Thread: Review: the Gryphon from Portland Razor Co

The Gryphon. 8/8 square point, quarter ground, walnut scales.
Got it yesterday, shave with it today.
First pics then review



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Shave review. Preamble: been shaving with a straight for 1 to 2 years now. I typically hone my razors. My current circulation includes a Modern TI extra hollow 6/8 round point, a fancy Dovo extra hollow 5/8 with a Spanish point and horn scales, a vintage Robeson 4/8, and a gold dollar for practice on the stones.

Now despite being able to get my razors very sharp, I always struggled to get that perfect bbs shave. My beard bristles are thick, and I only shave once or twice a week, so there is a lot of thick bristles that my razors have to chew through. On the first pass, my razors always seem to 'stick' a bit, requiring some extra force to mow through the beard. First I just thought it was my technique. I then saw a few posts on the forum suggesting that a larger Razor that has a less hollow grind can deal better with a thicker beard.

So I shopped around and decided to get the Gryphon from Portland Razor co. I asked for a 8/8 (there was a 7/8 option) with walnut. Retail is 200 something US. Which is about 300 CAN $, then I got dinged another $50 in customs . So all I was about $360 CAN for me. Expensive, but not as expensive as the DoVo Spanish point that I got two years ago

Here is the 8/8 Gryphon vs 5/8 Dovo and 6/8 TI



Ok test shave


I didn't do my usual preshave routine... wanted to get a 'raw' feel for the razor. I stropped 50x on leather. The Gryphon was a bit awkward to strop at first. The large size and square spine made flipping the razor while stropping a bit of a challenge, but I got the hang of it after 20 laps.

I then lathered up, and did a first pass with the grain. I hadn't shaved in 4 days so lots of hair to mow. Despite its size, the Razor felt very secure and controllable in my hand. While it doesn't have the same audible feedback like the Dovo and TI, it managed to shave without any added pressure from me. After shaving my right sideburn and cheek, I checked smoothness with my fingers and it was almost BBS. Very impressive. I finished the first pass and checked and I was pretty much bbs on my side burns, cheeks and most of my neck. No irritation, no nicks.
I lathered up again and did my against the grain pass. Again, razor glided very smoothly, no snags or stickiness. I check all over my face and it was bbs all the way.
Wow! 2 years in the hobby, and I got my first bbs shave in just two passes. Amazing.

What i found very interesting was that the Gryphon didn't seem any more sharp than my other razors. Actually, I did some hanging hair tests with all three razors and the Gryphon essentially came in last. I was seriously concerned that it was not sharp enough before the shave. But clearly, it was a fantastic shave for me.

So needless to say, I am very impressed by the Gryphon. We all have different preferences obviously and what works for one doesn't necessarily work for another, but give this Razor a look if you have thick bristles and don't typically shave every day. This razor can handle thick beards!

Hats off to Scott and Hunter from Portland Co. well done gentlemen!

Ps. The review is unsolicited



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Thanks for the review, great looking blade. I've looked at the Portland blades and want one, soon enough

I've had my first straight, the PRC short bladed razor since I only shave under a beard. They make a great product, and are very nice people with whom to deal. I confess that 8/8 Gryphon square point is a force to be dealt with. I think Hunter uses the same razor to start his day off with a bit of fear. Great looking blade which I think you will enjoy even though I suspect it has a bit of a different personality than your more hollow grinds. Lather up and enjoy!

Thanks guys. Had another shave with it today with the razor today and very happy with the experience


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They are nice razors for sure but my best shaver is a 6/8" Wade & Butcher made in the mid 1800's that I paid $15.00 for. It's not real pretty but it is the best shave I have ever had!

Slawman.

Originally Posted by Slawman

They are nice razors for sure but my best shaver is a 6/8" Wade & Butcher made in the mid 1800's that I paid $15.00 for. It's not real pretty but it is the best shave I have ever had!

Slawman.

If I had a 1800's w&b razor for $15, I would consider myself a very lucky man. I have heard great things about w&b and I hope to get a chance to try one. The Gryphon is currently my favorite; had a second shave with it and was as enjoyable as the first. I am also getting more comfortable stropping it... 8/8 is a handful!


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Originally Posted by tenurepro

If I had a 1800's w&b razor for $15, I would consider myself a very lucky man. I have heard great things about w&b and I hope to get a chance to try one. The Gryphon is currently my favorite; had a second shave with it and was as enjoyable as the first. I am also getting more comfortable stropping it... 8/8 is a handful!


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Start looking on ebay they have w&b from the 1800's all the time. The bigger razors a bit of a handful to strop but I feel I do a better job of letting just the weight of the blade do the work with bigger blades.

Any problem in dulling the point on the Gryphon, or am I becoming paranoid. Scares hell out of me. I have the PRC Sprite, which is a great razor, but really wimpy compared to the Gryphon. Fine looking blade from fine folks.

A square point only requires extra focus on the end of the razor while shaving. Sure, you may nick your ear and get a random slice at first, but the awareness truly kicks in and you will soon find it's really no big deal. Think of it simply as increasing the overall challenge of straight shaving. By no means should you be paranoid. But, if you find the tip continues to bite, you can easily blunt the end a bit to save your precious blood supply.