Thread: What Do You Guys Look For

When you look to buy a razor. Size of blade? Shape of the tip? Weight of stock? Manufacturer? Fancy? Worked Spine? Shaving ability or reputation? Handle shape? Handle material? Stainless? Damascus?

So many variables........Over the last few years 7/8 and larger blades have become increasingly popular. I like them too, but really need to watch it when shaving with them as I tend to flatten out the angle around the chin and jaw.

This should be a very interesting discussion.

Lynn

I'm not a big collector myself but am looking for a small dozen of blades for my weekly rotation.

1. Blade shape !! (Very important to me)
2. Blade stamping (if it's not my taste there is little chance I would buy it even if other characteristics suits my needs)
3. Blade size (4/8 - 7/8)
4. Scale shape
5. Scale material (not too fund of ivory colored/looking scales)

To me the overall apparence of the straight is very important to me.
But in the end it is also the shaving abilities that count (but that's to find out after shaving with it).

My favorite is still my first Thiers Issard "Évidé Sonnant Extra" 5/8. Classy, simple and a great shaver.

All of the above Lynn. However,mostly whatever catches my eye and even more importantly than that--whatever the wife will allow me to spend on it!

-Pary

When I'm looking for a razor, My first reaction is to check out the size (prefer 5/8ths or 6/8ths,) then for a rounded toe. With all else being equal, then it boils down to the best looking scale (wood, bone, anything other than plastic) Lately, I've been checking out razors without the gold wash on the blade and file worked spines. The pink ivory is looking purdy good at the moment

LIMIT

Here lately I have been looking for wedges, with either horn or bone scales. But I if I find something nice and restorable I usually grab it.

I'm always on the lookout for a French point. They seem to be ridiculously hard to find. I know one of the retailers sells the Dovo's, but I'm not a fan of the scales on those.

I'll keep searching though!

(I also like the Spanish point. Not a fan of the barbers point).

I try to keep an eye out for good steel! Some of this is found by reputation, but for the most part I tend to "feel" for it. Don't really know now to explain the process, but I hope someone else that shops this way can chime in.

In order

Quality Steel
Grind: full hollow or singing
Size: 11/16 (easy to handle yet still retains some weight)
Point: Spike
Etch: Real not washed
Scales: Cracked ice or colored celluloid, acrylic, etc:
Bolsters: Oh yeah love those
Inlays: Even just the brand, is way cool

I look for a blade in good condition, with no cracks or little to no hone wear first, you'd be surprised how many you can find

then I look at the size...5/8 or bigger,

then I look at the brand.

Originally Posted by Lynn

When you look to buy a razor. Size of blade? Shape of the tip? Weight of stock? Manufacturer? Fancy? Worked Spine? Shaving ability or reputation? Handle shape? Handle material? Stainless? Damascus?

So many variables........Over the last few years 7/8 and larger blades have become increasingly popular. I like them too, but really need to watch it when shaving with them as I tend to flatten out the angle around the chin and jaw.

This should be a very interesting discussion.

Lynn

Iv'e got quite a few options open to me in my collection at the moment .But I find myself being increasingly drawn to 5/8 spike blades ,I love the look & feel of them & seem to be shaving with a lighter touch & getting the shave done just that bit faster,so the lather does'nt dry out.
I love the look of plain steel & no worked spine's .My favorite scale material just has to be bone can't quite tell you why its just a feel thing.
But you just know that this will change in the near future being as fickle as I am .Paul