I believe you are correct Jimbo. For a short time I only bought well known razors precisely for that reason.

This thread has gone in many directions but if I recall the original question correctly, I think it was essentially if there are any razors that have survived the fad faze over time and remain a solidly rated and preferred buy. Basically, what straight razor has been around for a long time, was a great shave 80 years ago, and remains a great shave to this day.

To me that varies - I believe it to be a personal preference. I find wonderful shavers every week that I never knew existed. Some that I like today may not be so favored once I try another one for the first time. But as far as one that seems to be preferred by many and that has been favored for decades, I would maintain that with 2 or 3 general exceptions that answer will be different for most. And those general exceptions are what the originator of this thread is searching for - I believe.

If one applies that same question to autos, some will say Benz or Lexus or BMW but others will vigorously disagree and support VW or Bently or Zil - just depends upon your location, taste, and wallet.

Good question and discussion though!

Quote Originally Posted by Jimbo View Post
I have thought about this on occasion and have a tentative hypothesis that might explain at least some of the apparent "flavour of the month" razors that tend to remain "flavour of the month" for years and years.

Uncertainty and lack of information. New guys do not know what they are looking for in a razor and they are generally less willing to take a risk with their money on an unknown or lesser-known razor, so they latch on to the ones that are mentioned the most as being generally good razors, and competition does the rest.

It is only an hypothesis, but I reckon there is at least some truth in it.

James.