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I am looking to add 10 x razors to shave with. Already owe quite a few and use them daily. The criteria would be that the razors:
1) are first and foremost great shavers
2) are in a range of not more than $300 individually - as this probably makes them too expensive to shave with and more suited to "viewing" only.
3) Are available - one is able to find them from time to time in classifieds
Would be grateful with suggestions from members advice on the above.
I recently tried/bought a Friodur. I LOVE the heaviness of the blade and it's a great cutter. My next purchase will most likely be another Friodur.
To me that is a tall order to name 10 great shavers. My own view is that virtually any well made razor can be made to shave well if the person honing it can put a great edge on it. Out of about 40 used razors that I bought some shave better than others but I don't think it is brand dependent just that for some reason I was able to put a better edge on some. I would say just to buy well known brands that you like the blade style and size of. Sorry to not be more specific than than that.
Bob
That sounds like good advice - it would have been nice if there was a golden list of 10, the drawback is that if we all buy 40 or so shavers there are less to go around :(
i always thought it would be neat to have one of every listed on the SRP list of "good straight razor brands". that's more than 10 though. it's not to say that they are the only good ones out there,just a place to start.
A filarmonica should be in everyones top ten.
Why do you want us to take the fun away from you?
It's the travel that matters, not the destination.
For me part of the fun is figuring out from reviews and comments what my next razor should be.
Otherwise it's like buying a brand-new Porsche, Lamborghini and Ferrari and hiring a chauffeur to drive you around.
You own something very desirable, but you don't really understand much about it.
Besides; different people have different ideas that may not exactly match your preference.
Just my 2 cents....
I agree with beluga, this is a journey that only you can take. If you spend enough time here you will read about and see a lot of great shavers that pique your interest. Learn how to identify what makes a good razor and how to separate the cream from the crap on ebay and you could end up with more than than ten for less than the budget you have set for just one.
It sounded to me like you were asking for a golden 10 as a short cut to learning from experience. What I personally like in a razor you may not. For example I have a Friodur and like how it shaves while other members do not like how a stainless edge feels on their face. Me I don't care as I will use either stainless or carbon blades. I like a 5/8 to 6/8 sized blade but plenty of others like larger and smaller sizes. I do have some larger and smaller sized blades but have found the size range I prefer. That and more go into making up a great shaver for a particular person but may not be to your liking. Some have a preference for a particular type of grind. Me, again I am not fussy and will use near wedges to extra hollow ground razors. It is just too difficult for me to recommend a particular razor to somebody with the sole given criteria being a price range without knowing other preferences. There are a ton of great shavers in your price criteria. That is why the best I can say is to buy well known brands to minimize the risk of a dud.Quote:
Originally Posted by Gerhardb
Bob
I agree with the above posters that recommending 10 razors would depend a lot on your personal preferences and experiences. To develop those preferences and experiences, you would need to do a little experimenting yourself to determine your preferred blade width and grind.
With that caveat, I would not hesitate to recommend the following:
1. Filarmonica Doble Temple 14 (7/8 to 8/8) -- I own several of these and they are some of my favorite shavers. They have a nice heft to them that is quite satisfying while shaving, while still having a hollow grind.
2. Palmera 14 -- I don't own one of these (too expensive for me), but fans of Fili 14 tend to love Palmeras. You should be able to find one for under $300.
3. Heljestrand MK 32 or 33 -- I own a 33, and it is a beastly shaver. These are some of the finest examples of Sweedish steel.
4. Dubl Ducks (Special No. 1, Goldedge, Wonderedge, Satinedge) -- these are all nice shavers. The Wonderedge is one of my favorite shavers.
5. Wade and Butcher Celebrated Hollow Ground 7/8 -- This is a beastly razor with some heft that takes a nice edge.
6. Wade and Butcher Celebrated Hollow Ground for Barber's Use 7/8+ -- Similar to the W&B above, but often larger. I don't own one (too pricey for me), but others raze about this blade. If you look carefully, you may be able to find one for under $300.
7. Le Grelot Hospital 322 6/8 -- Fine example of classic French steel. Holds a wicked edge.
Don't let price stop you from using a razor. That's what they are for. That's like having a muscle car and not driving it, completely pointless. Good luck in your search.
