Thread: Buy American!

I've been on an American razor kick for a while and I'm liking it. Bought a Hart Steel and a couple of Portland Razor Company razors. 6/8 in 01 tool steel 1/4 ground makes for a really good shave.

I own (and love) Swedish, German, British, and Japanese blades that are mostly vintage but these are an enjoyable change for me.

I don't like taped edges. Hate messing with it for touchups. Hate cleaning the glue residue off. Hate cleaning the ground in residue off my hones. All of these guys tape their edges for retail sales. Resetting the bevel on 62 Rockwell steel is a pain but once you get there, these blades really hold an edge.

I'm glad your happy , but you really should not be taping the edges anyway
You are supposed to tape the spine.

Originally Posted by Hirlau

I'm glad your happy , but you really should not be taping the edges anyway
You are supposed to tape the spine.

You are correct! Taped edges really cut down on the razor burn though

I plan on getting a Portland razor eventually.

Originally Posted by kelbro

I've been on an American razor kick for a while and I'm liking it. Bought a Hart Steel and a couple of Portland Razor Company razors. 6/8 in 01 tool steel 1/4 ground makes for a really good shave.

I own (and love) Swedish, German, British, and Japanese blades that are mostly vintage but these are an enjoyable change for me.

I don't like taped edges. Hate messing with it for touchups. Hate cleaning the glue residue off. Hate cleaning the ground in residue off my hones. All of these guys tape their edges for retail sales. Resetting the bevel on 62 Rockwell steel is a pain but once you get there, these blades really hold an edge.

Have you tried. Vintage American steel?
I haven't shaved with any that were sub par shavers. All have been exquisite so far. ( the older, the better ) JMO

I think he meant spine, lol.....

I got a few Williams and just got a Portland Leviathan. Very nice razors, well built and shave like a champ.

Originally Posted by Hirlau

I'm glad your happy , but you really should not be taping the edges anyway
You are supposed to tape the spine.

I spit coffee all over my laptop when I read your reply!!!!! LOL!

There are definitely some great little straights from American makers. But I still favor my German beauties! I have a few PRC straights and love them. They are heavy and solid and will buy more I am sure. I am however wanting to try a BBC next to see what his are like. He is a bit higher in price and I guess that is what makes me a slight bit hesitant.

My only experience with American made razors are with vintage ones. I do like full hollow and bellied hollow German vintage razors. I have to say I have a few of that grind in American vintage razors and they compare very favorably in the shave department for me. Add to that the fact they are a bit of a bargain compared to vintage German razors of the same grind and you have a winning combination. For some reason I can't work up enough enthusiasm to drop the coin on a custom made razor.

Bob

Originally Posted by outback

Have you tried. Vintage American steel?
I haven't shaved with any that were sub par shavers. All have been exquisite so far. ( the older, the better ) JMO

Yes sir. Went through a couple. They were good but they couldn't knock my Solingens off the perch at the time. I usually keep two or three straights in my main rotation. One single edge Gem, one DE of some sort and a Kamisori. Sometimes I go for months though with just straights but like a little variety every now and then.