Thread: What is the best American made straight ever made ?

Let's see, phase of the moon, time of day, astrological influences, level of confidence in making decisions, hunger level, influence from friends with bias', or just downright arbitrary choosing from among the different American made razors I have, deciding that on this day, this razor until another day and another razor, is THE BEST, no other can compare. I'd have a better chance deciding on the number of grains of sand in a square foot of the beach.

Originally Posted by bobtail

I'm no vet here but I collect American straights. Got a bunch of Dixies, Torreys, Magnetos, etc. But for my money, it's the Case Imp 132 Wedge. I have an unrestored one that I absolute look forward to coming up in the rotation. Steel honed the devil (pardon the pun) out of it for me and it's the best. Just about turned Steel into a wedge convert! :-)

Not just about but did. I actually now own a few thanks john. Lol

Genco, Torrey, Geneva are as good as any others. Great shavers. Just ask an old barber.

I have three Torreys, wonderful to shave with. I also like Geneva Cutlery.

I only have one, which is a Burrell "Top Flight". I'm sure there are many other fine ones, but of my 7, of which 4 are new production...it is my best shaver....great edge, sharp yet smooth. Love it!

hi folks brand new here. just got done at an estate sale . never bought a razor before 20 years in the junk business. I bought a "Torrey" razor for 5 bucks. The information is fascinating thanks

There is no "best", just personal favorites.

Since there were some references to Michael Price earlier in the thread, I'll submit mine. Cruises around your face like a Ferrari, takes an edge like tamahagane, and rare as hen's teeth. As a side note, it was recently discovered by an archivist going through some of Price's book keeping that he was sourcing large quantities of iron from Japan. Makes sense as he was a San Francisco cutler.

The two Torreys I have are both excellent; the half hollow 5/8 notched is solid, smooth and quiet - the 6/8 notched full hollow is similarly smooth, nicely lively and very easy to keep sharp.

My Favorites I've had the pleasure of using;
(Though not "the best" since I haven't used all)

Electric Cutlery (Friedman & Lauterjung)
Waterville
A.F. Bannister (teared up a bit, and cursed aloud, when it slipped out of my hand a few years ago, hit the sink edge first, and broke a massive chunk off the edge)
Kinfolk

Also I only have two 4/8" razors, and love both; a small Wiss "Wissdom" (currently waiting for me to make new scales for it), which is the only other go-to blade I use next to my small german Peter Hahn (Droescher) for simple shape ups.

Interesting side note (and honorable mention), while i'm a huge fan of vintage Solingen steel, the old US Shapleigh's made in St. Louis, IMHO, are far better shavers then the imported Solingen ones that came along later to help them keep up with high demands... FWIW