Hi, thank you for all the good advice. The reason I wish to "cheat" the process somewhat and ask for advice is something many of you don't have to contend with. Shipping to South Africa is very expensive and as such it is very costly to purchase duds and shipping them to Africa.
Yes, I can understand where you are coming from. I guess the safest route to follow would be to buy new or vintage restored razors from a reputable dealer known for supplying shave ready razors. A reputable dealer will not knowingly, I believe, carry a dud product as they don't need the hassle. The shaving community is small and word gets around quick. A reputable dealer will also stand behind their product and should a problem occur you stand a good chance at resolving it in satisfactory manner. I take it that the availability of new and used razors in SA is pretty limited.Quote:
Originally Posted by Gerhardb
Bob
considering your price of less then 300$
Here is a few
Heljestrand MK31 5/8
Heljestrand n6 (same as a mk32 just better price) 6/8
SSA Full hollow 6/8 to 7/8
WadeandButcher barbers use 7/8
Bengall hollow 6/8 or bigger
Erik Anton Berg Frameback 6/8
Dubl Duck Special nr1 5/8
Friodur 6/8 to 7/8
De Pew "Monkey Tail" razor
here is one not many know of as a awsome shaver for the money.
Heartring or eicker and söhner 4/8 up to 6/8 (probleby the best thin grind i seen)
My Filarmonica is at the top for me as well (It's a doble temple that I got for about $100), but next to that I've got TI (not fancy at all about $130), a Dubl Duck Goldedge ($140), and a Red Imp ($75!!!!) that are also exceptional shavers
I know every ones different and some cant get along with a kamisori, but I think every straight shaver should also own one. They are so fun to use and offer a different dynamic to a western straight. Ive got 3 and am saving up for another. A 45mm Iwasaki sells for under £300 and should be in every ones top ten.
This is exactly what I need to do. New and used straights are very limited in South Africa. I should look to find a dealer give him a budget and ask that he find me plus minus 10 razors at a fair price in 6-9 months (quality instead of haste) before he ships to me. Now my question would be where do i look for someone who could do this?Quote:
Originally Posted by BobH
There are a fair number of reputable dealers/retailer/vendors really. Just ask the forum who they would recommend to supply a shave ready razor from that they have dealt with. I have only bought from two, most of the ones I have are from local places and ebay. The two I have personally bought from are The Classic Edge Shaving Store Your Straight Razor & Knife Specialists. and Home . They were a couple of vintage ones from Classic Edge and one new one from Revisor and was happy with the purchases from both. There are a number of others that I would not hesitate to buy from but really can't comment as I have not yet bought any from them. Others have and been happy from the comments I have read on here. Good luck in your search.Quote:
Originally Posted by Gerhardb
Bob
I should add that I have bought a few from individuals off the Buy and Sell section here http://straightrazorpalace.com/class...wcat.php?cat=3 and also have been satisfied with those purchases. There is also a Vendors section here http://straightrazorpalace.com/vendors-corner/ .
Bob
You know, back in the day in a place like Solingen most of the razor manufacturers bought the steel from one of very few suppliers. Many even bought the blanks from larger makers and specialized vendors. Many sent the razors out for forging.
As long as you buy a respected brand the basic razor is pretty much the same. it's the grinding and final finishing that may make the difference. I've always felt as long as you buy quality and the razor is well honed you can never go wrong.
One of the funny things here is that aside from some of my Henckels my very best shavers are no names. I have the typical Fili's and W&B but they don't impress me any more than many of my little know vintage blades. For the most part it is about personal taste and experimenting. I hope you find greatness in your search.
Basically my conclusion too.Quote:
Originally Posted by RezDog
Bob
Don't forget about Henckels Zwillingswerk (non Friodur), Guillermo Hoppe, Boker, Puma (vintage) and Gotta.
And well, don't let the spanish guy not to recommend Filarmonicas :D, Novodur and EPBD are simply exceptional, but maybe a step over your budget if we talk about NOS or MINT
Gents thank you very much for all the support and suggestions - I am very glad I asked the question - this is a great forum. I think that finding 10 really great razors should be a 10 year mission with some hits and misses - hopefully not too many misses. One should not cheat the process even when this is tempting. Thank you for all the good luck wishes in my search.