Thread: Personal Preference

I rotate current favorites almost as much as razors, soaps and brushes. Whatever I am currently using should be good enough for an awesome shave.

My current favorite of the 30 or so straights I rotate is a Dovo Bismarck 6/8. I bought this while waiting on a Wacker which is also very nice but this Bismarck has that something special.

When folks talk about their favorite or best razors they usually mention the grind and size and scales but what many forget about (and I think is the most important) is the feel of the razor and the way it fits in your hand. After-all, any razor can be honed and scales can be changed but overall dimensions are another thing.

Each one of us has hands of differing dimensions. If you ever experience a razor, that when you hold it seems to be almost an extension of your hand and can be effortlessly manipulated like a fine instrument you will realize what a great razor truly is.

I enjoy a little variety. I have some Sheffields, some heavy grinds, some extra hollow, round tips, square, French, Spanish. But that being said, I'm also content with what I have. I may buy something else down the line but I've also found that ever more variety just becomes noise. I've weeded out some of the ones that I didn't care for and kept the ones that I like most. And over time I may tweak that some. I like variety but I'm not looking for anymore of it. Soaps, aftershaves, balms? Same thing. I have a few options that I like. It gives me variety. But I only use a few selected varieties that work well for me. The hunt for the holy grail is off.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

Each one of us has hands of differing dimensions. If you ever experience a razor, that when you hold it seems to be almost an extension of your hand and can be effortlessly manipulated like a fine instrument you will realize what a great razor truly is.

Exactly my thoughts. My favorites were ergonomically designed as shavers , whether it be a wedgy Sheffield or simple Red Imp, easy to strop and with good balance in the hand. I dislike thumb notches personally. They are ok while actually shaving ,but I tend to fumble with them while honing and especially stropping. Some of the customs , tend to place visual appeal over functionality and while attractive to the eye,become less appealing in use.

One thing I will add, I used to be into bigger blades 7/8, 6/8, not anymore

I find a 5/8 or there around to be much more to my preference, I like their agility and maneuverability, feels indeed good to my hands and I feel very comfortable honing, stropping and shaving with them
so, 5/8 shoulder-less blades are my go to, it's something I've come to liken more than anything else after years and years of collecting and shaving, it's pretty much all I ever use anymore

I have a fairly heavy & stiff beard that grows pretty fast. I tend to go towards larger blades. At the moment my go to razor is a 6/8" Pre 1881 Hollow ground with a nice smile. Second on the list is a 11/16" German made 133 Red Imp. Took a while to stop cutting my self on that sharp tip but I have it down pretty good. I find the workmanship on the Red Imp to be about the best I have seen on a production razor. I value that more than fancy & pretty myself I have several other straight's that go in & out of the rotation, United States, Germany & England all made fine razors & many other countries also.
Slawman