Thread: Puma steel any good?

Ok, so I'm thinking about acquiring a new razor (RAD kicking in) and was thinking I'm going to drop some real money now as I've been shaving for a good 6 months and feel I'm going to stick with it. I'd like to get something really decent (though I'm not going to get a custom at this point). I'm thinking somewhere in the neighborhood of $90-$140ish.

I know the Dubl Duck wonderedge is touted as being phenomenal because of it's cryo hardening, but finding one is tough, and ebay wars keep the price a bit higher than it's worth I think...it's also agreed that there are plenty of other razors that are better than the wonderedge. I'm here to ask some opinions on that subject, without really asking anyone to divulge their secret best closet shavers. (I know how you like to keep your secrets.)

As for the main market "stores", some people say that the current DOVO stainless razors are the way to go, while other's seem to think that the TI sheffield steel is as good as it gets. Classicshaving.com has it's fair share for selection. Some people have told me to go to shavingshop.com and get a Whacker razor. Other's have proclaimed the DORKO razors and the PUMA razors as worth every penny.

Can anyone shed some light on the quality of these other razors to a wonderedge? ... that is, are they better shavers than than the W.E., and are they worth paying up to $150? ... How about $200 - or would you reserve that for something with horn/wood scales? Some of these NOS razors like the Pumas and Dorkos have celluloid scales, but command high enough prices that I wonder if people are buying them for their reputation, their collectability, or the quality.

I'm looking at a Puma and a Dorko now, but both are almost as expensive as a Dovo or a TI, and dont' have exotic scales... are these razors better or just 'collectable'?

I am a Puma fan for sure. In good condition they are expensive. I like them more than Dorkos. I keep 2 Pumas right now and only one Dorko.

Let me say that the SRP TI LE is one absolutely fabulous shaver. Top blade! I sold mine and if I weren't getting the TIPTLE I would definitely buy it again. So if you want a brand spanking new lead-tempered bla bla fabulolus blade - I'd recommend this SRP LE over Puma and Dorko. I liked it more than DD WE too, but this is personal... You would get something with great steel and performance, at a good price. A brand new Puma will cost anywhere from 50-100% more, I think. Dorko - a bit cheaper but still...

I can't remember trying any Dovos...

Cheers
Ivo

Opinions differ on the relative merits of these brands, and of course there is natural variation within a brand that makes them difficult to compare easily. Of the brands you mentioned, I've got 1 Wonderedge, 3 Pumas, 1 Dovo, 3 TIs, and 1 Wacker. I'd rate the Wonderedge below 2 of the Pumas, below the Dovo (a Bergischer Lowe - incredible shaver), roughly mid-pack of the TIs, and above the Wacker. Others with larger sample sets of these razors may have more relevant rankings, and will probably be along soon. But the only one of these that has given me brand-specific RAD is Puma.

filarmonica! and not the one that CS sells

thought i'd stir the pot...

Heh,

I have to say my Novodur mops the floor with Wonderedge, Goldedge, and Satinedge, gives the Pumas a serious run for their money (actually - it outperforms them, but I give them the benefit of the doubt because I have not dialed them in yet), has all of 2 other razors that *may* be equally good shavers, and is second only to my custom RW. Drop dead gorgeous, too.

This may change, of course - when I manage to get time to dial in more razors and experiment with various hones...

Back to the original question - yes, Puma steel is good, to say the least. Is it worth the price premium for you - unless you try it, how are you going to know for yourself?

Cheers
Ivo

i think i've seen that novodur. the one with baby blue scales right

Originally Posted by edk442

i think i've seen that novodur. the one with baby blue scales right

Eric - if I have bought it from you - thank you, I love it!

Cheers
Ivo

nope, wasn't me. in my reading though the forums i've found a few posts where you mention your novodur and how absolutely fantastically superlative it is. i also recall seeing some pictures of it and loving the color of those scales. very unique.