Battle of the straight-blades...

Out of the following razors, which would you prefer, and why?

Bonsa-Werk 4/8" blade, like new condition with correct box, honed and shave ready...

H. Boker Vintage, very good condition with correct box, extra hollow ground - slight grey staining that may be fine pitting (when observed under a magnifying glass) and light nick in one scale (said to be barely visible).

Finedge Ostiso Magnet in excellent condition, white bone scales (cow), manufactured between 1921 and 1923 only (unsure of this fact) so they are said to be rare. No box, but honed and stropped.

I know it's not a lot of detailed info/pics, but I was just wondering which you'd take with the given info and why.

Interested in seeing who wins this brawl! :gwh:

I would take the Boker, well known and I like shoulderless blades, even if I don't like the scales, I would probably rescale in micarta or similar.

So that's one for the Boker, the shoulderless blade is a good point. Any other takes?

I had that exact same Bonsa, & it's a great little blade. I let it go as my mate wanted it & i needed to lose a few blades. It was that or a tiny Heljestrand, so it went. I can recommend them if you're after a smaller razor.

I like the Boker most. It isn't the elusive meatchopper I'm still hunting down, but it does have that lovely curve on the shank, that just appeals to me for some reason.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ben.mid

I had that exact same Bonsa, & it's a great little blade.

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Thanks for the rec, mate.
Nothing on the magnet then, eh? I was wondering if it's true about how rare they supposedly are, but can't find much info on the net...

I don't know which one I'd take, but I do really like Fine Edges. I had a pretty nice one, but at the time I didn't really like full hollows so I let her go. I certainly wouldn't mind getting another one now.

I'd take whichever gives the best shave.

Just because there's a recognizable brand doesn't mean its the best. If you think it does Mr Gillette would like to talk to you.

I'll vote for the magneto. Looks like a nice blade in good condition. If you like small blades (I don't) then go for the Bonsa. The Boker looks fine, but a little less shiny than the other two, for what that;s worth....

Which one appeals to YOU?

See, that's the thing. They all appeal to me in their own way, so I can't really decide which I'd like to shoot for at the moment!

Why not all three? ;)

If I had to choose one, it would be the Boker. Shoulderless FTW!

Huh, it's a hard decision. I think i'd go for the Magneto, or the boker. 4/8-s are good, but i like larger blades. (I do have all sizes from 3/8-7/8), but i like 5/8's and 6/8' best.

Very pretty, but can they fight? :matrix:

The shave test would determine the winner.

Pabster

That Boker would be a good bet for a good shave.

X

I like shoulderless but here I'd vote for the Finedge Ostiso Magnet.
Looks very good to me.

Of course shaving well is most important.

I'd go for the Boker, It might not be the prettiest, but I have yet to find one that didn't give a great shave.

Bokers the only one I know from reputation, the other two are knew
to me but also by reputation most solingen blades are good to.

I'm getting a Boker exactly like the one first pictured... Does anyone know more about that particular model?

Personally I would keep all three, I have 22 I shave with and they all appeal in their own way. As stated by thebigspendur, manufacture name doesn't always mean its the best razor. I have a few big names that currently don't shave as good as the lesser names but I'm not blaming the manufacture name, could be I haven't figured out the code on that particular razor to get that fine edge we all look to achieve. All three look very nice BTW and you will find out like the rest of us it's hard to say 'Good-Bye' to any of them, just try it, I dare you.

I'm not much on a 4/8 blade, so it would rule out the first one for me. The Finedge Ostiso Magnet looks almost NOS & as long as it's German, should be a good shaver. I agree with these guys & gals on Boker, you can't go wrong as long as the blade isn't used up or damaged.

I haven't shaved with any of them so, going by looks, I'd pick the Boker.

I'd like the shoulderless boker it also looks to have a nice long monkey-tail.

Ladies and gentlemen:

Make mine the Boker. I like Bokers. I have two of the new versions and am delighted with them. I can only imagine what the classics would have been like.

Regards,

Obie

I love the 3rd one, Finedge Ostiso Magnet. The bone scales are exotic and have a nice look that does not distract from the blade. The blade is beautiful, nice finish and looks like its not too wide or narrow. I have a Dovo round point, but i like the look of this one, not too pointed. Beautiful razor. How much would one like that go for?

I have that Boker and it's my favourite razor: light and maneuverable; takes a great edge for a fantastic shave; and it's a freakin' classic. So there are my two cents.

I would definitely take the Boker.
Why ? 'couse it's inherent value despite the unimportant cosmetic "flaws".
I even like that kind of scales.