Boker Damascus Razor

Well, it's tricky. On the one hand those Bokers have limited supply and so you'd be one of only a small group of people with one. On the other hand, a Charlie Lewis is a work of art and custom, so no two are the same and therefore you also have a unique razor. On the third hand, Zowadas are by all accounts very good razors too.

If you have that kind of money to spend on a razor I guess this is one of those "headaches" you must unfortunately suffer. A nice kind of headache, but unfortunately it's one that outsiders can't really help you with - you need to establish some criteria I think: cost, size preference, style preference etc.

Good luck and I am sure that whatever you select from that group you'll be happy.

James.

If you have some experience with straight razors and have decided to stick with it any of those brands would be a fine choice. That, and spare cash burning a hole in your pocket ;)

Otherwise I'd recommend a less expensive production razor (TI, Dovo etc) or vintage piece.

I've always felt production razor outfits do best when making production razors. The limited productions tend to be expensive and often times for the money you can do better buying a true custom type.

I know nothing of the Boker and it may very well be a fabulous shaver and a bargain to boot and you'll probably never find someone who has one to ask.

It's a leap of faith.

I happen to know someone who does own one (Powerreserve) and he told me it was indeed a fabulous shaver. Perhaps you could PM him for more info.

Can't really go wrong with those choices.

If I were going to spend serious money on a daily driver, I would go NOS vintage.

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Originally Posted by thebigspendur

I've always felt production razor outfits do best when making production razors. The limited productions tend to be expensive and often times for the money you can do better buying a true custom type.

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Pretty much my sentiments as well.
If I were going to spend 600$ on a razor, I'd probably ask Charlie to make one because I usually like his designs best. That kind of money should buy you a razor designed specifically for you.

I would buy a Ali's Straight Razor : I heard those are unbelievable & wonderful shavers !

Just to make sure you know ..... "Damascus" ain't the legendary stuff of centuries ago. We call it Damascus but it is more properly "pattern welded steel." Not that PWS is a bad thing. What I've learned from having a few come and go, is that they are no better than regular 01, 1095, and what have you. You must use tape every time you hone to preserve the etch at the honing flat, if that is a consideration.

It is a cosmetic addition and adds nothing to the performance. I'm not saying they are not good shavers because those I have are. OTOH, if you are interested in a good shaver the Damascus isn't going to add anything but a pretty etching on the blade.

Can't go wrong with any of the choices your present. I would prefer a custom to my design for $550.00

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Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

Just to make sure you know ..... "Damascus" ain't the legendary stuff of centuries ago. We call it Damascus but it is more properly "pattern welded steel." Not that PWS is a bad thing. What I've learned from having a few come and go, is that they are no better than regular 01, 1095, and what have you. You must use tape every time you hone to preserve the etch at the honing flat, if that is a consideration.

It is a cosmetic addition and adds nothing to the performance. I'm not saying they are not good shavers because those I have are. OTOH, if you are interested in a good shaver the Damascus isn't going to add anything but a pretty etching on the blade.

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Originally Posted by Mvcrash

Can't go wrong with any of the choices your present. I would prefer a custom to my design for $550.00

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These cover my thoughts

Hands down go custom. The Boker might be a limited supply but its still a "supply" Not everyone can put a razor to the skin knowing its the only one like it in the world. I have all customs in my rotation and all are a different animal.

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Originally Posted by PLJ

Hands down go custom. The Boker might be a limited supply but its still a "supply" Not everyone can put a razor to the skin knowing its the only one like it in the world. I have all customs in my rotation and all are a different animal.

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All customs? :dropjaw:

Well all of the above have good points, which may or may not help you in your decision, and mine will be just another.

You have to decide what you're wanting. A razor to shave with, too collect, to re-sell at some point, etc. etc..

If its to shave with, I too would recommend a less expensive razor, and at the price point you could get a couple, or more.
If you want something completely unique, a custom.
If you collect, then this might fit your purpose.

I have Charlie's, Tim's, and Robert's customs, and they are unique, not always in design, but individual chacteristics and all are excellent razors.

I also just purchased the Boker from SRD. It is a production type razor in grind, size, scales, etc., but not really so much in the general type of steels and forging processes as other Boker razors. I do some collecting of razors that I think may have some future value, and also ones that I just like. This one kind of falls into both, I think/hope. Being a production and of a limited run actually, for me, makes it a more desirable razor. I ordered mine unhoned and with the factory edge. That way if I decide to hold on to it as original, I have it. If I decide that I want to use it later, then I still can.

So, it really comes down to what you want, but I too recommend not wasting your cash on something you think you want, but may want it for the wrong application.

:gl: with your decision.

Best Regards,
Howard :)