Thread: Russian razor ?

I believe this razor comes from Russia and I was wondering if anyone has had any experience with Russian razors. I'm hoping someone, maybe hi_bud_gl, could translate the writing on the scales and coffin. As you can see, this is the eBay picture and some of the writing is not very clear. How do Russian razors compare to the other, well known varieties from England, Germany, the U.S., etc? Thanks for any info.

Regards - Walt

They turn up every now and then. In general most Russian stuff made for export is poor quality. it depends when it was made. That would be the key.

I don't recall anyone ever doing a review on one. Why don't you if you win it.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

I don't recall anyone ever doing a review on one. Why don't you if you win it.

OK. It was with a group of razors in a Buy It Now auction, so I did.When it gets here I will put it through its paces and make a report. Heck, I might even start a Russian razor club. But I have the feeling that I might be the only member.

Regards - Walt

Considering its all in Russian maybe it was made for in country and maybe decent steel just a thought I really have no idea. Im sure there had to be some ok Russian makers at some point. Look for export markings.

I believe its called the "Rocket", but you would have to talk to Sham/Hi bud gl to be sure. I asked him about Russian razors at one time and he asked me why would I want one.

As far as the writing, britva meens razor and I think uskaya means narrow but there are probably others on this forum who speak Russian better than me.
In my opinion, some of the old Soviet razors are very good shavers. One of my favorites in my personal collection is a Russian razor that I picked up in Europe and got for very cheap.

Originally Posted by Walt

OK. It was with a group of razors in a Buy It Now auction, so I did.When it gets here I will put it through its paces and make a report. Heck, I might even start a Russian razor club. But I have the feeling that I might be the only member.

Regards - Walt

I will join you

I have a Vostok-3 razor (yes I was a child of the space race) and it is a much better than expected shaver.

As a broad generalization anything the Soviets made for export was of higher quality than for domestic consumption
Anything associated with prestige projects (eg Space Race) is usually of quite high quality.

I haven't seen any Soviet era razor that was taken to more than a half hollow grind. As referred to earlier the steel can be very hard, which makes rectifying faults and sharpening a dull blade difficult but does make keeping a good edge in shaving condition easy.

Originally Posted by Pauly

I have a Vostok-3 razor (yes I was a child of the space race) and it is a much better than expected shaver.

As a broad generalization anything the Soviets made for export was of higher quality than for domestic consumption
Anything associated with prestige projects (eg Space Race) is usually of quite high quality.

I haven't seen any Soviet era razor that was taken to more than a half hollow grind. As referred to earlier the steel can be very hard, which makes rectifying faults and sharpening a dull blade difficult but does make keeping a good edge in shaving condition easy.

Dang it. I didnt need to know that a vostok stamped razor existed. Now I'm gonna have to get my hands on one to go with my vostok watch collection...