Thread: Best of the Best, Vintage and New

Originally Posted by Kyleybob

I'm very new to the world of straight razors, and wet shaving. I've read most of the stuff in the library and have gathered that the 3 bigs, Dovo, Boker, and Thiers-Issard, are the most sought after brands. I was curious what are the Razors everyone wants? Whats the Action Comics #1 of razors, and whats the "hot new model." I understand most of it comes down to preference, but I am curious to hear everyones response. What do you feel separates those top 3 from the other brands, and what do you think the difference between the 3 are in relation to each other? Aside from giving a good shave, what makes a good razor? What do you look for? What size do you prefer and why (I ask that because I'm new and I have no idea what any other size does or doesn't do.) Who's the historian on here that can fill me in an everything straight razor?

The Dovo, Boker, and Thiers-Issard razors don't even hit my radar unless they are vintage.
Have a Bengall 5/8 that cost $2, it shaves as good as razors that owe me 100 times that and some.
Like Kees said, the Filarmonica razors do take a nice edge, but you are paying a premium.
Genco, Burrell, Shumate, to name a few are all good American manufactured razors and as good as anything else out there.

Any razor of quality steel. If honed right will shave as good as the next. It boils down to beard/ skin prep, and your shaving techniques.

For grind and size, that becomes a personal thing.
I myself don't care for wedges, the extra width of the bevel, causes them to stick to my face. Not that I don't get a comfortable shave from them, I just don't care to use a lot of force to move a razor across my face.
Like Benz, and many others here, I have a large collection of different makes and grinds, new to vintage. So far vintage is my favorite, over new production. They can be obtained on the cheap, if you can restore and hone, yourself.

I personally like the smiling blades more than the straight ones, but will shave with any of them just the same.
30+ years with straights makes a big difference, too.

When I was fairly new, I went on a buying spree that lasted for over a year. During that time I shaved with many many razors. There are a lot of good razors out there. If you can figure out your favourite size and grind, that helps. The barber supply brands are often top shelf and sell for very little money. However they are almost all 5/8 or 6/8 full hollow. If you seek large or heavy ground razorsthey will usually come at a premium.

Thanks to all for the replies. I have a 6/8 Dovo (Col. Conk) that seams to work nicely, but seeing as I'm new, I really have no idea what I'm doing. Learning to shave with, and care for a straight razor is a little different than most things. Its a lost art, for the most part, and regardless of how much you read or watch, it seems to be trial and error. You're on your own unless you know someone. It would be a little different if someone I knew shaved with one and lived close by. Its much easier with someone there in person walking you through it, and pointing things out. However, growing up poor and lazy, trial and error is my cup of tea.

The guys have given good information here, but in my opinion only skirted your original question. As one said, there aren't many modern, current producers. Here's my list of new producers: Dovo, Boker, Thiers Issard, Wacker, Revisor. I likely missed some. Among the modern producers are the artisans like Mastro Livi, Korrat, Riga Razors. Others I don't their names. Not mass produced, but by order, by the piece. Don't forget the New-Old-Stock (NOS) razors. These are vintage razors made years ago, but are still new, never been used, still in the box. They are numerous. Next are the used vintage razors. Some are beautifully restored, some not so much. Numerous brands, steels, countries of origin. Many members here focus extensively on vintage razors. Most of mine are new or NOS, but I'm starting to branch out into the vintage realm.

As to size, point style, etc. There is no right or wrong, better or best. Everything is personal preference. Though some might argue other wise. Whatever direction you head, give much diligence to learning, learn to use your tools properly.

BTW, put your city, st in your profile. That will help us help you. As a truck driver I'm through Little Rock often I've stopped before to coach others. Join my list.

Edit: I knew I'd forget some. Ralf Aust, Portland Razor Company. I don't know if PRC is mass producing or order by the piece. Hart Razors.

Originally Posted by Longhaultanker

As a truck driver I'm through Little Rock often I've stopped before to coach others. Join my list.

Thank you for the info. Its a bit off topic, but I've always wanted to ask a trucker this. How does I-30 stack up with interstates around the country as far as amount of you truckers? By that I mean, the amount on the road at any given time. I've used I-30 far more than any other interstate, and it has always seemed to have a hell of a lot of trucks on it at all times. I've always been curious if we just have a heavy amount of truck traffic, or if it was normal, or actually light.

I don't think TI, boker, and dovo are the most sought after current production, just the most prolific (i.e. mass produced ) of very few modern manufacturers.

I really think those who are aficionados are seeking certan vintage models or customs.

That being said TI, dovo, and boker have some nice razors as well. For current production you could also look at whacker and ralf aust.

There really isn't a consensus superman first edition or honus wagner.

My suggestion is look at razors on ebay across the spectrum and get a feel for what turns you on before you start buying. Good luck, you have plenty of company.

Originally Posted by NittanyGator

I don't think TI, boker, and dovo are the most sought after current production, just the most prolific (i.e. mass produced ) of very few modern manufacturers.

I really think those who are aficionados are seeking certan vintage models or customs.

That being said TI, dovo, and boker have some nice razors as well. For current production you could also look at whacker and ralf aust.

There really isn't a consensus superman first edition or honus wagner.

My suggestion is look at razors on ebay across the spectrum and get a feel for what turns you on before you start buying. Good luck, you have plenty of company.

Or you could go my route of buying one of each and see what you like then thin the herd later. [emoji50]
Set a price limit though... lesson learned. [emoji6]

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I appreciate all the info, and replies. As stated, I'm very new so a lot of razors look the same to me. How did most of you acquire most of your razors in the begging as you delved more into the hobby that is wet shaving? To me it makes sense that you would get a better understanding of things and different razors seeing them in person. I'm sure antique stores are where most vintage can be found, but I'm relegated to an hour drive for the closest one. I'm not complaining, I'm just curious. The only other option is internet, which is fine when you know what your doing, and what it is your looking for. I'm happy with my Dovo (Col. Conk.) It was an internet purchase after a small amount of research a few years ago. I do believe it needs to be honed, and have planes to get that squared away. It was used a few times then sat for 3 or 4 years. It got a little rust that I've pretty much eliminated, but I think it has a small chip in the edge.

I inherited my first two. I had MyCarver restore one, then the other after I botched the attempt. After I learned how to use them a bit, I started reading, then buying. I've gotten a bit crazy but don't regret any of them. Most I bought off the bay, or other other online sites. Only 1 over $100, most are "user grade" and in the $30 to $60 range. If I wanted, I could get that back from them.
Then honing. I haven't gotten crazy with stones yet... Well too crazy.
Imo there are razors I love that I paid $30 for, others I paid much more that shave the same.
I doubt that you'll find a shotty vintage manufacturer but you'll pay a premium for minimal wear and tear. I think there's more bang for the buck in vintage. That's me.
I think there might be pass around razors in the forum too. That might be an option for you. Try different widths, weights, makers, hone techniques. I'm not sure of the details.
That's my two cents

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