Thread: Old Razors vs. New Razors

Granted - old can have history and style. Old can also be pretty average.
i voted new, but would like to clarify; Not factory new - Custom new. i have some outstanding old razors and a few new factory razors - the new are just like any mass produced item. Give me a custom by a master and that would have to be the leading edge.
Adam

Most of my blades are vintage but I voted for 'New'! This is because I like both as much as each other and wanted to give the @new' a fair chance!

Rick

I like vintage blades but also have a number of new ones. So, basicly my RAD has no limits.

One of the reasons I really enjoy straights is the idea that I can take a vintage razor that, in most cases, was disgarded or unused for decades and make it useable again.

I think the "newest" razor I have is a NOS Friodur; best guess is it's from the 60's.

I have nothing against the new steel; I'm excited that they are in production. I just like the idea of taking somthing from trash to treasure.....



v/r

Allen

I only have "vintage" razors, so far. I think the youngest is the best part of a hundred years old.
A Kropp I have, is what would have been considered at the time 'mass-produced', but it does the job really well. I think as long as it's not deformed, well designed and made of the right type of steel it is a good razor.
I'd love to have a custom razor or a good modern factory razor, but I can't really afford a custom and doubt the factory razors would be any better than a tidy vintage blade, but cost more!

I thought about this also in favor of Vintage razors....
The availability of CHOICE!!!!
If you look at what yer favorite razor type is....
For instance my absolute favorite razor type, is an 11/16 Spike point Full hollow ground razor...
Not many of those available when it comes to new, in fact not many spike points at all out there...
Also I love the flashy scales I admit it!!! some of the old celluloid scales are just damn pretty, they don't add a thing to the shave but hey I like them.....

I've never shaved with a new razor, and there are a few reasons.

Price, variety, grind, and quality.

There are tons of good deals on quality vintage razors, whereas a new one will set you back about $100 (Dovo Special). There are tons of vintage razors out there from various makers in various countries with various types of steel in various grinds at various widths with various scales etc. I also prefer heavier blades, and most of the new ones seem to be full hollow. Sure there are some large half hollows, but see reason 1. Then there's the quality. A new razor should not be warped or ground unevenly. And yet lots are. Nuff said.

I didn't vote because I really have no preference. Most of my razors are vintage but I'm really happy with anything that shaves really well.

I've been at this since early January. I still have not really decided with the 40+ str8's I've collected with the RAD. This included old, new, shavette's, and Japanese. It seems that the size and configuration is makes the difference. The two different WAPI's are new/old and shave gr8. The Jos Herder 15/16 is a massive and beautiful shaver. The 2 Boker's are just OK. The Henkels SS can touch the whiskers off. The W&B and Wostenholm (Pipes and IXL) are warm and seem to melt the beard off. The other Sheffields are also very nice. The multiple American made and German are all great. The Chinese Double Arrow do a comfortable job.
I am still looking and deciding what to keep. You know, the shavette's do a great job with a very light touch-however they aren't really true str8's.
I am not really sure what the fuss is about the Japanese, the Tosuke is scary sharp but it is a PITA to use(even though it is exotic). I have Iwasaki on order and it should get here in a few weeks. I am #9 and they are expecting 12 in from Japan soon. At that time I'll have that experience to compare. I'll probably offer up the Tosuke on this forum at that time.
I do love them all and will likely filter down to a dozen or so to keep and then pass the other's on for others to try. There is something really special about using an antique tool. It is soothing. I am particularly pleased to use my father's old str8. I have taken it out and used it on his birthday, father's day, and the anniversary of his death. There is a great feeling of connection that comes along with this. I hope to provide this to my son. I have gotten him into method shaving with the DE's I've collected. He is not quite ready to move into st8 shaving yet.
JMHO
Sorry- got kinda long winded as I started this reply.
Headdoc

I love them both, so why dont I get to vote?