Thread: The Honda Civic of Razors

Anything in this category:
No frills
Solingen
5/8-6/8
Round Point

There are a shit ton of them out there, both in production and vintage, a lot can be had *relatively* cheap, and I have yet to find one that was truly hard to hone and didn't shave well.

My vote goes to Wapienica. Plain scales, no etching or wash, low maintenance (an occasional oil change), works great.

Originally Posted by khaos

Anything in this category:
No frills
Solingen
5/8-6/8
Round Point

There are a shit ton of them out there, both in production and vintage, a lot can be had *relatively* cheap, and I have yet to find one that was truly hard to hone and didn't shave well.

Yeah, that would be my vote too, with the added caveat that you never know when you may be hitting an absolute Rolls-Royce (though sometimes you've got a pretty good idea).

Originally Posted by AlanII

Yeah, that would be my vote too, with the added caveat that you never know when you may be hitting an absolute Rolls-Royce (though sometimes you've got a pretty good idea).

In my opinion these are the best shavers. They represent 5 out of my 7 keepers. My dad drives an Accord (not a civic but similar) that is an amazing car with 270K+ miles and still more fun to drive than my friend's lexus, just no frills.

I think the difference between a "BMW" and a "Civic" when it comes to the Solingens is really the flair- a DD Sp #1 is the civic and the DD Gold is the BMW. They are both great cars/razors but one just has some flair. At the end of the day both have good engines/blades and are fun to use.

Just to illustrate my point here are the 5 blades. The most expensive was the Goldedge at $75. The two at the top were the cheapest at $15 each. It used to be 6 but I need cash for books so I just sold a Hoffritz, and sadly the Kiebitz at the bottom is up for sale as well- it got bumped by a Hess 42 that shaves like a dream and is a "Rolls Royce" in looks lol. The Tambour is quite nice its actually a dark Tortoise shell you just can't see it because of the crappy light.

The razors that come immediately to mind are a couple of 5/8ths spike points from Geneva Cutlery; both are plain blades with plain scales and both shave really well. The other one I thought of in relation to your question is my Le Coultre frameback. It's odd looking, with a long tang, a clunky spine and plain horn scales, but it shaves beautifully and the detachable blades get sharp if you speak to them nicely. Handsome is, I suppose, as handsome does!

Best Regards

goshawk

On this side of the world all Swedish razors are like Honda Civics (or Saab 900's). They are very common and easily available on any local net auction, flea market or antique store. They are cheap (about 5 - 15 €). Nothing wrong with their looks although no much to mention either. Easy to get sharp and excellent shavers. Made for shaving, not for showing.

I would say most any vintage German or American 5/8 or 6/8 full hollow, would fit the bill of the Honda Civic category. Most of these razors will shave as well as well as they are honed. There are some duds out there, but but they are the exceptions.

Charlie

Originally Posted by Bruce

Please...

What we really need is something reminiscent of a John Deere 2 cylinder tractor - something like my old model A, 60 years old and still pulling. But where oh where can one find a razor with green scales?

Not really John Deer Green but here ya go.


Now as for my Civic, it's pitted, plane jane scales, but wow what an edge. It more than gets the job done. 13 /16 Clauss.

Ha! Great, now I want a John Deere razor.