Thread: Best of the Best, Vintage and New

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.