Thread: Razors you don't like?

Hi All,

I like razors, especially pre-1800, square toe, barbers notches, even round point. But there's one I've never taken to, and that's the frameback.

I don't know why, but every time I see them they give me shudders. (Never used one so can't comment on performance.)

Is there anything you guys don't like, or am I the only one?

Well what I dislike most about a razor for me it would be heavy grinds, anything over an half hollow is certainly not for me I don't like the feel of the heavy grind against my face, but on saying that there's nothing about them looks wise I dislike, and as far as looks go I'm not a fan of traditional Kamisori razors I just cannot take to them no matter how well they shave, to me they just look so unattractive.

Well, there are designs and products used that I don't really care for that much to be honest.

The way some, not all, of the custom makers are heading are but one of those.

Razors with holes on the blade face as if they were inspired by Spyderco or something as one example.
Hooks on the end of the spine? Come on, that is just plain silly, and will ruin a strop immediately.
Filework properly done can be stunning, but once it gets in the way of actual usage of the tool, I'm out.

Burl is another big nono for me.
Fungus infested woods belongs in a fireplace, not on usable objects

Someone once said that Bowling ball acrylics belongs on bowling balls, not on razors.
I agree..
And that includes Mokume Gane and other exotic sounding stuff with wild patterns too.

Of older razors, I really dislike ornate scales with Indians, half-dressed women and whatnot.
For reasons totally unknown to me, these seems to be real popular amongst scale-collectors(!).

Single bevels belong in a kitchen, not a shave-cave.
Kamisori's may be cool and exotic to some, but I have no love for them anymore.

And finally, the current trend of making scales and brush handles in antlers and unpolished horn/bone.
Whoa, that is.. really really not for me at all!

Hmm, this turned out to be a little rant of sorts..
Ah well, it is good we all have different preferences I guess

Umm, the blunt ones, no good.

I am not a fan of scales bearing engravings of half-dressed women either. I think I'd rather have them completely unclothed.

Though I have some, and they shave well, I'm not crazy about round points. Too vanilla. I also find square points to be vanilla. Give me notched, Spanish or French points. I find them to be usable. I don't like razors, usually customs, that have a 'point' at the heel. Dangerous AFAIC. I don't want to feel trepidation while I'm making my passes. Along with Birnando, I don't care for razors that look like Spyderco knives, razors that look like some medieval l weapon or something out of Dungeons & Dragons, or Battlestar Galactica.

Razors with modernistic scales, weird monkey tails, and one of my pet peeves is that custom razor makers seem to ignore the fact that the large majority of straight razors commercially made by the MFGs are either 5/8 or 6/8. The custom guys all seem to think that if it isn't 8/8 or larger that it isn't worth their time. IMHO.

Birnardo and Jimmy have both nicely summed up things for me and in particular the direction in which custom razor makers seem to be headed. Good thing there is more than enough variety out there to satisfy most interests.

Bob

The only straight I don't like is one that will not take an edge. If someone takes the time to produce a straight razor(if you have ever made one you would understand what I am talking about), why not use quality steel & heat treating? Other than that, it's more of a preference thing: I'm more of a traditionalist. Holes, loud scales (color or design), cleavers (over 9/8), anything cumbersome, etc. is not for me. I prefer a more clean, classy, elegant, but most of all functional razor.

Yeah, well said, guys. Birnando and Jimmy really hit the nail on the head for me. Although I love my square points, and J razors are beautiful for me. I've still never used one, I'm waiting until I get a girl/married and I'll teach her to shave me. Dream on.
Why do you think modern razors are so involved? I think it's just a sign of the times. Although the one Ulrich made, a copy of a W&B was really nice.
Would anyone consider getting a copy made?

Not only do I not like burl but I don't care for wood scales. The closest I've come to like wood scales are a few razors I've seen in desert ironwood. It's pretty irrational, but you asked....and no, I don't care for razors that were made to be held by another person but I really like the old razors that were made western style in Japan. Sometimes custom razors are screaming, look at me and seem to be there to showcase the metal skills of the makers which can be formidable. But design can suffer during this process. Has there been a razor more beautiful than the #14 Filly posted this month by the celticcrusader in the beginning of the SOTD? Not sure....vintage isn't better, but.....