Thread: Boker 5/8 Tree Brand Razor in Micarta

Hi all!
My quick straight razor back-story...I just received my first from Larry at Whipped Dog (for you other newbies, he's great to work with, and it's a great/inexpensive way to see if straight razor shaving is something you want to pursue further), and after less than a week, I'm hooked. I've been advised that it's not a bad idea for newbies to have two razors (for comparison purposes), and figured that my second one could be a new one (treat myself...maybe have something unique to hand down, etc.).

The Boker 5/8 Tree Brand Razor in Micarta over at SRD has caught my eye. Before I hit submit, does anyone here know this blade's reputation, and whether or not it would be a good choice for my second (and first new) razor?

Thanks!

Boker razors and knives have a great reputation for new and even more for vintage blades. SRD is run by a great pair of guys and all of their gear is top stuff.

Took the plunge! Too tempted, so instead of fighting it, figured I'm better off rolling with it. I'll post pics when it comes in and report back the shave it gives after the maiden voyage!

excellent choice.
Good luck with your gear, and you first shave

I'm curious to know a bit more about this razor as well. Have any members on here used it for a while? What are the scales like?

Another question I have is how orange-looking are the scales on the brown canvas one? Most of the pictures I've seen look brownish, but I saw one on Ebay that looked orange. I don't trust my computer screen since the green canvas one looks more like it's gray. Can anyone with a brown canvas one describe/verify the color for me?

I just noticed this is back in stock. I'm hoping it goes on sale in the next couple of months. Does anyone have one? Can anyone comment on the scales?

Hi elsmooth & SlowRain

I am a fan of the Green Canvas Micarta. There is something about the traditional material that is the essence of shaving for the masses. It keeps it simple and affordable with the cost going into the quality steel rather than the scales.

I hope you both enjoy your Boker's
Sam

Sorry this is a late reply, but I also have a Boker Tree Brand from SRD. Mine has the brown micarta scales and they are, in fact, brown. Not orange. They're quite attractive and are smooth even though they look like they'd have some texture to them. I had some familiarity with micarta prior to this as I have some kitchen knives with handles made from micarta as well (some chef's knives from Thiers-Issard) and they're quite sturdy and stand up extremely well to all the abuse an active kitchen can throw at them. The scales on my razors are absolutely babied by comparison.

The razor itself is a favorite of mine and is one of my workhorse razors. I tend to trade off between it and a Dovo I got from AOS -- as each one requires re-honing, I send it off and switch to the other. Occasionally, I'll use one of my others for fun, but these two, once I remove the oil from the blade, don't get re-coated. They just get re-used on a regular basis until they need re-honing.

Hope yours brings you years of enjoyable shaving!