Thread: Advice on adding 10 x great straight razor shaves

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.

Originally Posted by Gerhardb

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

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.

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.