Thread: Vintage, or new?

I don't have much experience with different ages of razors, but from what experience I DO HAVE, my vote goes for vintage. They're stylish, simple, effective, cheap, long-lasting and they come in a much, much greater variety than modern razors.

Most collectors of vintage razors who use, restore and have studied them, appreciate that their affordability in no way relects their outstanding quality. Even the most ordinary vintage striaght razor from a stellar pedigree like Torrey, W&B, Wostenholm, etc, that is in good shape should always be cherished and appreciated by their current stewards, us.

I voted for "New" but if I have chance to grab nice vintage one, why not?
So, i also think that Poll have to have option on "Both".

my vote is vintage........

i find the craftsmanship of old fascinating.... before the high tech tools and techniques of today... the old craftsmen built art.... and it should be cherished.... because with the exception of several true artist craftsmen i have seen here on this site... true craftsmanship is dying....

being replaced by whiny hipsters running around wearing skinny jeans and sipping their mocha lattes out front of starbucks....

makes me wanna punch someone in the ear..........

I have 1 new razor (Boker king cutter) and 8 vintage razors that are shave ready. Out of all of them, the boker is not my favorite, but a really old wedge is.. I have to go vintage for the diversity of choice first of all, but the classics from Dovo, like the bismark are really charmers. But, I have to admit I would rather get an oldie, restore it and have a great shaver to hand down to my kids, knowing it is already over 100 years old, and is going to give a whole new generation a chance to learn the old ways.

M

Vintage!

For all of the already stated reasons, the thrill of the hunt, the differences in the steels and
history behind the manufacture.

I enjoy variety.

Originally Posted by Utopian

First, not all razors have to be perfectly restored. They still work just fine even if they are ugly. Second, ugly razors present the potential to be cleaned up and restored to whatever level the buyer chooses, and provides a sense of manly accomplishment that has a value as well. Finally, the price of modern chinese and paki straights are pretty much meaningless, as they are nearly worthless at any price.

Great job Ron!! I was reading your post and was waiting for you to drop the hammer,but you put enough sugar on it,not to offend anyone. heHeHe

I prefer both and as was stated if I can get NOS even better!!

We must buy at least one brand new to keep those few business alive.

Originally Posted by rarreola

We must buy at least one brand new to keep those few business alive.

that shouldn't be a problem, after all you guys are done with your obsessive RAD there'll be no vintage razors left

on another note, I prefer vintage razors overall
I only bought one new razor a TI grelot, which shaved with the best of them, shave wise it was outstanding
tho why I prefer vintage is because I have 2 razors from my great grandfather, and I received 3 other razors given to me by my grandparents that belonged to a friend; all quality razors from Solingen

the sole reason why I prefer vintage is because I got mine for free
the real reason is that they have a personal meaning, this for me is a huge factor in choosing vintage over new
plus of course they shave wonderfully (as does the grelot)

I've tried a couple of new razors, I must say that in general the overall quality of my vintage razors seem better than the overall quality of the new razors, they seem to shave somewhat better and the scales are sturdier and better quality
but those are just my experiences with vintage vs new, I'm sure there are also vice versa cases