Advice for next purchase sought.
Hello all,
I am considering purchase of one more Str8 and have several options to consider. 7/8 is the size in one of 3 makes (in order of current preference) Shavingshops Friodur, Bartmann or a Thiers from Classicshaving.
Ive heard varying things about the shavingshops offerings, mostly good and a few maybe not so good. Most of their offerings seem to be original forgings that are being finish ground by a few remaining craftsman, and scaled with whatever is available, looks good, and fits. These razors may or may not reflect well on (or maybe better than?) the original factory offerings. In the case of the Friodur, I would be buying the cheapest one because I have a set of scales planned for it and I dont think the blade quality would vary with the price on those. Or would it?
I have a 5/8 Thiers that didnt shave worth a damn as purchased, but the basic grind looked good. A hone and stropping fixed it right up. The serrations on the underside of the tang (where the thumb grips) are cruddy, no polite way to put it. They arent generally noticed so Ive accepted it. The current scoop on the Thiers seems dicey, so I'm not sure about laying down the cash on that one. It is the priciest option.
I have no experience with any of these razors (in 7/8) and would appreciate any information. My primary criteria are edge retention (I dont want to strop a razor mid shave, at all) Basic edge geometry, grind quality, and durability. My whiskers are like wires if that means anything.
Regards,
Dave