Thread: Are More Expensive Razors That Much Better?

While there are a few razors that I have used that are a little better than others there weren't more expensive by a lot except for the Puma Gold. I don't have any custom razors because I haven't found any in local antique shops or flea markets yet, found a bunch of others though. My sincere opinion is that the person that hones your razor and how well they did in honing will have more of an effect on the shave quality than the cost of the razor, especially for a noobie. Next would be your shaving skills and techniques including prep.

Originally Posted by Wattie

It is about 3 times the price of a Dovo Best Quality and I am wondering if the performance is that much better and worth the extra money.

The problem with answering is that there is not an objective way to evaluate the performance, the same way there is objective way to evaluate the cost. So, then it becomes a series of questions - would it be different (most likely yes), would you prefer the performance of the more expensive one (no way to know), would you prefer it three times more than the preference of your current one (again no way to tell).

I can tell you that I've used most of the current production Dovos and the one I like best in terms of how it shaves is the Bergischer Lowe. The look I go back and forth on, since it's a bit too flashy for my taste, but compared to the looks of the rest of the Dovo line, I find it one of the best as well. Is it worth it for me? I'd rather have one Dovo Bergischer Lowe than any number of other Dovos for the same price. But if I had to choose one Dovo BL vs. one cheaper Dovo it would really depend on my financial situation. Normally I'd take the BL, but if I were in a situation with a bill that's due and not enough money for it, it'll be the other choice.

Originally Posted by pixelfixed

Well the $10 ebay special may shave BBS right off the stones,but you may need to rehone for every shave

Why would you need to rehone it for every shave?

Botom Line for me is ...Buy what you like what you think is cool what you are curious about. Then make sure as a nubiee that they are professionally honed and shave with em The cost makes no difference anywhere other than you wallet. Its all about what gives you personally the best shave. And what satisfies your R.A.D. (if thats possible) I have spent from $20 to $450 at this point and I like some of my Restores better than my N.I.B.'s and vice versa. Have Fun!

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

You have to be an old guy to 'get' this analogy but ..... it is like the Chevrolet Impala against the Chevrolet Biscayne. Basically the same automobiles but the Impala had more chrome, better upholstery and more bells and whistles. Having said that, I think there may be some slight differences in performance between razors once you get past a certain price point but whether the performance increase is comparable to the $ increase ..... point for point ..... is debatable.

Don't forget the Caprice.....LOL

Originally Posted by johnmrson

Why would you need to rehone it for every shave?

I believe that the quality of the steel used,and the tempering processes have alot to do with how well and how long an edge will stand up to use.

Originally Posted by pixelfixed

I believe that the quality of the steel used,and the tempering processes have alot to do with how well and how long an edge will stand up to use.

If you think of new $10 eBay spesials made in Asia yeah, but with some luck and patience you can still pick up great straights with top notch steel for 10 bucks on eBay.

Agreed 100%,but there is also a reason the great classic blades are spendy.

The shave quality may be similar, and I doubt there is all that much difference. But the EXPERIENCE of shaving with a higher quality razor is very different. Holding a rare, beautiful razor in your hand while you shave is an experience that is independent of the resulting shave. The quality of your faceturbation during the day is one thing, and it is important, but shaving with a really beautiful, century old W&B is a special thing in its own right.

my knives are 250 years old and shaved smooth. I do not need a $ 300 razor without soul.