Thread: What Do You Guys Look For

For me it is all about reputation of the shave quality. Though the look of a razor is nice, more important to me that affects the shave quality is the balance and feel of the razor.

Chances are if it gets really high reviews I'll consider buying it. Lots of razors shave well, but if I'm going to buy a new one at this point, I'd really like the chance at a razor that shaves nothing short of amazing.

It's interesting that so many people are particular on the look, grind and size of the razor, is this in correlation to looks? Or to percieved shave quality? Or a little of each?

If it's stainless I don't care what it is... Nada
I'm a sucker for long tails and will stop and look at anything (see above) with a long tail.
Not crazy about 4/8's so 5/8 and up.
Odd blade shapes also catch my eye but I always end up with more traditional shapes.
Scales are so easy to swap around that I can ignore them to some point.

I tend to be a looker not a buyer But what really attracts me to a razor is the scales. I've got several plain black ones, and a few whites and some pretty wood. What I want next will be some colored plastics, swirls and such. If the scales don't fascinate me I won't bother looking at the blade. A Grim Reaper would be nice too.

Size matters not at all. Although I only have one 4/8's right now and would like another. Shape isn't important either though round points are my least favorite. Some blades just look sexier than others and this barely defined characteristic would be the second thing I would want out of my next razor.

I like big blades,7/8 or 8/8.It dont have to be fancy razor,but I dont like plastic scales.








~RPR~

I look for a jimped tang if I can find it. I find they are easier to control and feel safer in my hand when stropping. That said my favorite razor is W&B wedge with no jimping. It is harder to strop with though.

Originally Posted by rickypr

I like big blades,7/8 or 8/8.It dont have to be fancy razor,but I dont like plastic scales.








~RPR~

+1 ditto on the plastic scales. A steel blade that costs hundreds matched with a set of scales that must have cost 3 buckaroos to mold doesn't sit well with me. I am a sucker for the larger blades as well

For my collection (not rotation) I go for the following -

George Butler 'Shakespeare' razors
Razors from Slingers of Preston (home town)
very old Sheffield razors 1790 (or earlier if possible) - 1837 for preference. At this age all you get is horn or ivory scales mainly. I picked up a matched pair of 'Woods Patent' wedges recently with carved ivory scales. That sort of thing is my favourite. Other makers, W&B, Marshes & Shepherd, Wostenholm, Greaves etc. Lord knows how much I've spent, I daren't look!