Thread: My Love of the Day!

Originally Posted by thehekler

Don't forget Russia and Japan! In regarded to the hart I also find them to be excellent although my recent 7/8 square point was seriously lacking in fit and finish compared to my Baxter (by hart) 6/8 square. That said what it lacked in fit and finish was compensated by it's shaving ability. I would consider looking into a kamisori style Japanese razor, I have a custom based on a traditional kamisori that shave similarly to a Hart but because of the completely different technique is uniquely different to use.

When it comes to the USA, Germany, France, England, Sweden, and Spain, there is a lot of information about the various brands (Red Imp, Genco, Dovo, dubl duck, Henckels, Boker, Le Grelot, Thiers-Issard, Wade and Butcher, Wostenholm, Heljestrand, and Filarmonica) that makes it easier for a novice to at least know what to be looking for.

When it comes to Russia and Japan, I am totally ignorant of what is available or what is good. In order to even know what I should be looking for, I would need to do a lot more research.

Any suggestions for good Russian razors?
Any suggestions for good Japanese razors?

Happy Shaving!

Well, I hope that I never find my favorite razor; so I can continue the hunt.

I have yet to have any problems, or hear of any problems with a Japanese razor (many are made with Swedish steel) regardless of brand. Of the Russian blades I only have one in shaving ready condition and it is with a friend of mine so I can't give you any safe brands at this time. My only advice is to try them all. Most vintage blades are well made, as long as condition is acceptable I would buy any Japanese blade that I was interested in regardless of brand, when it came to a Russian blade I personally would not spend big money and I would only buy vintage.

Originally Posted by thehekler

I have yet to have any problems, or hear of any problems with a Japanese razor (many are made with Swedish steel) regardless of brand. Of the Russian blades I only have one in shaving ready condition and it is with a friend of mine so I can't give you any safe brands at this time. My only advice is to try them all. Most vintage blades are well made, as long as condition is acceptable I would buy any Japanese blade that I was interested in regardless of brand, when it came to a Russian blade I personally would not spend big money and I would only buy vintage.

Japanese razors?
Are you recommending western style razors made in Japan or traditional Japanese style razors? Or both?

When it comes to traditional Japanese razors, I am clueless. I love the way they look but I have no idea of how they shave or what constitutes a "good" traditional Japanese razor in terms of maker, quality, or price.

Both, I have yet to use an actually Japanese kamisori style razor (I do have a kamisori but it is a custom asymmetric) given your appreciation of Hart razors I feel a kamisori would be to your liking as they both use very hard steel and somewhat thicker grinds but because of the completely different style it will be like learning to shave again. I believe everyone should try a well made kamisori style razor because I learned so much using mine that applies to western style razors. I cannot attest to any specific brands because I haven't used any but I would think as long as you stay away from questionable priced pieces you should be safe. I have had success with western style Japanese razors too (I own 6) again many are made with Swedish steel which is fairly hard given them a feel like many Swedish or American razors but they often have profiles not seen in the west. I don't know of any Japanese company still producing western style razors (there are still a few making kamisori style) so you would have to find some vintage ones I know JimR occasionally carries them on his site but shipping and echange rates can make them pricey. I too started collecting try to find a razor from every well respected razor producing country and just wanted to point out to you that there are a couple that you still haven't tried.

If there could be only one then ......http://youtu.be/cGox_g9THRU
we could all be ..... well ..... connoisseurs right?

Mike