Thread: what is your favorite razor and what makes it your favorite?

so I shaved with the kropp for the first time this morning. and I noticed a couple things, I do really like it, that wide blade is easy to see the angle, the weight feels a bit light, the jimping on top and bottom is something that I do really like, though the edges on the corners of the spine are a bit sharp, so maybe some stippling there that is just on the middle of the spine might do nicely. the scales are a black plastic, and though they look nice, they are a bit slick in my hand. the monkey tail is a nice size for my finger. I did notice that I got the buttered toast on some strokes, but not on others. and the shave was nice and smooth, though not much different from my other 3 favorites, or the others ive shaved with. so far I have 18 vintage razors, and a dozen or so that I have made, and have 6 more vintage ones on the way to play with.

I am noticing that weight of the blade is huge, and something I have to keep in mind when honing, stropping, and shaving. the thicker grinds with the added mass seem to take much less effort on my part to keep steady both on the stones and strop. but then on my face if its too heavy, I have to pay attention or I start using too much pressure.

I had to look up luddite. while I do like the vintage looking razors much more than the mirror polished look, id sure hate to have to give up my powerhammer, pid controlled kiln, belt grinders, or laptop and internet connection.....

Pictures welcome

I don’t have so much a favorite razor as a “favorite type” of razor. Features:

• Shoulderless
• Thumbnotch
• 7/8 - 8/8
• Half to quarter-hollow grind

My Snail Forge 15/16 wootz “Ottoman” and Thiers-Issard 7/8 Oakwing hit all the marks.

I also appreciate a razor that doesn’t bring any trouble to the hones. Despite the C135 steel, I find the Oakwing a breeze to hone. The Bruno blade I’ve yet to hone, but I suspect that one will hone up nicely when needed.

Other blade features that pique my interest: double jimping and bellies.

Originally Posted by caltoncutlery

I had to look up luddite. while I do like the vintage looking razors much more than the mirror polished look, id sure hate to have to give up my powerhammer, pid controlled kiln, belt grinders, or laptop and internet connection.....

See, the internet is good for something. I did not say total luddite, the modern conveniences are nice to have too.

Bob

My favourite shaver I own so far is a Dovo special in fake tortoise... nothing expencive or overly fancy, but is my smoother shave so far. Might just be the hone job on it, I am un certain. But looks wise, I love anything fancy, or monster looking. I love a nice wedge, and or chopper. Fancy points, thumb notches, etchings, spine work, covered tangs, pearl etc. I love any thing fancy and unique looking... the 'works of art'. But not to say those will be the best shavers because I really like a wedge and thought I would love the shave, but was not impressed with the Joseph Elliot I have. (again may be the hone job on it.) but I do love an aesthetically pleasing razor.

Well Here We Go. My favorite is the one that is honed properly. I started back with a straight about 5 years ago or so after not using one for many years. So I jump in with both feet. I bought and tried many different brands sizes grinds shapes new and Old. First one was my favorite then another so on and so on. I have this friend that is well know as some one who knows about razors. I ask him. He said they all are. It took me a while to under stand what he meant. I now have through him found the ones I like. I like the Henckels and the Sheffields that look pleasing to me. I learned how to hone through my friend and now can hone fairly well and the razors I've collected all shave good and feel good in the hand. Each person will have a preference to those razors they really like simply because of shape size and name. What got me started with mind was a 50 and a 6/8 Henckel and a Mappin 6/8. These razors perform excellent and feel good in my hand.

ATM Fili 14 Doble Temple. BBS in one pass, allows me to shave every other day.

Mine are nearly all Tanifuji or Tanifuji-made razors, 6/8-13/16 and models that are ground a little more hollow than Japanese razors typically are.

I also like my Le Grelots very much.

Cheers, Steve

My Mastro Livi 6/8 Damascus steel razor with bison horn scales. It's like when I was young and dated a bathing suit model. Beautiful to look at and great to hold.

oh my, that is gorgeous! and the double monkey tail is sweet!