Thread: Boker using English steel?

I posted this on the ebay forum also, but it is a razor question above all. Why would Boker use English steel? Here is the link to the razor in question.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...TODAY.m238.lVI


Just curious as to why a company in Germany would use English steel.

Maybe the German steel was cast in England, explaining the "English cast steel" mark?

There's an awful lot of German razors boasting about Sheffield Steel.

By the way, I have one of those Bokers in your link that was refurbed by Gary (Traveller) and it's a great shaver.

Regards

Christian

Just like french TI razors claiming Sheffield

I think that historically, Sheffield steel was generally considered the best steel from which to make straight razors.

My own experience having tried many German and English fully ground razors is that the Sheffield steel razors are generally softer feeling on the face than German Steel or for that matter Swedish steel. I also find the Sheffield steel easier to keep razor sharp.

I have great shaves from German and Swedish steel razors. But without doubt, my best shaves have always been with a Sheffield ground Sheffield steel razor from any one of the many quality Sheffield manufacturers. Wade and Butcher is an example that is well known to many Americans. But there are many more manufacturers that are not so well known in the US, because they did not export to the US.

The only disadvantage to Sheffield steel is it rusts the easiest of all the steels. The better quality manufacturers would always mirror finish a Sheffield steel blade to overcome the rusting problem. The point being that water runs off a mirror finish easier than any other finish.

Even today, Thiers Issard, the French razor manufacturer uses Sheffield Silver Steel as their steel of choice. (I think).

I've got two Bokers 'Finest English Cast Steel' and they are great shavers.

yes Boker did this on a few razors. I Dont think it was all that odd back then.

You learn something new every day.. Thanks all for the input. I am going to try to win this razor again...

I agree with English here. I too feel that Sheffield Steel is much softer on the face and shave much better than German. By far my favorite blades have been made with Sheffield steel.

I am not sure what Pumas use, but I love the steel in their blades too.

Originally Posted by English

My own experience having tried many German and English fully ground razors is that the Sheffield steel razors are generally softer feeling on the face than German Steel or for that matter Swedish steel. I also find the Sheffield steel easier to keep razor sharp.

I have great shaves from German and Swedish steel razors. But without doubt, my best shaves have always been with a Sheffield ground Sheffield steel razor from any one of the many quality Sheffield manufacturers. Wade and Butcher is an example that is well known to many Americans. But there are many more manufacturers that are not so well known in the US, because they did not export to the US.