Thread: Thoughts on vintage vs. new...

I have to say I love vintage razors. Not only is there a much greater variety (width, blade curve, country of origin, frameback, etc.) but they can be purchased incredibly cheaply. I have picked up 5 razors off the bay, all for under $15, the most recent costing a mere $5 delivered to my doorstep. While I would love to own a shiny new razor or even a custom, it just makes more sense economically (and historically) to purchase a vintage blade.

Not to mention, all of these razors will long outlive all of us, so why bother dropping a ton of money on something new if you can get something 100+ years old for cheap?

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

I would say the same for handguns made by Smith & Wesson or Colt.

The polishing, fit and finish of the older wheel guns was flawless and there was the same fore mentioned artistic nuance to the guns as to the pocket knives. Back in those days the wages were low enough to allow for more time spent on a piece and I think there was more quality control.

I can agree with that. I've got a S&W "Triple Lock" and Colt "New Service" both in .455 made for the British Army in World War I. The fit and finish on both is a testament to the care and skill of the workers in Springfield and Hartford. In contrast, I have a S&W 29-2 made in 1970 that's great, but not as good as the older S&W. A friend has a new S&W that's rough by comparison.

Originally Posted by cristobal41

I am the very first proud owner of a brand new Filarmonica Sello Oro 13 that I recently brought back to life after 20 years in its box. Needless to say that I love it and that it is in mint condition. I feel like getting another razor. My question is, Are NOS vintage razors better than good new ones? Is it only a nostalgia, collection eagerness and desire question? Should I get another Filarmonica or a new Dovo, Thiers-Issard or similar.
Hands on your hearts, please.

I am a big fan of historic TI razors, they are made from old stock blanks, so the steel is really good.
I had a new Dovo and i did not like it, it was more about the grind rather than its quality although I was not very impressed by the edge retention.

Originally Posted by mainaman

I am a big fan of historic TI razors, they are made from old stock blanks, so the steel is really good.
I had a new Dovo and i did not like it, it was more about the grind rather than its quality although I was not very impressed by the edge retention.

Mainaman,

THanks for your idea. I will go for another Filarmonica. In this occasion I can choose between a 13 Sello Oro, the same I have, and a Especial Barba Dura (Hard Beard Special). Logically, I should choose the Barba Dura as:
1.- It is different from the one I have.
2.- My beard is a sort of metallic bristle on a silky skin.
Just for curiosity, can a razor have such a different behavior from another?
Independently of all of this thoughts, I guess that nothing bad can happen if you have two identical razors except for the scales color, can't it?
Regards.

Originally Posted by cristobal41

Mainaman,

THanks for your idea. I will go for another Filarmonica. In this occasion I can choose between a 13 Sello Oro, the same I have, and a Especial Barba Dura (Hard Beard Special). Logically, I should choose the Barba Dura as:
1.- It is different from the one I have.
2.- My beard is a sort of metallic bristle on a silky skin.
Just for curiosity, can a razor have such a different behavior from another?
Independently of all of this thoughts, I guess that nothing bad can happen if you have two identical razors except for the scales color, can't it?
Regards.

Different grinds and steels have different feel on the skin, I like the older TI razors because they feel pretty good on my face( my beard is pretty thick)
I have seen many posts that say Filarmonica is one of the finest shavers out there.