Quality question, Bokers

I am very new to the straight razor world. I bought a starter kit and have been using the DOVO Best Quality razor which I'm slowly getting better with. I am interested in the Boker razor and I keep watching Ebay and seeing "King Cutters" I am hesitant as a newbie as advised on this forum so I'm overly cautious. Today I looked up the boker website for the U.S. and looked at new prices.

I noticed that the new King Cutters went for $149 new whereas the Damascus went for $1299 new.

I was wondering if any of you old razor pros could explain the vast difference in price. I'm sure it must directly tie to quality/performance/longevity etc.

I love Bokers they are to me the holy Grail of razors!!!! With that said anyone who would pay $1300 dollars for a razor is insane. The new king cutters are great razors and the vintage stuff is imho the very best. The High price stuff is just for brag rights. My 2 cents

I agree with Doc about bokers.
Now price differences between 2 steels is always been that way.doesn't matter boker or any other maker.
Damascus blade will be way much expensive.gl

I have a vintage King Cutter and it shaves beautifuly. Try finding a vintage in nice shape, you won't be dissapointed.

I have two vintage bokers and both are great shavers. one is a red injun 101 and the other has "WM KING" etched on the blade and an angel and scroll work carved in the scales. I am looking at the new Bokers too.

+1. Just my two cents, but I rate my Boker among my top two razors. got a great shave with it this morning.

I'm with Doc - $1300 for a razor is insane

I've got five vintage Bokers - four King Cutters and a Diamond - and they range from really good to excellent. I can't speak for the new ones, but I've never had a vintage Boker that wasn't top notch, and the most I ever paid for one is $35

As far as longevity is concerned, my vintage blades are good for at least one lifetime. That $149 razor can reasonably be expected to last the rest of your life and the life of whoever you pass it on to. Looked at like that longevity is really not an issue.

Best Regards

goshawk

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Originally Posted by Doc

I love Bokers they are to me the holy Grail of razors!!!! With that said anyone who would pay $1300 dollars for a razor is insane. The new king cutters are great razors and the vintage stuff is imho the very best. The High price stuff is just for brag rights. My 2 cents

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I agree; I cannot see spending that kind of cash. I'm just starting out so it makes even less sense. I keep watching E-bay, but I'm so hesitant. I am currently using a DOVO and I like it, but the flat end of the vintage bokers appeal to me. I at least want to try one and see if I like it better or not.

+1 on what everyone else is saying. Find a vintage Boker and save some money. They were common razors in the day so you should be able to find one in an antique shop or flea market if you are diligent. There are also many other branded straights with square points that give good shaves. Check the WIKI for razors to avoid and go hunting!

Good luck.

Vintage Bokers are hard to beat. They don't seem to have the reputation that the dubl ducks have but any I've got are all great shavers. The damascus steel razors are always higher priced whether it be a Theirs Issard, Wacker or Boker. The custom makers price their damascus higher too.

I have to agree with Doc, I have a "Good as Gold" Boker and its a fantastic shaver, very smooth, lovely steel, nice grind, etc...
I need to post a pic of her she's a beauty, mirror finish, walnut scales.


ok Cheers
David