Thread: Lark razors

So I accidentally bought this Chinese razor called a "Lark". Honestly, if I would have known it was made in China I would have never bought it, but now that I did does anyone have any information on this razor? I think from my point of view it's in pristine condition and it looks like it'll take a nice edge to it it actually has a nice edge on it already. Can anyone help me out with this, I know that Chinese razors are the last thing that anyone wants to buy but since I already did it what's my best move- hone it up and give it a go, or try to dump it off somewhere? Just to satisfy my own curiosity why are Chinese razors bad in the first place? It does not say made in China on it but there are two Chinese symbols which I'm assuming mean made in China. Any and all information and responses will be greatly appreciated!
Thanks,
Tony

Well, I personally don't know anything about Chinese razors, but as long as the razor is in shaving condition (no rust, well cleaned and honed up), what have you got to loose by trying it out?

By the way, do you have some pics of the razor?

Originally Posted by LordBlah

Well, I personally don't know anything about Chinese razors, but as long as the razor is in shaving condition (no rust, well cleaned and honed up), what have you got to loose by trying it out?

By the way, do you have some pics of the razor?

Thanks I'm going to post them shortly the razor is in pristine condition.

Pics of the Lark. Sorry for the bad camera phone pics!

I think you'll shave fine with it if you hone and strop it up.

There are vintage razors made by Larkin... But that's the closest known brand I can think of. Made in China makes me doubtful, but all you can lose at this point is a bit of time. Worth trying, I'd say. Maybe bring it to the meet for others to play with as well.

Hard to tell really what you have there..

Keep in mind that several of the English companies produced razors with Chinese symbols on them, I have never seen one of these "Lark" razors before so I would just take it step by step perhaps one of our Historians will have some info on it..

From what i can gather on Lark razors is that it is a step up to a gold dollar...........

I just got one and feel the same, if I had known it is made in China.......
Nice string on it on B&B.
Mine sharpened beautifully and shaves quite well, is good looking and way better than a GD. It was listed on EBay as a DOVO so I was really bummed about that but it is worth the $50 I paid inc shpg.

People knock Chinese products but it really wasn't long ago that if you mentioned a Chinese folding knife the comments would be "for the price its OK".

Fast forward to today and the Chinese are now making folding knives that are not just " OK for the price" , some are very good knives that just happen to cost a fraction of the price of a western made knife. They are also now producing some very good folders made with some fairly high end steels.

I wonder how long it will be before Chinese made razors will be recommended as a viable cheep option for people to get into straight razors.

As far as I can tell the main thing that let's the GD's down is the inconsistency in the grinds and more than likely the heat treat aswell. There are enough people out there saying they are getting decent shaves off them once the grind and geometry issues are sorted for me to believe there is something there to work with.

When the Chinese work out how to produce these things without grind and geometry issues on a consistent basis (and I'm sure in time they will) the cheep Chinese made razor will no longer be a thing to be joked about and may very well become the swatch watch of the razor world

Of cause I could be completely wrong and they will continue to churn out junk forever but the evidence suggests they will get their act together sooner rather than later !