Thread: work horse razor

hey there everyone. ive been collecting some super cool old razors to display in my barber shop but have been using a safety razor to do my shaves, neck shaves and shape ups. in my state traditional straights are permitted and considered sanitary as long as they are cleaned properly. so, the big question is, what is the best razor for me to use on my customers daily? something of high quality but reasonably priced. OR should i use one of my vintage mint condition blades and just make sure its honed properly?

Personally, I'd go for one of the Dovo's with the stainless steel scales so that you could sanitize the entire razor and not just the blade.

Originally Posted by Theseus

Personally, I'd go for one of the Dovo's with the stainless steel scales so that you could sanitize the entire razor and not just the blade.

Agreed +1 either the Dovo SS the TI SS or the Wapi's that are still out there, all these can be boiled with no harm to the razors, makes life easy for you... and to answer the next question No, the 212° F of boiling water should have no ill effect on the temper...

There are also some of us that have done Restores on these razors that have a few sets of SS scales laying on our benches that could be put on many vintage blades

Since I'm in the tattoo biz and sterilization is de facto you might take into consideration that the instrument has to be held under steam pressure for 15 minutes (unbagged instruments) at 265 Fahrenheit. OTOH, the small amount of blood that the razor might be exposed to, weepers, an occasional nick, I would think cold sterilization in fluid would be adequate. The health dept won't tell you that and maybe in one chance in a thousand someone might get a blood borne disease. If I was a barber and had vintage Solingens that is probably what I would use. My barber uses a Dovo that belonged to his father to shave my neck after a haircut. The hot lather, the whole thing. I doubt if he does more than wipe it off when he is done. Not saying that is right, just what it is.

thanks man. where do you tattoo?

Originally Posted by wyobarbershop

thanks man. where do you tattoo?

In West Palm Beach, FL

You might want to check with your insurance company and see if they have anything to say about using a traditional straight.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

In West Palm Beach, FL

You're not Miami Ink are you?

Originally Posted by johnmrson

You're not Miami Ink are you?

No, that is 70 miles down south of me. I'm not a rock star or a tv personality. Just, as Percy Waters' biz card used to say, a good tattooer.