality of grind. Now this may not make a great deal of difference when shaving - assuming all are honed to a similar level - but when it comes to things like re-honing, that's when a better quality grind will become apparent. Those four manufacturers all have razors in similar price ranges - sometimes Thiers Issard will produce a premium or limited edition razor and dress it in different scales, but the blade itself is probably no different to the thousands of others they produce.

What I really don't understand is why they use nails instead of rod for peening. Not only do they look cheap, they do not work as effectively when it comes to having to tighten a blade that's worn loose.

Originally Posted by UKRob

What I really don't understand is why they use nails instead of rod for peening. Not only do they look cheap, they do not work as effectively when it comes to having to tighten a blade that's worn loose.

I imagine it's just a matter of speed in production. just a few taps and it's done. I agree though not as good as using a rod.