Thread: $35 vs $199. Give me a reason!

So..... In the classifieds here, there are $35 straights and $199 straights. If they both shave just as well, then why would I ever spend the extra money. Convince me.

It's entirely a question of what appeals to you and how much you are willing to pay to get it. I will say that I believe some razors shave better than others, but it could be simply how I feel when I hone, or when I shave, or if I did the extra 1 or 5 strokes on hone x or y or z, or how my face was when I shaved, or placebo effect, or or or.....

Go with what feels right, weighing the price however you feel is appropriate.

So you're admitting that the difference is slight to less than nothing and it all comes down to RAD and collecting.

Convince me why it's necessary to convince you.

Well the condition of the razor, and the quality for the craftsmanship and materials are somethings that factor into the price as well. Its popularity obviously relates to supply and demand.

Originally Posted by grant9908

So you're admitting that the difference is slight to less than nothing and it all comes down to RAD and collecting.

The condition (NOS, rescaled, restored, hone wear etc.) of the razor plays huge role in the price, then there is popularity or other wise known as hype for certain brands. Those will factor in in price differences.

Again...... If the shave is the same, then the rest is just superfluous, that's what you all are telling me, correct? Even Shooter said in a different thread just a bit ago that straights are not really being made of better materials than from the 1900s. So, if the shave is the same why bother buying anything more than the $35 ones?

If you are only looking for the practical, a good vintage razor will give a shave as good as it gets. When you learn more, you will understand why some have more collecting value. That is the beauty of straight shaving, you can do it economically and still have fun too. Just make sure you get one that is sold by a reputable vendor and have fun.

Well look at it this way, would you rather drive a banged up old rust bucket of a car rather than a luxury car?
Both vehicles will get you from A to B but you will probably enjoy the ride in the luxury car more.

What I'm trying to say is that it all comes down to personal preferences. Will you get more satisfaction out of your shave with the more expensive razor, will you look at it thinking "Man I can't believe I only paid 200$ for that" or will you think "Man I can't believe I paid 200$ for that"?

Booth razors might be equal good when it comes to shaving but the more expensive one might give you more joy while doing it.

I would never presume to try and convince you that a $199 razor is better than a $35 razor.

Why am I willing to pay more than $35 for a razor?
1. I enjoy supporting current manufacturers such as Dovo, Revisor, Thiers-Issard, Boker, Wacker, and Hart Steel. I don't begrudge paying a higher price because razor making is a cottage industry and labor costs are going to be high if the artisans are going to make a living.
2. I enjoy shaving with historical razors from different countries including the USA, Germany, Sweden, England, France, and Spain.
3. I enjoy owning and looking at razors that have beautiful shapes, beautiful scales, and, yes, even decorated blades.
4. I enjoy using different size blades, different types of grinds, and enjoy the different feel razors have in my hand and on my face.
5. Finally, I enjoy the experience of shaving with a straight razor; it brings me great daily enjoyment and is the reason I purchase any razor.

Yes, I can get a BBS with any of my 28 razors from my $25 Red Imp 132 razor to my $279 Hart Steel razor.

So my answer is for "enjoyment" and because it pleases me. I don't expect anyone else to follow my route. If owning one $35 razor meets all your needs and brings you enjoyment, that is what you should do and I will admire you for following your own heart. If another person enjoys owning 200 straight razors because it pleases them, I will admire them for following their heart as well.

Happy Shaving!