Thread: Best of the Best, Vintage and New

Custom is where my heart has gone, especially those who are starting out and have promise.

Originally Posted by ScottGoodman

Custom is where my heart has gone, especially those who are starting out and have promise.

You and me both, buddy

Make that three of us fellas.

Some of the new customs are just amazing razors

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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It has already been said, but I don't believe that those brands are sought after at all. They are simply the three main manufacturers that still make good products.

As others have said look to the grind and shape of a blade, but the thing is until you try you won't know what you like. My first razor was like many others a 5/8" full hollow round point Dovo best quality. It is often recommended for beginners as it is easy to handle and doesn't have extra sharp bits on the end like a square point would have. The thing is, I would say that it is now my least favourite razor. It shaves every bit as well as all of my others, I am just not a huge fan of a full hollow. Many others love the hollow grinds, but I just don't like the sound it makes.

I have ventured a little in to the vintage market and a little into the custom market too and they are all great. I would say if you are looking for a quality new razor that is on par in terms of price to the ones you listed, but maybe has a little more of a "custom feel" you could look to Ralf Aust.

Good luck and enjoy.

Originally Posted by Dieseld

But in my opinion, if you're wanting newer, then a custom razor is your best bet. There are few if any really good new razors out there by mass producers.

I also wouldn't consider Ralf Aust, Revisoren or Wacker mass producers (or Koraat, for that matter), and I would take any one of those over most "customs" I have seen over the last ±7 years any day.

And not just because of price but also design and the fact that I prefer hollow ground razors. Most custom makers don't offer hollow ground, or if they do it comes at a premium.

I know this is much based on opinion. Still, I wouldn't consider recommending a custom razor over e.g. a basic model Ralf Aust sage advice for a new shaver.

With regards to the original questions:

There is no ultimate best razor. Most vintage and new razors are decent to good, depending on the state they're in.

Wade and Butchers (and other wide Sheffield wedges) and Filarmonicas are ever popular, and I'm not sure why. I guess bigger is better.

Don't get me wrong, both are decent brands, but I have never considered them the cream of the crop, by a long shot. Just because something is popular (and hence, expensive) doesn't mean it's necessarily high quality.

Personally, my favourites are Solingen and Eskilstuna full hollows, ranging 5/8 to 13/16. Anything above that is more of a bother than useful to me, as I can't see half of my face with, let's say, an 8/8. With facial hair, that's a real issue.

Best regards,

Pieter


Ps: Considering the Cambridge Dictionary's definition of 'artisan (adj.)':

Originally Posted by Cambridge Dictionary

made in a traditional way by someone who is skilled with their hands

I very much consider Ralf Aust, Revisor and Wacker as straight up artisans rather than mass producers.

Vintage Sheffield are the best of the best.
We all agree on that.
Thank you