Thread: Otto Busch World-Master NOS

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

Here in the USA, on SRP anyway, it seems to me that we have many members who prefer the heavier grinds, I wonder if that is a worldwide phenomenon, or if like the preference for synthetics over naturals, it seems to be an SRP thing ?

I'd say it is. Heavy grinds are harder to maintain, and in my experience do not deliver better shaves. Quite the contrary. But the so called meat choppers look interesting. Bit like 8/8 razors. Nobody used them professionally, yet still they are very popular. I keep a few in a display cabinet for the looks, but otherwise don't use them.

Any idea if these razors are from the pre or post war era? They are good lookers!! It's slightly odd looking at a thumb notch that also has a stabiliser in the grind!

There will be something on the flyer that came with the razor.

Also, http://www.weltmeister-solingen.de/index.html?info.htm

I've got a World Master 194 that isn't Kaiser Ellison steel, instead it is marked "Made from Bohler Extra Razor Steel Best Elektrik Silver Steel". Not sure if my scales are original but they've definitely shrunk and are pretty cheap look/feel. Wonder if they just change steel providers, or if Kaiser steel and Bohler Elektrik steel are marketing schemes?

Originally Posted by TwistedOak

Wonder if they just change steel providers, or if Kaiser steel and Bohler Elektrik steel are marketing schemes?

I've got a couple, maybe a few Solingen blades marked Bohler steel, and they are super. See this post by Mike Blue here ........ ; http://straightrazorpalace.com/razor...ml#post1361093

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

See this post by Mike Blue here ........ ; http://straightrazorpalace.com/razor...ml#post1361093

Interesting...

Originally Posted by Mike Blue

Bohler-Uddeholm is a Swedish steel company, not just a type of steel. I use their raw materials for blades I make whenever possible. Their quality is exceptional.

"Böhler-Uddeholm is a large Austrian company specialised in producing tool steel and special forgings. It was formed in 1991 as a result of a merger between the Austrian parastatal Böhler and of Uddeholms AB of Sweden. The company has production sites in Austria, Germany, Sweden, Brazil, Belgium, Turkey, China, USA and Mexico. As of September 2008 it is a wholly owned subsidiary of voestalpine." (Source).

I'm sure you'll find this article here interesting.

So it seems like the Bohler and Kaiser steel were more than marketing. Thanks for the info gents!

Beautiful find Robert

Good thing I saw this post. As I was going to post up some pics and review. My razor is identical to the OP's. The size, grind, thumb notch and upper/lower jimps. Are all for exactly what I like. The extra hollow blade and scales are balanced. Fit and finish is top notch. The sound of the blade while in use is shaving music.
I purchased one a couple weeks ago. And after shaving with it for the last week and half. Decided to grab another while they were still available. I would have certainly regretted not getting a second. I enjoy it so much.

This has knocked my NOS Gold Rex off the top of my favorite list.
So now my list goes from #1 to #7
1. Otto Busch World Master x2
2. Gold Rex 1072
3. Fisher Inox #20
4. Burrel Top Flight 6/8 x2
5. Harris Goar St. Louis Extra Hollow.
6. A.J. Jordan Old Faithfull.
7. Stiz Russian
All of the razors in my rotation are enjoyable to use. But the Otto just feels correct in my hand. Kind of like when you hold and shoot a pistol or revolver that fits your hand so well. That it's point of aim is "automatic".