Thread: Are Russian razors any good?

I grabbed a razor from Russia off eBay for cheap to practice honing. Just curious if any of these actually make good shavers? I haven't found much info via search. Here're a few pics:

Hone it up, shave with it, and then YOU can tell US whether it is a good shaver. I have a bit of a fascination for Russian stuff - I have a Russian motorbike, a couple of Russian watches, a couple of Russian guns, &c. - so I would be very interested in how your Russian razor behaves and what you think of the steel quality.

Regards,

Duncan.

Will do. it'll also be my first test with my new vibratory tumbler setup once that gets here. I'll report back then.

Originally Posted by D2T

I grabbed a razor from Russia off eBay for cheap to practice honing. Just curious if any of these actually make good shavers? I haven't found much info via search.

Russian steel can be very good. Tula is the big Russian steel town (think Pittsburgh). The name on your razor is "Yacht" (not sure what a boat has to do with shaving...maybe luxury). The Russian letters are Я Х Т А (pronounced YAkh-ta).

Russia has a strong tradition of making quality blades (swords, daggers, etc.)

Are there any other markings?

Originally Posted by WireBeard

The Russian letters are Я Х Т А (pronounced YAkh-ta).

Good call The last letter was pretty hidden under the rust and I hadn't even noticed it.

Originally Posted by WireBeard

Are there any other markings?

Well, finally got around to restoring it and I must say it looks pretty good. Just gotta fab some scales (or maybe throw on an old set) and see how it does.