"A good razor". What is it?

[BeBerlin]

Chaps,

Recently, I have been doing some heavy research into reviews at other forums, plagiarism being the best compliment and all that. Thought I could find some inspiration for good reviews elsewhere. Not much luck, really. Started wondering why, and came to the conclusion that the problem I have is the subjectiveness of most reviews.

When we designed our new review system, there was a thorough debate which ratings should make it into the system. Because we are what we are, and not a bunch of sycophants, we nuked for example scent for scented products. Simply because manipulating the ratings for a product you do not like for whichever obscure reason would be too easy.

Razors, however, are a different story. Most of their characteristics can be measured, at least to a degree that will yield sensible reviews: balance, edge retention, craftsmanship. But there is at least one factor we cannot objectively measure: how the razor shaves - in your hands, on your face, with your particular type of skin, shaving products...

Now, quite a few utterly ridiculous claims have been made over the years, typically by people in urgent need of TLC, or simply professional help. The legendary - but, deplorably, lost - review of the magic Chronik being a prime example. They are easy enough to spot using a BS detector. "Without question - hands down - my favorite straight razor", "that sucker shaves like a dream", or (my personal favourite) "provides a superlative shave" should set your BS alarm off. Immediately.

Why? Because different razors perform differently for different people. Using the right tools, they can even perform differently for the same people. I have a number of razors I bought from reputable sellers, and they were shave ready in every respect. But once re-honed, I liked them even better (never having been a great fan of what might best be described as "super sharp" edges - this is a controversial topic, and I have the greatest respect for everyone who thinks the argument is bogus).

Having said that, I wonder what your benchmark for rating a razor is, ie "what makes a good razor". Leaving the objective factors like balance or craftsmanship aside, what sets a "good" razor apart from an average one?

After some consideration, I have come to the conclusion that what works for me (read: "This is a Hess 99, and having tried it extensively, and having benchmarked it against an Otto Deutsch Hans, I think it is a good razor") may not work for anyone else. Don't you think?

Regards,
Robin