Thread: Vintage Vs modern straight razors

Originally Posted by RezDog

Modern razor is a loose term. A modern razor from a reputable maker. It seems like the fit and finish has fallen off, likely due to staffing issues and the skill set of the staff. The steel is still good, and the treatment of the steel is still good. I think a large percentage of the vintage blades, if they were junk, it would be unlikely anyone would have saved them. I have both new and vintage. All of mine shave well. I like to think that I was very selective in what I bought.

All good points, but one thing to consider are smaller razor makers like Aust, Koraat and some others where the individual making the razor is known, has an established track record and stands behind the product.

Regarding vintage razors, there is a trap when someone picks-up a “garage find” or “flea market” razor that may have suffered years of abuse and neglect.

Over the years, I have come across new razors from a (once) well-known “mastro” and some vintage razors that took extraordinary efforts from my side to transform them into what I consider acceptable razors.

Lesson learnt: neither “new” nor “vintage” are gurantees by themselves, in a way you still “buy the seller”.


B.