Thread: Older razors, are they better?

Originally Posted by TomP30

the Memsahib may start to take a dim view otherwise.

It's pretty rare that someone throws out a word, especially more old-timey lingo, and I have to look it up. I, sir, am impressed.

My Dovo Encina arrived yesterday and I was not disappointed. If you like an understated more natural appearance in a razor you'd appreciate it. Most important however is of course the shave, I found it needed a good stropping on my double sided pasted linen strop, followed by a good few laps on the leather, but it didn't take much to get shave ready. A nice shaver, well balanced and agile around the chin region, only one other razor I have used have I felt so comfortable with and that was my Bengall (thus far the only razor I have nicked myself with had been the square nosed Henckels). I cannot honestly say I noticed a difference between the Non stainless and stainless razors, however I haven't owned a stainless for very long so I cannot comment on any maintenance related topics. As far as shaving goes however I am suitably impressed.

I really like my Genco's and Double Duck. Keeping in mind the steel, grind and quality control I am amazed how good a shave my Genco's give. Holds an edge and is very low maintenance. Not fancy but really gives a great shave. One I got is around 100 years old and it can hold its own with any razor.

Are old razors better?
Not necessarily.

I have new razors (Aust and Mastro Livi) that shave as good as my vintage Henckels.

I have so far stayed clear of new Dovos and some other brands, as there are too many posts suggesting that these companies may no longer achieve the quality levels that made their razors once so popular.

Which means the answer may differ from brand to brand.


B.


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I used 'vintage' razors for nearly 40 yrs. Didn't really even consider a new one and didn't even know that they still made them until I discovered this (expensive) forum . Bought a couple of new Dovos and a Hart. Seems like sharpened up, I can't tell any difference except for the 'softness' of my vintage Puma and Bengall. Maybe it's the steel? Maybe it's the bevel angle? Don't know but it's real.

I think it's more the form and design of the old razors had much more variety and character than what is made today. Most modern razors just don't have the swagger of the vintage ones. I really think if someone would make modern choppers, framebacks, faux framebacks with swooping spines they would sell some razors. I'm just generally not impressed with a sea of 6/8 round points with black plastic scales.

If we are talking large8/8 smiling near wedges. I found that I struggled to find one for a reasonable price in good nick. Custom Razor from Koraat is beautifully made and finished. Think for the price I got the best razor possible. Easy to hone nigh on perfect geometry and keeps an edge extremely well. I have had some serious warp issues on a Bengall, spine had a warp left and right, almost an S.

Originally Posted by NittanyGator

I think it's more the form and design of the old razors had much more variety and character than what is made today. Most modern razors just don't have the swagger of the vintage ones. I really think if someone would make modern choppers, framebacks, faux framebacks with swooping spines they would sell some razors. I'm just generally not impressed with a sea of 6/8 round points with black plastic scales.

Did they really have that much variety and character all readily available during the same time period? I think probably not. You just have a larger variety because you're spanning many years which encompass different trends in razor making. There is much more available than 6/8 round points and black plastic scales, as long as your price point is over $150.

Originally Posted by Slawman

Will I never buy another razor? No, I will keep buying vintage razors as long as I can find them at under $30.00.

I too have purchased all vintage so far, although I am pretty much a newbie. <$30 sounds good, but remember that 4 razors @ $30 and you're getting into new razor territory anyways. I don't know that buying vintage has actually saved me anything in the long run haha!

Anything older is always better quality, IMHO. Vintage razors were made with pride and good materials, as was most of everything else back then. That being said, price will still make a difference - you get what you pay for.

.................yes.