What are your favorite razors?

I know different people will have as many opinions as to which is "best," so I would not ask that. However, since cumulatively, the members here have probably tried hundreds, if not thousands of different razors, I am curious as to what your favorites are, and why. To make it simpler, please exclude custom razors.

Also, as with most newbies, I would be more concerned with function - shave quality, balance, etc, over collectability or beauty. Ease of honing and ability to take and keep a good edge would count too.

So, to make it easier - what are your TWO (or three) favorite shavers, and why?

My favorites would be a tie between my Torrey and Henckels. The Torrey is a large, heavy spike and the Henckels is a lighter 5/8 round (actually a spike that someone rounded at some point). They have a different feel but both are great.

The next would be my Genco. It would rate higher but it is a smaller blade (9/16) and the scales are very light. I have developed a preference for something with more heft in the hand, but it gives an excellent shave.

I am a newb, I just bought a zeepe I think its round. Please tell me what the different things called. Like you say spike, round. And is there a chance you could give me a quick rundown on cutthoart lingo. I got it off ebay. Thanks

I hate to tell you this but I am afraid that you will not find the zeepe to be a very serviceable razor. They are really not shave quality. there are some nice inexpensive razors posted here that would give you a better shot at learning the art of straight razor shaving.

Unfortunately the people with the most experience are not going to be motivated to participate in these types of threads because they will not want to see the prices on their favorite (somewhat unknown) razors go up even more. I can tell you that Zeepk razors are known as absolute junk and you should stay far away from them.

Dont worry boys, I'm schooling the Devildog as we speak. I think we need to put together a newb kit for the young man. He is forward deployed right now and as we can see from his recent purchase, he is in desperate need of a proper newb razor.

What do you say? Can we put together a quick used/servicable newb kit for a deployed Marine who is trying to get started?

If we are sure that we can get it to him I have a decent razor that he is welcome to if someone is willing to hone it. maybe Glen or mike would be willing to help with that?

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Originally Posted by Doc

If we are sure that we can get it to him I have a decent razor that he is welcome to if someone is willing to hone it. maybe Glen or mike would be willing to help with that?

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I've got a shave-ready Clauss USMC razor I'll give him. 6/8 size, roundish point. Good starter razor, and apropos to boot.

I love my Dovo Silver Steel with ebony handles. Of course, I love it because it's my only razor. :P

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Originally Posted by heavydutysg135

Unfortunately the people with the most experience are not going to be motivated to participate in these types of threads because they will not want to see the prices on their favorite (somewhat unknown) razors go up even more.

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That's an interesting perspective. I had not even thought of that, since it seems contrary to the nurturing and benevolent attitude I have seen in this forum thus far (and again exhibited as regards the post from the Marine newbie in this thread). Live and learn, I guess.

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Originally Posted by Doc

If we are sure that we can get it to him I have a decent razor that he is welcome to if someone is willing to hone it. maybe Glen or mike would be willing to help with that?

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Count me in for what ever the razor needs for tune up....
I can't get to the shop still so no new scales or anything like that.. (Sorry)
But polish and honing yep I'm in...
That Clauss USMC is the same as I just gave to my neighbor a total newb and he loved the shave.... He is a veteran Marine I found out there is no such thing as an ex-Marine LOL.....
Whatever razor you guys decide count me in for a free tune up!!!!!!
just PM me....

Well, as a relative noob myself, I'm not really all that worried about prices going up - especially since I've already got quite a few of my (thus far) favorite shaver brand.
The Griffon "Carbo-Magnetic" ("60") seems to be my #1 at this point. I also have a Simmons Hardware "No. 8 Special" that shaves exceptionally well. Both full hollow, both 5/8.
Keep in mind I'm a noob, and am still getting used to how to handle the different grinds and sizes.
I have a Fredrick Reynolds 6/8 wedge restored by Robert Williams that is also a very good shaver.

I have many more that I consider "good", but I even have a couple that I've yet to shave with. Many of the "good", I've only shaved with once, so that's not even a good sample.

I do however stand by the 1st two I mentioned as being *EXCELLENT* shavers.

It should also be noted that basically all of my razors have been honed by Josh Earl, and have landed in my mailbox *QUITE* sharp. As I understand it, some folks prefer "less sharp"... I kind of know what this means, but haven't had a chance yet to really experience the differences in levels and types of "sharpness". If that makes any sense.

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Originally Posted by RayG

That's an interesting perspective. I had not even thought of that, since it seems contrary to the nurturing and benevolent attitude I have seen in this forum thus far (and again exhibited as regards the post from the Marine newbie in this thread). Live and learn, I guess.

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We're benevolent dammit :p
I guess most of us are also aware of the forces of Supply & Demand and we are obviously slaves to it. There is a good list of fine brands in the link in the Newbie Section marked CRITICAL INFO:
http://straightrazorpalace.com/showthread.php?t=6759

This might help a bit. PM me for my personal faves -

My top 4 at this point are

Henckels Friodur 6/8 (the original not reground) - Super sharp and smooth and hold edge for a long time
DD Goldegde - Smoothest razor of all.
Puma -
TI 6/8 Half hollow

First I loved my Colonel Conk, but it wouldn't shave me.
Then I loved by Dovo, and it kinda shaved me.

