Thread: Best of the Best, Vintage and New

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?

ATM I am a big fan of Swedes and Filarmonicas. Both are easy to hone, take a good edge and give a smooth shave. As I am prone to skin irritation that is the thing for me.

Wacker for new or Grelot for vintage for me followed by Mappin and Webb. Wade and Butchers are favorites too.

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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.

I have razors in my rotation that are in the well respected class and most in the also ran class. For the life of me I can't fathom what the difference is when it comes to the shave. The shave is the reason these things exist.

Over the years there were hundreds of razor makers in Sheffield, Solingen, Sweden, USA, Spain, Japan, Russia and other places I am sure. Most of those on any given day could turn out a razor that was properly made and also a few that weren't. Manufacturing being what it is, that is likely true today.

For that reason I am not too fussy about brand names so long as the razor was well made and capable of taking a shave ready edge.

Since I have no control over how well a razor has been made I look for a razor that is in decent condition, when it comes to vintage ones, which is not a problem with newly made ones. They have a blade style that I like, in a size that I like, are pleasing to my eye and at a price that I am willing to pay.

The blade size is a personal preference. Keep in mind that I have not seen, when I was a kid many moons ago, a barber using very large sized razors. If I had to bet most were in the 5/8 - 6/8 range. It was and still is all you need to get the job done in style at a modest price point. Personally I prefer razors in the 5/8 - 7/8 range for those reasons.

I guess I am not much help when it comes to naming the best of the best but there it is. The only thing I will say for brands is that I have not met a vintage Boker that I did not like. I have no idea what the new ones are like.

Bob

More than focusing on brand, I'd try to find what size, grind and condition I'm in the market for.
There are stellar shavers in all categories.

Avoid the cheap pakistanis and most cheap new production models and you should be golden.

Browsing around these forums, the razor clubs in particular, will give you a good feeling of what is popular and considered "up there"

In threads like "shave of the day" you'll find a lot of high end stuff as well.
Most people show off some really sweet stuff in there.

All that said, there is not really all that much difference in shaving ability on a ton of respected brands from the past out there.
Some are more popular (pricey) than others, but a well maintained vintage razor will work wonderfully.
Much more often than not.

Thanks Bob. Now i dont have to post, as you said it all for me and i agree 100%. Even to the many moons ago and Bokers.

There's been a lot of great advise said here so far. 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.
Now you can't really go wrong with any of the razors made in Sheffield back in the day. As long as the razor is in good condition, then you'll have a fine shaver.
Also there are a few American producers from back in the day as well.
This is a rabbit hole, like most anything involved in straight razor shaving lol

Watch the Buy/Sell/Trade area of the forum, you can find some very good razors there at good prices.
And they are shave ready.

As to size, that is a personal preference. I like 6/8 and up. But I also have some 5/8 and 4/8 in my collection. They are all a joy to shave with. Different grinds give you different feed back, but in all honesty shave no different.

Just enjoy and have fun!!!!
That's really all that matters

Originally Posted by Dieseld

There's been a lot of great advise said here so far. 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.
.....

Custom can be great, no doubt.
I have a few of my own

That said, in my experience one needs to thread carefully in that market.
Not all makers of today are quite up to snuff imho.

We don't do vendor bashing on SRP, but check around with other experienced members before buying is my advice

That is very true Birnado, and I agree. Just check around here, and you'll see who's razors are used and who's aren't.
Also check in the razor clubs area. I'm pretty sure every good maker has a following there