Thread: Old Razors vs. New Razors

Vintage razors all the way, if it's lasted 100-150 years and hadn't been melted down and turned into something else, it is either been stored away somewhere to resurface decades and decades later, or proved itself as a sublime shaver.

Nothing beats, IMO, Sheffield steel, the old Swedish, Spanish, Japanese and German razors, it's where it all began and where all the skills originated from.

Personally, you hit the top of the mountain with a large, old, Sheffield steel blade, whether Wade & Butcher, Elliot, Wostenholm, Rodgers, or many others, not like most of them weren't made by the same group of artisans anyhow.

The modern razors, again in my opinion, are shadows of the past, with few exceptions, Whacker, and Revisor would stand out as exceptions.

Yeah, old thread.
All of mine are vintage. In theory new razors should be better with advances in metal and production technology. In reality, I doubt it. Customs may be the exception.
With so many manufacturers across multiple countries competing on an international level, the vintage razors had to be top quality otherwise no-one would buy them. Seems most were shave ready from the manufacturer as well. Not much better than picking up a NOS vintage that's 50 or 60 years old for a third or less the price of a new production razor, stropping it and being able to shave with it.

I like both and own about 80% vintage. Tend to use current production most. It's my way of supporting a niche cottage industry. Would hate to see that disappear. I also think the Aust, Revisor, Wacker and Koraat make razors that are equal to any vintage out there, excluding the variety of scales you see on older razors, esp molded celluloid. YMMV of course

Vintage, vintage, vintage. IMO they are a better razor. I like my new ones but prefer my vintage. All historical and emotional affairs aside.

I just auctioned off the only new razor I owned, because I couldn't stand the sight of it.

To be honest, I'm not sure how it even got through my front door.

Vintage steel is 10 times better than todays steel . Easier to hone , much better feel to the shave.

IMO

May as well jump in too. I have only 2 brand new production razors (not custom ones) and 2 or 3 NOS vintage blades to really compare on an equal basis. I'd say the factory edges on the vintage NOS razors were better as in strop and go where the new production razors needed a touch up on a finishing hone to satisfy me. I also like the traditional pinning on the vintage compared to the nail head style pinning on the new production ones. Other than that either group shaved equally well.

If you can hone your own and do a slight amount of restoration work, vintage razors are a bargain compared to new production razors. Most of my rotation falls into the category of vintage and needed work done.

Custom razors I won't even get in to because I refuse to pay the price among other reasons. Purely a personal decision and not a statement of that class of razors qualities.

Bob

It looks like I am in the minority as I prefer modern razors. I started using a straight to get a better not out of nostalgia. I am not handy so I prefer a razor that arrives honed and is easy to maintain. I also prefer the look of new razors.

I do own and enjoy a couple of vintage razors but most of my razors are new.

I probably should not mention I prefer synthetic hones

From the viewpoint that a razor is just a tool, I like any sharp razor. If I were into collecting razors, vintage is the way to go. I'm sure some of todays razors will become collectible, but that is really a crap shoot....who knows which ones will?

For me SR is a tool. It requires more time and skill than DE or cartridge system along with some special stuff, but tends to give more pleasure from a shaving routine. That is my goal.
I have purchased an old (actually new old, unused) reputable F.Herder #77 of 1920-30 sharpened for me by a master and also ordered a new custom Koraat which came really shave ready as well. I have to say I much prefer the latter for its better shaving and irreproachable general quality. It is better in all respects. So my vote is for a new (custom) razor.