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1. If I said I was looking for a razor that is a massive beast of a razor, Which razor would you suggest?
2. If I said I was looking for a razor that was elegant, nimble, and spry, that would dance across your face like a woodland nymph. Which razor would you suggest?
Just looking for ideas for future razor hunts.
I would go for a custom if I wanted a massive beast of a razor.
Next option some old Sheffield chopper
Wost and WB made some good beasts. But if you mean size only you can include Fillys and Henkels as well. They're gong to be more hollow ground so will be a little lighter.
As far as nimble, and forgiving you have quite a few choices. But I think you'd need to be clear as to the best width and grind for your face before you commit to one. That list will go on for pages until you know what works best on you. Ranges go from wedge to full hollow ground, and from 5/8 (smallest I can use) to an inch or more. ID your "best" type and then go looking for makers that fit the bill.
I can narrow down selection to what works for me, I want to know what works for you just so I can get some more manufacturer names in my vocabulary.Quote:
Originally Posted by AirColorado
Any of the Sheffield choppers out there. Just keep your eye out on Ebay and keep your wallet handy. Prepare to bid.
On the nimble and spry, there are many 4/8ths razors out there. Also, the smaller wedges such as "WEDGE" brand and BOWDINS WEDGE are commonly 4/8 in width or smaller. I have a WEDGE 7/16 that I honed up recently and it was the most nimble and closest shaving razor I've shaved with in awhile. People often shy away from 4/8, 7/16 or even 3/8 or.......smaller either citing fear of getting nicked by such a narrow blade or they view them as less masculine. Some of us know that in some ways the 4/8 or less razors are very underrated shavers. I have a handful of such razors in both square and round point and I like them all. Want a razor that hugs the curves of your jawline? Say hello to a 4/8 or less.
Chris L
+1 on the 4/8's razors... I have a 4/8's Friedr. Baurmann that is an absolute joy to shave with. Currently it is off being touched up though (so I can try a coticule edge)
Personally I think that 5/8 is a good compromise between too small, too big and just right. YMMV. as others have suggested a meat chopper is going to either be a vintage Sheffield or a custom. OTOH, you can get 8/8 Solingens as well.
As far as soaps the Gentleman's Quarter is very well thought of here and sells samplers of their stuff.
As far as brushes you will find that is a matter of opinion as everyone has their favorite size and maybe brand. A lot of this shaving stuff has to be tried since there is so much that is just personal preference.
I like a scritchy brush so a Rooney Finest, two banded Simpson or Plisson HMW are my preferences. Other guys like soft and not scritchy or firm with soft tips. It is very subjective this shaving thing.
You have the Wade and Butcher Choppers for one. Robert Williams makes a 9/8ths.
Boker has the "celebrated" which I believe is a 7/8th's. For a more elegant, nimble razor, maybe a TI?
I agree, if shaving with a wedge, I like the smaller blades. However, the large hollow grinds are nice too.
Henckels 8/8 friodur good times right there!!! Dubl Duck 4/8 Styledge good razor on the small side but it is small. 5/8 is an all around good size. When it comes to the 5/8's it's hard to narrow it down there are so many great razors out there. I am a big fan of Henckels, Ducks, Older C-Mons. I also love my new Dovo!! But hell the Bokers, Cases, Sears-----This list could just keep going!!! There are several great razors in the 6/8 5/8 size that are great.
Now I don't think this helped much but I hope it did :hmmm::gl:
How bout the little Dubl Duck Satin Wedge you just ran down your face, under 5/8, closer to 4/8 :D.Quote:
Originally Posted by sbrouwers
Most of my small blades are wedge(ish) and shave great, on that same note, my bigger blades are full hollows and follow the same suit as my little wedges. The 7/8 full hollow shaves just as well as the little 4/8 Satin Wedge.On that useless note, I'll pick one out of the blue any say........
7/8 Bartmann "High Class" square point - white plastic GENS : Shaving Shop - luxury classic wet shaving products - straight razors
If all else, give John at the Shaving Shop a call and pick his brain, he will more than likely be glad to help.
Yeah, bla bla bla.....
Baron,
The only new razors I own are a pair of 6/8ths Gold Dollars -reasonably priced and remarkably good.
For big razors I'll cast my vote for the vintage Sheffields, and add that if you ever happen to see one of those big Le Coultre framebacks, the kind that come with detachable blades, buy it. They're ugly, but they work.
As for small and elegant, the Solingen cutlers like Dovo, Geissen & Forstehoff, Gotta et al, made a wide variety of 5/8ths blades with attractive furniture - french ivory scales, third pins and filagree bolsters are common features. In general, the Solingen razors of the late 19th and 20th centuries were more elegantly finished than their English counterparts which, while beautiful, tended to have a plainer over-all look.
Good Hunting!
goshawk