Thread: Vintage or New?

just a general question to everyone:
Do you prefer vintage razors or new?
Why?
What is your favorite brand?

I like both with vintage being slightly ahead but only in near mint condition to equal my liking for new. With new Theirs Issard is my favorite and with vintage too many to list.

I have never shaved with a new straight razor. But, they look great! I will soon buy a new straight razor, I believe.

Commenting on vintage...

I have yet to find a vintage razor that didn't shave well. I know that sounds extreme. But, (1) if it is old, and (2) if it isn't compromised by rust it will take an edge and shave well.

I am not saying that there is no difference between vintage blades. Only that your chances of disappointment with vintage blades is low in my opinion.

I only have Vintage. One was inherited. One was a gift. One I found at a great price. So, part of it has been a price standpoint. For me. Would I buy a new one? Yes. But, one day it too will be old.

Well the one I bought new 40 years ago in SLC might be vintage to some.
A good blade well cared for last almost forever.

In general the prices for a restored quality old blade and a new quality blade
can be almost equal as long as you are not looking for a collectable special blade.

I have seen some serious bargins in the classified of this forum so shop, shop....

I think the vintage blades because it's hard to believe something as old as some of these vintage blades are still shave like new. Wonder if the same can be said for the new stuff when they get that old?

I only have one new razor (a TI) and it's a very nice shaver but given that, for the money it cost, I can and have bought ten+ vintage, all of which, shave as well or better… got to go for vintage. So many good brands that to single one out would be churlish.

I have both and prefer vintage to new factory made. Custom's are a different case though.

I often see new razors I think I'd like, even plan to buy, but when push comes to shove I always end up seeing a vintage razor I like more.

When I first started (not that long ago) I could not think of why anyone would bother with vintage - disease, second hand, poor condition, too much patina....so I only wanted new and that is what I got. A Wacker from shaving shop that shaves like a dream. Never regretted starting with that one and to this day, it is still one of my best shavers.

The more I shaved and the more I read, the more I wanted to try more razors, but in the beginning, how many $250 dollar razors can you afford in the beginning? So I thought why not try a vintage one. so I bought a razor off the classifieds from another member - a 30 dollar worcester half hollow and he was gracious enough to throw in another 4/8 wedge. I bought some sharpening gear (4000 and 8000) stone and croOx/felt strop and I was off. The worcester half hollow (5/8) gives a great shave. They often say that half hollows are great razors to start off with and they were right.

After using the 4/8 wedge a few more times, I thought, lemme get my hands on a larger wedge and see if I still like it. Loved it, and bought more and more.

So where do I stand now? I think they both Vintage and New are special in their own ways. I still want many new razors but will keep my eyes peeled for those vintage that catch my eye here and there. Next razor is a Williams Custom, Wacker 1/4 hollow, Vintage NOS Dovo and I should try one of those...Joe Chandlers...anyone ever heard of him

Here is some eye candy on 3 vintage wedges that were just rescaled by Brad (Undream)