Thread: The cost of razors. Do you get what you pay for?

Don't take the title to literally...I realize when you spend $200 you are getting a better prodcut than the $20 ebay razors.

My question is a little more specific...

I am going to buy a set from Classic Shaving, and am not sure what to do about the package to buy. I am on a bit of a budget, but can venture into that mid-$200 range. So there is a set available for $155 (razor, strope, brush, mug and soap)...there are also many different brands, and packages available as we move up the price range.

So...is the razor that comes in the $250 package that much better than the $150 package? I do think the $250 razors look nicer, with engraving on the blade as well as nicer colors...but do they shave nicer when properly honed?

Sometimes you get more than you pay for, sometimes you get less.

Cosmetics and collect ability also factor into price.

As far as, "Can I as good of a shave with a $20 ebay razor as a $200+ whatever razor".

My answer is yes, as long as both razors were honed by a competent person.

If you are looking for a reason to buy the $200 sets.... If you have the money and want it, knock yourself out.

Thank you for the reply.

When I jump into something, hobby or otherwise, I just in head first. I will not buy a "cheap" razor. However, with that being said, I also don't want to pay an extra $100 for a "prettier" one. I want a good, basic razor, if I love shaving this way...I will start getting nicer ones.

Thanks again, I will go with the lower priced kit to start with.

I have razors that I got on Ebay for $12 (and that doesn't even include the ubiquitous DA!) that shave every bit as well as new razors that I paid $200 for

Before my comment on ebay razors spirals out of control. I am strictly looking at the Classic Shaving website. So, the line of DOVO razors only....I don't want to try and figure out the ebay razors, and I also want my first razor honed before I use it.


So...I am just looking at those Dovo razors....I am sure Ebay ones can be terrific.

Originally Posted by Seraphim

I have razors that I got on Ebay for $12 (and that doesn't even include the ubiquitous DA!) that shave every bit as well as new razors that I paid $200 for

Concur. If it floats your boat, then it is worth it to you. Some people are hung up the name or manufacturer (Dovo, Livi, TI, etc...) and are willing to spend the money for them. Others, like myself, are more concerned with the razor's ability to provide the shave I desire than the name on it.

Originally Posted by Dirt4dinner

Thank you for the reply.

When I jump into something, hobby or otherwise, I just in head first. I will not buy a "cheap" razor. However, with that being said, I also don't want to pay an extra $100 for a "prettier" one. I want a good, basic razor, if I love shaving this way...I will start getting nicer ones.

Thanks again, I will go with the lower priced kit to start with.

Please please please read this before you go jumping on ebay though..
Brands of Straight Razors to avoid - Straight Razor Place Wiki


I would look at buying a shave ready razor from the classifieds. Just about anything you get on ebay will need to be sent out to be honed.

Straight Razors - Straight Razor Place Classifieds


You could even try posting a WTB to see if someone can put together an entire starter kit for you.

Originally Posted by Slartibartfast

Please please please read this before you go jumping on ebay though..
Brands of Straight Razors to avoid - Straight Razor Place Wiki


I would look at buying a shave ready razor from the classifieds. Just about anything you get on ebay will need to be sent out to be honed.

Straight Razors - Straight Razor Place Classifieds


You could even try posting a WTB to see if someone can put together an entire starter kit for you.

Any razor that has not been overhoned from years of use or in some way damaged and is from Sheffield, Eskilstuna, Solingen or is any of the brands from the United States should be capable of giving you a gret shave if honed properly. By that I mean honed properly and then fine tuned for your particular face.

Which reminds me. I went to the doctor the other day and he told me I had a sinus infection. I told him I wanted a second opinion so he said, "OK! You're ugly too!"

Thanks everyone. I ended up making a purchase from two different online shops to get everything I wanted at prices that I felt were fair.

Here is what I got:
Professionally Sharpened Dovo Imitation Tortoise Shell 5/8"
Black Super Shave Mug
The World of Straight Razor Shaving DVD
Shave Brush Black Handle w/ Pure Boar Bristle Filling
Illinois Razor Strop 2.5" x 23" Topgrade Cow Hide w/ Handle
Styptic Pencil 1-1/2"
Lime Fragrance Shave Soap
Bay Rum Facial Splash and After Shave

We will see where we are when the dust settles. Total investment was right at $200 for those considering getting everything at one time like I did. The only thing I didn't buy was a set of hones...which I figure I would rather let someone else do it for $20 a couple times a year.

I will probably watch the classifieds for a different razor, maybe a different size or something, so I can have a couple to experiment to see what I like/dislike about different styles.

How does the list look?

Originally Posted by Dirt4dinner

Thank you for the reply.

When I jump into something, hobby or otherwise, I just in head first. I will not buy a "cheap" razor. However, with that being said, I also don't want to pay an extra $100 for a "prettier" one. I want a good, basic razor, if I love shaving this way...I will start getting nicer ones.

Thanks again, I will go with the lower priced kit to start with.

I hate to pee on my own parade but if properly honed an eBay special should give you just as good a shave as a $200 razor. Some people have the money to buy a more asthetically pleasing and collectable razor. It is like knife collecting.