Solingen or Sheffield?

[Bruno]

I was wondering about people's preference for either Solingen or Sheffield razors. Not just the steel, but the whole package: steel, shape, design, ...

I did not include anyother options because I am excluding customs, and less common stuff like vintage Japanese western style razors or swedish razors.

Solingen and Sheffield seem to be the 2 major players that everybody knows.
Imo, German razors are usually masterpieces from a function point of view. They are efficient hair removing tools, where form follows function, with hard steel blades.
English razors otoh have much more artistic features, flowing lines and interesting aesthetical features. Usually a bit softer steel and heavier as well.

For me I have to say I prefer Sheffield blades. The flowing lines and individuality of each razor are what draws me to them. When I handle them I cannot help but wonder about the craftsmen who mae them, hundred or more years ago.

MY absolute favorite is the Lancet point, which I was lucky enough to acquire one of. Granted, it is far from mint, but when I hold it in my hands... that is just -the- perfect blade for me.

So, which is it for you? Solingen or Sheffield?
Pics and / or explanations appreciated.

[eTom]

I prefer the Sheffields too. Most of my pictures in SOTD included this kind of razors as you know.

[Sailor]

Sheffields for me, thanks

[brenno]

probably solingen

hi all

http://straightrazorpalace.com/attac...-17th-sotd.jpg

[DwarvenChef]

Of the two I'm strongly on the Sheffield side, Heavy blades with many styles of blade patterns to choose from.

I have to say, that Lancet razor is beautiful

[jasp]

Solingen, Deutsche Gründlichkeit ftw

[Mvcrash]

I was wondering about people's preference for either Solingen or Sheffield razors. Not just the steel, but the whole package: steel, shape, design, ...

I did not include anyother options because I am excluding customs, and less common stuff like vintage Japanese western style razors or swedish razors.

Solingen and Sheffield seem to be the 2 major players that everybody knows.
Imo, German razors are usually masterpieces from a function point of view. They are efficient hair removing tools, where form follows function, with hard steel blades.
English razors otoh have much more artistic features, flowing lines and interesting aesthetical features. Usually a bit softer steel and heavier as well.

For me I have to say I prefer Sheffield blades. The flowing lines and individuality of each razor are what draws me to them. When I handle them I cannot help but wonder about the craftsmen who mae them, hundred or more years ago.

MY absolute favorite is the Lancet point, which I was lucky enough to acquire one of. Granted, it is far from mint, but when I hold it in my hands... that is just -the- perfect blade for me.

So, which is it for you? Solingen or Sheffield?
Pics and / or explanations appreciated.

I too like the Sheffield blades, This one is cool. Any more information?

[Maxi]

If pressed to choose, I would most likely say solingen. I love the functionality of the german razors, and I like the feel of all my German razors. However, that being said, I have this one W&B, and it could shave a baby it's so gentle on my skin.

Overall, Solingen.

[holli4pirating]

It depends on what I last shaved with....

I do tend to be drawn towards Sheffield razors, though. I prefer they styles of their razors. I also like the variations in available grinds; I'm not really partial to Solingen quarter hollows because they feel, at least to me, rather unforgiving.

[str8fencer]

I prefer the sheffields, they have a longer history and a higher variety or styles, i.m.e. The german razors are usually very well made, if visually a little strict, and I enjoy those as well, just not quite as much as the sheffields. At the top of my want list atm is an 8/8 for barbers use W&B. I also get most of my razors off of ebay, and it seems to me chances are good you can find a +100 y.o sheffield, whereas if it's german it is likely to be a lot younger. And it might just be me, but it seems german razors above 6/8 are much more scarce than in the sheffields?