Then I learned to shave, and I loved my Dovo, but I got this Gold Bug.

Then I loved my Gold Bug, but I got this Bismarck.

Then I loved my Bismark but I got this Genco.

Then I loved my Genco but I got this Clauss.

Now I have 5 Clauss, 8 Genco, 2 gold bugs, 5 Wade Butcher, Torrey, Rogers, Thiers Issard, Pierce Chemical, Metropol...

2 wadsworth with naked girlies on the scales, a Bowdins wedge, Jacques lecoultre with removable blade in frame back...two new old stock Droeschers, two red imps, ...

That's just what's lying on the top of my dresser at the moment. You should see what is in the drawer.

And I love them all, every single one. Even the wedges.

I am checking into the clinic on Monday....

My top shaving razor by a long shot...
This little wonder out-shaves everything!!!! in my stable. Period!!!! (if ya know me, I have a few respectable razors in that stable)
And great if you can find one.... buy it!!!!
I have never even seen another, I snagged this one in a lot I bought from a closed barber shoppe.....
This is a L.H. Mack - Columbus Ohio... I named it "Mac the Knife" The candy cane scales are not original I added them because the razor deserved better scales than it had....

Attachment 6859

My all time favorite is my Henckels...
I'm also a huge fan of Wade Butchers...
and Filarmonicas.

but all in all I'm convinced that an old school Wade and Butcher or Henckels will out shave just about anything out there. and they hold their edges very well.

Right now, I'm partial to W&B wedges or thick grinds, a nice Bengall and a couple of Heljestrands currently in my rotation.

Without a doubt DORKO and W&B. The W&B (see attached) I have is a Vlad remake that is absolutely beautiful and I use at least twice a week. However except for that my favorite is several Dorko's I have.. Great shavers. Please excuse the picture

I love my 7/8 W&B with a barber's notch. It cuts so smoothly and feels great in my hand.

My top favorite is my 5/8, 1/4 Hollow, John Barber. I love the edge, the balance, everything about it. My most forgiving razor! :tu

Close behind:

5/8 W&B
13/16 Joseph Elliot
5/8 Waterville
11/16 Taylor Eye Witness

I have the Filamonica #13 that Classic Shaving used to sell. I also have one of the Wacker-ground Bartmann #22 razors that is just outstanding. However, my favorit is a hollow ground W&B "For Barber's Use" razor.

6/8 Clements High Speed Round Point followed by my 5/8 C-MON Filli...

-Pary

If in the states I would recommend getting hold of a Genco - had a couple through recently and they were brilliant, with fearsome edges when honed, especially the 'fluid steel' model. Otherwise try a Radiumite - again, a great piece. And I'm not prejudiced, being a Brit who loves Sheffield iron!

I really, really like my TI horn covered tang 5/8 razor.

And my Dovo 6/8 pearlex with the gold wash on the spine


ANd my 5/8 Hen & Rooster with the blue pick bone handles

my two favorite razors right now are the boker I bought from Glen and a little razor that I have not found much info on stamped Lord and Taylor. I think its from the big now defunct dept store in New York. If anyone knows about this brand I would love to get some info. Also would like another like it!

My two favorites are the custom Robert Williams that I have (I need to post some photos of it as soon as I get it back from being honed) 10/8ths, Oryx scales, Monkey tail, rounded square point and leaf and vine file work on the back. Shaved like a dream till I decided it needed a touch up and was too chicken to hone it myself for fear of damaging my lovely.

I can't remember who makes my other favorite but it is a 12/8ths monster. Black horn scales, spike. Very plain and a ton of patina but shaves like a dream and weighs a ton! Could very well be my next attempted restoration it would be nice to see the old boy in some new scales with a mirror shine!

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Originally Posted by Loochie

I can't remember who makes my other favorite but it is a 12/8ths monster. Black horn scales, spike. Very plain and a ton of patina but shaves like a dream and weighs a ton! Could very well be my next attempted restoration it would be nice to see the old boy in some new scales with a mirror shine!

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Did you say 12/8?:eek: Wow, I would love to see a picture of that.

RH

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Originally Posted by richardhead

Did you say 12/8?:eek: Wow, I would love to see a picture of that.

RH

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I remeasured when I got home. It's actually 11/8ths. Here are some pics anyway.

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q...r/DSC00016.jpg

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q...r/DSC00024.jpg

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q...r/DSC00023.jpg

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q...r/DSC00019.jpg

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q...r/DSC00017.jpg

Not the best quality photos I've ever seen but what are you gonna do

The stamp on the tang says; E Parker & sons 3709 Sheffield. Can't seem to find anything about the company other than that they made cutlery and straights. If anyone knows anything about it feel free to share.