Looking for NEW hefty/heavy straight

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10-08-2010, 04:18 AM
Muscles

Looking for NEW hefty/heavy straight
Hi Guys,
I've been lurking for ages on here and decided to start becoming an active member.

I currently have several razors in my rotation including 4/8's, 5/8's and 6/8's, Dovo's, Puma's and Filly's. I also have nearly a dozen rescued razors from ebay including a few wedges that I plan on restoring down the track. Whilst I haven't shaved with a wedge yet I really like the weight of them hence my latest pursuit...

I am looking to buy myself (or get SWMBO to buy me) a new straight for my 35th B'day next month. I want something with a bit of weight behind it (7/8 or 8/8), for it to be new and like the idea of a spanish point.
I have been eyeing off the Thiers Issard 7/8 Le Thiernois and Boker 7/8 The Celebrated Hollow Ground. They are both at same price point but shipping on the Boker is heaps cheaper for me than on the TI.

So, I have tried to research both of these and can't find a lot about them which leads me to 2 questions.
1. Does anyone own either of these two razors and have something they feel they could share that might assist me with my decision?
2. Should I be considering a different brand/model in the $250-$300 price point?
Any help appreciated...
10-08-2010, 08:24 AM
Stubear

For that amount I'd get one of the limited edition Wackers. I got a 15/16 Antick Spanish point from shavingshop.com which is a great shaver and a huge razor. It looks like an axe next to my 4/8 blades..!
10-08-2010, 10:49 AM
MrDavid

^ +1. For the money, it's hard to beat the large scale Wackers. My 7/8" Wacker-made Dorko 1151 is one of my favorites, and it has plenty of heft to it.

http://straightrazorpalace.com/membe...egrind-7-8.jpg
10-08-2010, 02:13 PM
pinklather

another +1 for the Wacker heavies

3 now, only one is a full hollow, but that's a 15/16 that's no longer available.

You mention heavy, and I don't know if you mean overall weight, or the grind (1/2, 1/4 hollow, wedge). If you mean overall weight, I totally agree - it feels much better in the hand. If you mean grind, I'd say everyone needs one or more heavy grinds. 'Best blades for me are the 6/8, 1/4 hol. spanish point, then the stosser wedge, then it goes to a lightweight, plain Jane Genco.
10-08-2010, 02:21 PM
Alraz

I think that you find what you want and save a few $$$ if you look into a Henckels Friodur. These are killer shavers as well. The only thing to keep in mind is that large razors look great but they are harder to maneuver in the face, use caution.

Al raz
10-08-2010, 10:44 PM
thebigspendur

You see the problem is with a name like muscles you're just too strong so normal razors just seem too light.:)

probably the wackers are what you're looking for. The Livi's are too expensive for you. You might want to reconsider vintage. That's where you can get the best selection for the best price.
10-08-2010, 11:09 PM
woodchuck

Another member asked about the Boker a couple months ago. Here is a link to my post on that thread.
http://http://straightrazorpalace.co...elebrated.html
10-08-2010, 11:20 PM
woodchuck

Link does not work, try this one. http://straightrazorpalace.com/razor...elebrated.html
10-09-2010, 02:13 AM
johnmrson

I'd be going for something like an 8/8 Henckels from The Shaving Shop

http://www.shavingshop.com/products/DSC02944.JPG
10-09-2010, 07:55 AM
Joed

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stubear

For that amount I'd get one of the limited edition Wackers. I got a 15/16 Antick Spanish point from shavingshop.com which is a great shaver and a huge razor. It looks like an axe next to my 4/8 blades..!

+1 A Wacker or a Henckels would be a nice razor, a great shaver and one you will cherish.
10-10-2010, 08:29 AM
Muscles

Thanks to all who replied, looks like I could be spoiled for choice. I am thinking heavy grind and heavy in weight is what I am after. I will be having another good look at the shavingshop.com site as they seem to have the best (or only) range of razors in 7/8 and 8/8. As for the vintages, I am not really keen, and will be putting quite a few up on the bay soon enough. I figure in this price point I want new and perhaps later on I will go custom.

EDIT: 45 minutes later and I have pushed the button on:
"13/16 Wacker 70 Year Jubiläums-Rasiermesser Mod.4 Old Sheffield "Stosser" Wedge – laser etched dark horn" from shavingshop.com

Thanks again guys,
10-10-2010, 10:38 AM
johnmrson

Quote:

Originally Posted by Muscles

Thanks to all who replied, looks like I could be spoiled for choice. I am thinking heavy grind and heavy in weight is what I am after. I will be having another good look at the shavingshop.com site as they seem to have the best (or only) range of razors in 7/8 and 8/8. As for the vintages, I am not really keen, and will be putting quite a few up on the bay soon enough. I figure in this price point I want new and perhaps later on I will go custom.

EDIT: 45 minutes later and I have pushed the button on:
"13/16 Wacker 70 Year Jubiläums-Rasiermesser Mod.4 Old Sheffield "Stosser" Wedge – laser etched dark horn" from shavingshop.com

Thanks again guys,

Good choice. I don't have a Wacker but it's on my list of straights to get.
10-10-2010, 11:42 AM
kalerolf

I myself would go for the Wacker 15/16. A few weeks ago I bought them and can say I have made an excellent choice.
Still available at the firm Wacker. Art.Nr. 1046
So if you want a great razor that fits in your price range. This is him!!
10-10-2010, 01:38 PM
Wintchase

Revisor....Rasiermesser

Some great razors! And affordable!
10-10-2010, 07:52 PM
riooso

You might look at a 1/4 grind 6/8. You get the weight but you are still in the 6/8 dimension.

Just noticed you got one. Good choice!

