Thread: 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?

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.

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.

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.

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!