Thread: Is old better than new

I have a new Dovo Bismarck and a Unity Sheffield (100 years old ) straight razors. They have been honed on the same stones and the same way.
Yet the Sheffield shaves much better and more smother than the Dovo !
WHY ?

The Sheffield is likely made of softer steel, which will result in a smoother edge.

Because not all steel is made the same way. Badgister has a point about soft and hard steel. There's just something about how old steel was made that makes it superior to today's alloys. But, that's just my opinion!

Just adding to the discussion,

Sheffield steel - soft vs Swedish steel - hard
Both shave like a dream

Having seen videos from the Dovo factory, I'm not impressed by their manufacturing processes

My first choice is Sheffield. Not taking anything away from German razors, I have some mighty fine shaving German razors but Sheffield razors seem to give a smoother more comfortable shave.

I think that different steels like different honing methods to get that last few percentages.

That covers many things in life.

To get to the 90% level is generally easy for anyone that tries.

Each percent above that gets harder and harder. More time, effort, and money.

You found what the one blade likes now if you want to get the other to that level it begins.

Originally Posted by Badgister

The Sheffield is likely made of softer steel, which will result in a smoother edge.

Which means the Unity will be done quicker than the Dovo at all stages of the honing. So if you've honed them "the same way" the bevel may not even be set on the Dovo.
Soft steel doesn't necessarily mean a smooth edge. Fine grained steel with good heat treat does, eg. Puma.

I like the old stuff from the late 1700s, thru the 1800s, best. But I have others from early 1900s to present time, that shaves equally, as well.

If your honing is consistent, your shaves should be as well.

Question... Do either razors have a smile.?

Maybe I am at fault here . The Dovo has spent a lot more time on the hone than the Unity .
The Dovo is as efficient as the Unity and just as keen but the shave is not as smooth .

If your Dovo has a straight spine, and the other has a smiling spine, then there's your answer.

There's not as much of the edge, making contact with your face. And a smiling blade has more of a scything action, where a straight edge is more of a scraper.

If this makes sense, for you.