Thread: Razor Preference --- Plain or Ornate?

I don't like gold wash at all, but I don't mind a little decoration on the scales. I quite like the German plastic/celluloid scales with inlaid silver-colored decorations.

My preferences now run to plain with any decoration coming from the scales .Theres just something about nice plain steel.Paul

I prefer the plainer type razors as well - I've got a Bergischer Lowe that's all gold wash here and gold wash there and it's a beautiful looking razor, no doubt. But I get all paranoid with it trying to keep it minty and therefore don't use it as much as I'd like.

I really love the nice clean lines of the Heljis or the Rodgers etc. I prefer almost any other point than a round point (Lou point being the exception to this rule ).

James.

Maybe someone needs to tell Dovo and TI this --- it appears so far that most like it simple and clean.

Justin

I like a good stout blade, file work, and bone scales, but I am becoming a fan of exotic wood scales.

I don't like any ornaments that can be messed up during normal use and maintenance. Blade preferably shiny, handle any material but metal, not heavy. No dirt catching corners.

Simple razors for me too, please! But... simple and with a bit of personality...

The blade can be satin or mirror, with etching only if there's a strong reason (only if the design - and I mean the whole razor's design - calls for it), no gold wash at all if possible.

Handles - I'm surprised that I like plastic handles! I've got a small used Dovo Inox from a boutique while visiting Budapest that has a mirror finished blade and black scales (not the original scales though), only to be surprised that the current day counterpart has a gold patch on the blade (my razor is not sharp enough, so can't actually shave with it, it removes some beard but not all of it - but that's another story). Still, the new razor I ordered and I'm eagerly awaiting has black horn scales. Ornaments on the handle - a big no, with few exceptions (some limited edition TIs from CS look ok).

Pierre Thiers razor - I find it very good looking! If I had the $$ (and justifiable to my wife), I just might go for one (until it's too late). IMHO, It's not ugly at all, it's charm is exactly that it looks so rudimentary. But of course, without the golden oval patch!

The irony is that I was liking the Filarmonicas from CS a lot, and it sold out right before I was ready to order one (Still, I hope the TI I'm expecting will make up for the disappointment - well, no more off topics).

The all gold washed Dovos and Wackers remind me of the tastes of gypsies that live in my country (Romania) and to my personal taste, that's way over the limits of good taste.

Personally I like the TIPTLE. I just had RW put a set of Mammoth scales on mine. The gold wash I can take or leave. I think it looks good, and really don't care if it wears off, unless I buy it for a collectable. In which case it would be on display not in the bathroom. I like the history and quality in my hand with razors like the TIPTLE, or an old restored razor. If I can still see the markings that set it apart, so much the better.

Very interesting and surprising - turns out many people like plain razors and hate gold wash (concur, in general). I often de-gold razors if I intend to keep them for myself (vs. sell later - then it's better to keep the gold wash). I was under the impression that most guys here go for fancy stuff...

However, I must admit that I may like razors, which are a bit over the top too - depending on the razor. For example, I like the horrible faux bamboo scales on one of my best shavers, as well as some of the artsy scales - some patterns (like the ones Gary reproduced), couple of naked ladies, etc. And for the life of me I cannot make myself take the gold off my Novodur! Yet...

One thing about which I vaccilate: MOP and / or abalone scales and details; often I think they are ridiculous, other times I think it may be nice to have something like this - even if just for the gaudy kitsch appeal... You know, what was the General's quote about such trim on pistols, "New Orleans' pimp" style... I think MOP and abalone are visually fascinating, and great for women's stuff - not so much for guys' things, though. Funny - I would sometimes wear stuff that's pretty peacock, but clothes come and go, and a razor stays, so I haven't made the jump to these scales yet

In my book, it's hard to beat the class and elegance of ivory for scales, even though some woods may give it a run for the money.

Cheers
Ivo

Variety, gentlemen, is the spice of life. I have some very plain blades and some fancy. As long as they shave well, I appreciate them all. A little gold wash here, some etching or engraving there, and then some nice, plain, shiny Sheffield steel. Any blade that accurately reflects its history is fine by me. I'm not crazy about rope scales or those in the shape of naked ladies, however.