Any tried Gold Dollar recently?
I've been buying old Swedish, German and English straights for the past year almost and refining my honing skills. I've read all the information about Gold Dollar razors, but I like to experiment.
So, I bought one - a Gold Dollar '100' - it cost me around USD $9.
No surprises it came unable to shave anything - not even my forearm. So I pulled out my stones (whetstones) and got to work. It took me around 20 minutes, but after the bevel was set it began to mow my arm hairs relatively well (as good as the old Bengall razors I love) - after 4K, 8K and my Naniwa 12K nothing would stop it.
I had two days of growth. I stropped the razor for 150 laps, lathered up and gave it a shot.
Given all the comments I've read I was actually somewhat impressed with the first shave. I'll reserve judgement though as I'll use it for the next month or so and see if it deteriorates or whatever...
I saw that the Gold Dollar thread was locked, so I couldn't post there, but I was wondering if there have been some attempts by the Chinese manufacturers to improve quality?
My reference point for shave ready is Neil Miller's work - and I'm not approaching his skill with a hone yet, but I was more than pleased by the Gold Dollar.
As an experiment it was a cheap one. I'll probably go back to my Hellberg, Heljestrands and Bengalls as I'm something of a tradtionalist, but I must admit to being surprised.
Anyone else out there try this recently?