Thread: The ZY razor revisited

I recently ordered another ZY from Hong Kong to see if they were maintaining the standard and it arrived yesterday. The short verdict: like all Chinese-made stuff, the quality varies significantly.

My first ZY was a very well ground razor with zero issues - apart from the rather cheap scales - it honed up easily and has held a good edge for over 20 shaves. The spine was parallel to within 0.02 mm, which is as good as the old Sheffield grinders managed at their best. The latest offering looks unfortunately like a re-badged GD, complete with intrusive shoulders, poorly cut jimps and irregular spine thickness. As expected, the factory edge was sub-par and it took ages to establish a decent bevel (after I'd diamond filed the shoulders out of the way).

However, and it's a pretty big however, the edge I achieved on it was surprisingly good. after progressing through the hones (1000, 2000, 4000) I stopped honing at the 8000 grit level (all Shapton GS) and stropped, thinking I'd see if there was any sort of edge there, reasoning that if it's not there at 8000, it's not worth going on. The edge off the 8000 was a revelation: HHT passed with flying colours, not that that guarantees a great shave but it's a start. I shaved with it this morning and was very pleased indeed: there was no pulling, hesitation or anything that said further honing was needed. Just smooth sharp shaving!

I understand Gold Dollars treated the same way often give results like this too but we tend to shun them because of the set-up issues and generally poor out-of-the-box experience. This latest ZY is in the same category it seems to me, that is, potentially a very good shaver but effort has to be put in to get it there. I'd be interested to hear from others what their experience has been.

So I guess their standards were maintained. Lol. I think the main reason that they are shunned by this community is the quality. Some beginner who knows nothing about razors buys one and expects to shave with it. They have a terrible experience, put the razor aside and never pick it up again. Most people don't have the equipment, knowledge or desire to get these to shave. Nothing wrong with buying one and customizing it to serve you. But as far as recommending them for general use, no.My first razor was a Master, I thought I did good not cutting myself up my first attempt at shaving. I bought another shave ready razor that was not much better. I then stumbled upon this forum. From that point forward I was on my way to achieving what I originally wanted to do.

Yes, that is a great story. A long one, too. Long story short, buy Solingen quality (Aust, Revisor), or perish. And yes, that includes Wacker, Böker, or any self proclaimed "artisan".

It is a bit odd how, after almost a decade, things have not changed.

Originally Posted by RobinK

Yes, that is a great story. A long one, too. Long story short, buy Solingen quality (Aust, Revisor), or perish. And yes, that includes Wacker, Böker, or any self proclaimed "artisan".

It is a bit odd how, after almost a decade, things have not changed.

Absolutely! You can't go wrong with the best. I noticed you left out the current offerings from TI as well - and a good thing too in my opinion. I can't speak for their high end razors but their basic ones are pretty disappointing. A ZY would be better buying than the 6/8 Special Coiffure I spent days correcting - it came with a truly lousy grind straight from the factory.

I have been disappointed with TI, entry-level to high-end. Wide and wonky bevels are not uncommon.

Sounds as if the ZY is probably out of stock and they've just thrown in some Gold Dollars. The ZY of yours that I shaved with was certainly a very different grind to the Gold Dollar.

Originally Posted by johnmrson

Sounds as if the ZY is probably out of stock and they've just thrown in some Gold Dollars. The ZY of yours that I shaved with was certainly a very different grind to the Gold Dollar.

Yes, it certainly was. Still, the current one appears to be made of very good steel. I'll give it a go tomorrow morning (if my hands are steady enough after an evening of election watching)

I did Some Gold Dollars 3 years ago and decided to test one of the current production ZY razors. I had to do some minor adjustments and at all it wasn't that hard to put an edge on it. Not like the GD's I had in the past. I have done 3 shaves with it up to now and the edge is still holding.