Thread: Sheffield vs. Solingen

Hey there, All,

I am sure this topic has been beaten to death in the past, but I was hoping to ask opinions from some of the more experienced fellas here regarding Sheffield/Solingen razors.

I recently lucked out and found a nice little 9/16 Wosty IXL near wedge on the bay. It is my first non-German blade, and it has treated me very well thus far. I have noticed some differences between it and my german razors - mainly, even as a wedge it seems to be less "stiff" then the Solingen.

Am I off my rocker? Is it just "New Razor-Tinted Glasses?" Are there any real inherent differences?

Thanks in advance for any input!

I think that Sheffield steel is softer than Solingen steel (in general). I think Sheffield razors are easier to hone than Solingen razors but both are equally capable of having a great edge.

Originally Posted by johnmrson

I think Sheffield razors are easier to hone than Solingen razors but both are equally capable of having a great edge.

I know what you're saying...but to bring it down to the newbie level, it's easier to hone the softer steel but because it's a wedge, it will take much longer...I hope that sounds complementary to what you said instead of condescending.

Some claim that it's easier to shave with a wedge than the hollow ground razors, but it's the opposite for me for some reason. Not only that but for newbie honers, I would avoid learning on one until they have several hollow grounds under their belt. I have yet to find a Sheffield blade that sat perfectly flat on a hone. Great for those with a moderate amount of honing experience to dive into the world of various honing methods, but can frustrate the newb to no end...not to mention add tons of hone wear while they're figuring it out.

I find that the slightly softer steel in most Sheffield razors contributes to them feeling a bit more forgiving on the face. I don't think that makes them better (or worse) than harder razors, just different.

Pretty much what has already been said. I think English steel tends to be a little softer, possibly lower carbon content? Or simply not tempered as hard but I am no blacksmith. The softer steel can wire edge more than the harder Solingen steel if you are not careful. You can over hone the softer steel much faster. I have lots of both and enjoy every one of them although the English steel tends to need a touch up on the finishing stone more often then the Solingen.

I agree but I think it is more the makers and not so much the steel per se

Many Solingen makers used Sheffield and Swedish steels, TI (French) still uses Sheffield steel and so does Wacker on occasion...

Sheffiled makers I think experimented with many different types of steels and origins of steels...

But breaking it down into how they worked the steel and how they did the grinding is where I think more of the differences came from.. JMHO

As to which is better again I think it is more about the types of razors more than just the steels... Myself I am not all that partial to the Sheffielders, nothing wrong with them at all, I just prefer Solingen and American razors...