Originally Posted by
Bruno
Sorry to burst the bubble, but when it comes to the actual shaving performance (sharpness, smoothness) it doesn't make any difference whether you use a vintage Joseph Rodgers, a modern Dovo or TI, a custom made razor or a 9$ Wapienica.
Some razors keep their edge a bit longer, due to being a bit harder / tougher, but as far as shaving itself goes, it doesn't make much of a difference.
What you are paying extra for with high end razors is the effort that went into making a stylized razor, brand name, scale material and steel type, and availability. Most well known vintage razor brands floating around today are as good as it gets, and no amount of money thrown at it will get you a better shave.
Of course, the shaving experience itself can be vastly different, but not the actual hair removal process.
Shaving with a custom made razor that is honed to perfection is a wonderful experience, because it has been made specially for you. It looks great, it feels great, the scales look just the way you want, and the razor radiates an aura of quality and beauty.
But I shave with every razor I restore before sending it back to its owner, and I have gotten equaly fabulous shaves with vintage razors and wapienicas.
So long story short: find out what you like, and then spend money on it to get that. The shaves will be great and enjoyable (given good honing) But don't expect the actual hair removal proces to be much different from what you get with vintage, dovo, ti, wapienica, or any other quality razor.
One of our members (Iwan) is / was into high end straights. But he once said the best shave he'd ever got was with the 9$ wapienica that put all of his other high end gear to shame.