Later,
Richard
10-11-2010, 01:43 AM
pinklather

1 Attachment(s)

Oh, you're in for a treat

Several of us have this Wedge, and it's a thing of joy. Most recent joy was this morn. John is wonderful to deal with.

I've had to re-do each blade I got. Initial edge was great, but soon needed touching up. The Wedge DOES give great feedback, but when I rebeveled, it lost some of that. The only thing I noticed was that my bevel was more wide, even though I used 1 layer of tape. If I could do it again, I'd have used 2. I finish w/ 2 on a dry C12k after the normal wet finish on the same stone. You're just gonna love that razor. If you contemplate another (and YOU WILL!!!), I strongly recomment the 6/8, 1/4 hollow spanish point. It's been the fav ever since I got it. The wedge is second only to the 1/4 hollow.

You'll see reviews of both blades, and almost anyone will sing their praises. If you have any issues w/ the edge after a while, try to keep the bevel small so you keep the feedback.

Tomorrow? Will be the 15/16 worked back hollow
10-11-2010, 05:19 AM
speckey

1 Attachment(s)

Muscles, nice choice I have the same one on the way.

Have you seen this:
10-11-2010, 06:12 AM
Bnick

Henkels

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnmrson

I'd be going for something like an 8/8 Henckels from The Shaving Shop

http://www.shavingshop.com/products/DSC02944.JPG

I have to agree I have a Friodur and it is a great shaver and it is big and hefty. I have a 7/8 one with worked spine looks as good as it shaves.
10-11-2010, 08:29 AM
Muscles

John has an awesome range and I must say I was very tempted by the 7/8 and 8/8 Friodur razors but decided on the Wacker as it should give me a bit weight without too much extra size, remember I am fairly new to this...
I will see how this one goes and will go up in size on my next purchase if all is good.

Quote:

Originally Posted by pinklather

I've had to re-do each blade I got. Initial edge was great, but soon needed touching up. The Wedge DOES give great feedback, but when I rebeveled, it lost some of that. The only thing I noticed was that my bevel was more wide, even though I used 1 layer of tape. If I could do it again, I'd have used 2. I finish w/ 2 on a dry C12k after the normal wet finish on the same stone. You're just gonna love that razor........If you have any issues w/ the edge after a while, try to keep the bevel small so you keep the feedback.

Should I be worried? Is this a problem with the blade or the way the edge has been maintained?
10-11-2010, 04:02 PM
pinklather

Hard to say

Hi Muscles!

It's hard to say for sure, but it has been consistent. I'd gladly accept the ruling that I'm not the best stropper, etc. but after about 7-10 shaves, my fav razors (both wackers) had sections - both at the heel, that would not return to super sharp. HHT or TPT both showed this. Could it be I caused it? 'Possible. I'm only at it about 14 weeks. What makes me think otherwise is that once I rehoned, the issue had not returned. As you'll read elsewhere, the wackers are very hard, and not the easiest to hone. Light touch when flipping the blade over, or you may observe ongoing micro-chipping.

I would not make it an issue. I suspect your first shaves with it will be among your best. If that continues - great. If the edge degrades, it's not the blade, it's the honing. I LOVED the vocal and tactile feedback it gave as delivered from John. Everyone seemed convinced that the wedge gives no feedback. This was definitely NOT the case w/ that blade when it came from John. I suspect a honemeister could have simply touched up John's edge, but I had to reset a bevel. In hindsight, I would much rather have sent it to a honemeister with the instruction not to rebevel, so as to preserve that fabulous feedback. Do I know the bevel is what makes for the feedback? Not with certainty, but after re-honing, it is greatly reduced. It remains my 2nd fav. shaver, only behind the 6/8-1/4hol. spanish point wacker.
10-11-2010, 08:47 PM
Muscles

Thanks for elaborating.
11-12-2010, 08:21 AM
Muscles

Wow! John really does put a mean edge on a razor! I Just used the Wacker Wedge for the first time and it is without a doubt an extremely sharp and yet wonderfully smooth razor - THANKS JOHN!
It was as if all the little hairs decided to detach themselves when they saw this beast of a blade coming because I tell you I could not hear or feel them being severed. I am so glad I chose this one even if it did bite me a couple of times with it's square toe and heel.

If anyone is considering a wedge, get a Wacker and get it from John.
11-12-2010, 01:33 PM
pinklather

Stosser feedback

Muscles, I won't ask how you like it, partially because you've mentioned it, mainly 'cause several of us have one and already know. By all that's right, it should be one of the better shavers you ever own. You mentioned it was silent, which was a bit of a surprise. Everyone says wedges give no feedback. I found the stosser to be VERY communicative for a wedge. I've tried 3 wedges so far - two of them Sheffields and am working on a W & B restore now. The sheffields are silent - no feedback. The Stosser is both vocal and tactile. If you experience any issues w/ the edge not holding, Bones had great things to say about the edge provided by Mainaman. That feedback is wonderful and worth protecting. Riooso's word about the 6/8 1/4 hollow is something to keep in mind. Should you be unable to resist the WAD (you'll likely buy another), consider the 6/8, 1/4 hollow spanish point. 'Not as visually striking, but OMG what a blade. At that point, you'll be a Wacker fool - like me. Each one puts a smile on my face every time I use it.
11-30-2010, 08:21 AM
Muscles

I shaved with this beast again today and I still stand by my earlier comment about no audible feedback. I could feel a tiny bit of feedback as my stubble was mowed down but way less than any other razor I have used. The one thing I did feel again was when the point bit me.

I need to use this blade more to get used to the extremity of the square point. You know that thing in front of your ear that some people get pierced? I can't think of the name of it but tonight I nearly lost one of those...