Thread: Sanssouci razor?

Hi guys. I'm still razor shopping for what will be my FIRST EVER straight razor.

Anyway, I came across these two: the first one ships directly from Germany & looks VERY nice, but I for one, can't tell if it's a cheap imitation or if it's a legit NOS piece. Also: the fact that there are (as of now) five available... Sounds fishy to me.

1) eBay - New & used electronics, cars, apparel, collectibles, sporting goods & more at low prices

The second one is a Gotta 120 Superfine, which I've done a TINY bit of research on. I'd like to know your guys' opinion on the Gotta 120, since most of you probably know way more about this stuff than I do. Here's the link:

2) http://www.ebay.com/itm/200713170356?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p398 4.m1438.l2648

Thanks guys, any help is appreciated.

-Thom

Gottas are great shavers, and the specimen you link to looks to be in good condition.

The Sansoucie looks like a good one too, I've yet to see any fakes of this kind out there.

Whatever you choose, make sure you get it honed by a pro.

I have a Gotta.Great razor.The ebay one looks in better condition than mine.I'd buy it if I didn't have one.

Thom, I would strongly suggest you purchase your first razor from our classifieds forum from a member that has sold a lot of razors or from a reputable vendor such as Straight Razor Designs, Classic Shaving Vintage Blades LLC. EBay razors, even of you get a good one out of all the junk sold usually requires more work to make it shave ready bringing the cost more in line with what I am suggesting. It's hard for people experienced in buying razors to find good ones on EBay. People new to straight razors really do not know what to look for. If you are really interested in getting into straight razor shaving start with a good, shave ready razor. There really aren't many 'steals' in this venue and you usually get what you pay for even from vendors. Low cost vendors sell low quality goods so be aware.

Know nothing about the Sanssouci razors at all,but the seller is an Honest dealer.
Never any issues with him or his wares.

I'm not convinced that the newer "price-sensitive" products labelled "Solingen" are up to the task of shaving. That sort of money buys a lot in the vintage market.... the Sanssoucci in particular reminds me of the "Razolution" razor of a few years ago.(not good) But I'm throwing stones here without having handled a Sanssoucci. It's too unproven for my tastes at that price point.

Originally Posted by Joed

Thom, I would strongly suggest you purchase your first razor from our classifieds forum from a member that has sold a lot of razors or from a reputable vendor such as Straight Razor Designs, Classic Shaving Vintage Blades LLC. EBay razors, even of you get a good one out of all the junk sold usually requires more work to make it shave ready bringing the cost more in line with what I am suggesting. It's hard for people experienced in buying razors to find good ones on EBay. People new to straight razors really do not know what to look for. If you are really interested in getting into straight razor shaving start with a good, shave ready razor. There really aren't many 'steals' in this venue and you usually get what you pay for even from vendors. Low cost vendors sell low quality goods so be aware.

I agree with Joed. "Shave ready" rarely means "ready to shave". Expect to pay an additional $20 + shipping for a good honing service. I am fairly new to this as well. I bought my first razor from an antique shop, and spent a couple hundred dollars on hones. It took me a weeks of trying and acquiring new equipment. Even now, while my razors shave, I still don't feel like the razor is as sharp as it needs to be. I regret not starting with a professionally honed razor. If I wasn't so persistent, I may have given up. All the razors from StraightRazorDesigns come honed by Lynn. If you subtract $20 off the asking price for the honing, you essentially pay $55 for a new Dovo.

Originally Posted by stimpy52

I'm not convinced that the newer "price-sensitive" products labelled "Solingen" are up to the task of shaving. That sort of money buys a lot in the vintage market.... the Sanssoucci in particular reminds me of the "Razolution" razor of a few years ago.(not good) But I'm throwing stones here without having handled a Sanssoucci. It's too unproven for my tastes at that price point.

I believe you are 100% correct,is a huge influx of so called N.O.S solingen blades on the bay.
I bought a Dorko awhile back,all looked great except it is rescaled with new marked solingen scales.
I have alot of Dorkos,great razors,but this one has crap for steel,will not hold an edge.
Not saying these are fakes,but they in no way are anywhere close to any other older Dorkos I have ever had JMO

Great! I just bought that exact Sanssouci blade yesterday off ebay. From what research I was able to do, I got a pretty positive feeling about it, and the gentleman hones his razors by hand before he sends them out. I bought a starter kit from Bruce with a razor that he has personally honed, so I will be able to (to the best of my abilities) compare the two of them, using Bruce's as the "measuring stick." I'll let you guys know what I've found in a few days when everything arrives. I sure hope it shaves as nice as it looks.

Being a COMPLETE newbie, my opinion will have to be taken with a few dozen grains of salt.