Thread: How much would you spend on a decent razor?

Hi,

I am very new to Str8s and have been looking for a second one in antique shops in my area. This led me to wonder what everyone here normally will pay for a decent str8?


Thanks,
Zac

Depends on the definition of "decent", but if it's an antique find that is "shaveable" (not shave ready, I'd expect to hone it), clean finish and an "average", entry level, razor (not a collectors item) I'd be willing to pay $20 to $30-ish before considering a brand new entry level razor... But again, it depends on what you expect to find, and as always: YMMV

It depends.
If I happened to chance upon a 7/8 tim zowada damascus for 500$ I would pick it up in a heartbeat.
Same for a Tamahagane razor in good condition.

But in those cases I'd only pay that money because I know that the razor is worth a lot more, so I could see it as an investment.

I have not fallen victim to RAD, so after all this time I still have only 3 razor in my rotation. I do not yet have the kind of money I'd need to buy what I would really like, and honestly, I don't think I will anytime soon, what with buying hones and equipment for restoring / making razors.

I have not had a new razor that matches a vintage razor that is in good condition.

I'm not talking "looks" I'm talking quality of shave.

Some of the old Sheffield makers, manufactured millions of razors. What they didn't understand about steel quality and how to make a razor nobody today has a hope of replicating in this throw away world.

I do not mean to denigrate DOVO or Thiers Issard, but they are struggling to find craftsman willing to make razors and their quality in the new millenium leaves much to be desired. Their razors are not usually ready for shaving straight out of the box but need to be rescued or prepared by a specialist.

The vintage razors around today have stood the test of time. they were made at a time when each part of razor manufacture was undertaken by a specialist. The surviving razors usually remain because somebody got a good shave out of them and so they kept them. So they are usually good shavers. They may be from Germany, Sweden, England or France.

Do you know that if you take two identical razors, that the chances are one will always shave better than the other. Do you know that even in the old vintage seven day sets there is nearly always one that is overused. Why that happens is because that razor shaved the best of the set.

So, even though they are not always pretty (that is unless the restoration boys from SRP have got hold of them) they are usually the best shavers available. $30 will buy a quality shave and $130 will buy you a pretty quality renovation. You will struggle to find a brand new shave ready in this price range even if you know what you are doing.

So I would strongly recommend you purchase a renovated vintage razor if you want a quality shave. The SRP buy and sell section is a great place to start looking.

Being new to straights (and before RAD kicked in), I figured one or two would be plenty, and I figured that spending up to around $100 for a "lifetime" decent quality new razor would fill the bill.

I found one around that price, bought it, and am very happy with it. Curiosity about what else was out there led to another, then others.

Good shavers can be had for not a lot of money, but the "catch-22" is you can't find out which will work for you unless you buy it and try it.

The highest I was willing to go, was 100 euro, for that one razor I really liked to have. (I've attached a picture)
That has a lot to do with my surname, and because it is such a beautiful piece, with its sculpted spine.
I was able to win one on Ebay (still in the mail, actually), for about 70 euro.

I have purchased very nice razors for under 10 euro. They all shave very well.

Maybe I'll grant myself one custom razor in a few years, when I 've completely figured out my preferences for the ideal razor. But only if I can spare the money.

Bart.

Originally Posted by Bruno

It depends.
If I happened to chance upon a 7/8 tim zowada damascus for 500$ I would pick it up in a heartbeat.
Same for a Tamahagane razor in good condition.

But in those cases I'd only pay that money because I know that the razor is worth a lot more, so I could see it as an investment.

I have not fallen victim to RAD, so after all this time I still have only 3 razor in my rotation. I do not yet have the kind of money I'd need to buy what I would really like, and honestly, I don't think I will anytime soon, what with buying hones and equipment for restoring / making razors.

Pardon my ignorance but what is a Tamahagane razor? Have not heard of that before...

I wouldn't spend more than $50 for a razor. I am probably on the cheaper end of the spectrum

Same here, I have a self imposed limit of $25 for any ebay purchase and $50 for hands on purchases.

I have about 15- 20 razors in my rotation, average cost of $15 (with shipping). All of em awesome shavers.


Of course, once I get out of grad school and get a real job.... LOOKOUT CUSTOM RAZORS!!1!!1

Originally Posted by netsurfr

Pardon my ignorance but what is a Tamahagane razor? Have not heard of that before...

Those are Japanese Straight razors. Actually its a type of steel, the kind used to make classic Japanese katana's. And if Bruno found one for $500 he would be the luckiest man in the world because those straights go for about $2000 new IF you can find one.