Thread: The over rated hype razor

Is it just me, or has there been a huge surge in the relative popularity of W & B razors lately? It seems everyone wants one now -- including me!

Originally Posted by mapleleafalumnus

Is it just me, or has there been a huge surge in the relative popularity of W & B razors lately? It seems everyone wants one now -- including me!

That's just because all the cool kids have one.

I really only changed from a straight razor shaver to a full-on victim of RAD and therefore ebay stalker in the last year or so, so I don't really know how long this W&B frenzy has been going on, but yeah, it can be tough to find a decent deal on them. The smaller ones are much easier to find deals on, but the FBU tend to go shy high pretty quick these days. But for anyone looking for one, be patient. There are decent ones to be had out there from time to time that won't require breaking the bank.

Originally Posted by mapleleafalumnus

Is it just me, or has there been a huge surge in the relative popularity of W & B razors lately? It seems everyone wants one now -- including me!

Honestly, Your not missing anything.

The larger blades do seem to be popular these days. I was speaking to a well known razor maker/restorer recently, and he verified that the 8/8th's do seem to be the most popular. I tend to favor a 6/8th's or 7/8ths. I'm not crazy about shaving with a meat cleaver. I do, but very rarely. I have a variety of razors. All kinds. I like them all, and really can't say I like one above the other.

I like hollows, as well as the big wedges. It's like Pizza, It's all good, some are just different than others. I'll have to post some pics of my
Vintage W&B's.

Actually, I've seen the Filarmonica frenzy, The Dubl Duck frenzy, and a few others. They can go for big bucks on Ebay.

Originally Posted by Cangooner

That's just because all the cool kids have one.

I really only changed from a straight razor shaver to a full-on victim of RAD and therefore ebay stalker in the last year or so, so I don't really know how long this W&B frenzy has been going on, but yeah, it can be tough to find a decent deal on them. The smaller ones are much easier to find deals on, but the FBU tend to go shy high pretty quick these days. But for anyone looking for one, be patient. There are decent ones to be had out there from time to time that won't require breaking the bank.

Working on trying to get mine. I have a FBU but unscaled. And what I am looking for is a celebrated FBU. In time, in time...

Originally Posted by zib

Honestly, Your not missing anything.

The larger blades do seem to be popular these days. I was speaking to a well known razor maker/restorer recently, and he verified that the 8/8th's do seem to be the most popular. I tend to favor a 6/8th's or 7/8ths. I'm not crazy about shaving with a meat cleaver. I do, but very rarely. I have a variety of razors. All kinds. I like them all, and really can't say I like one above the other.

I like hollows, as well as the big wedges. It's like Pizza, It's all good, some are just different than others. I'll have to post some pics of my
Vintage W&B's.

Actually, I've seen the Filarmonica frenzy, The Dubl Duck frenzy, and a few others. They can go for big bucks on Ebay.

Thanks for the input, Zib! I try not to get caught up in the fad-frenzies of straights or in the relative aesthetics of blade/scale combinations -- although it can be pretty tough when I think that they're true works of art!
My current desire for an 8/8 W&B probably stems from the reviews I've read about them that other members have posted. It's either that or the thought of using the equivalent of a guillotine for shaving...just sayin'.

I like the biggins for two reasons.one side of the face,chin. neck (one rinse) other side(one rinse) = Least faucet exposer cycles.
I also like them because the wgt of the blade just sort of allows them to fall with gravity,thus less pushing the the blade.
I think the big 8/8 plus barbers blades were made as production tools used by barbers that may have done 50 shaves /day,back in the day (less motion,more production,more income)
Just shaved an hr ago with this tiny little 5/8 Tanifuji (finished on a zulu) the shave was fantastic, perfect in all respects,but a little lacking in some respects, they all work,whatever turns your crank

Originally Posted by pixelfixed

I like the biggins for two reasons.one side of the face,chin. neck (one rinse) other side(one rinse) = Least faucet exposer cycles.
I also like them because the wgt of the blade just sort of allows them to fall with gravity,thus less pushing the the blade.
I think the big 8/8 plus barbers blades were made as production tools used by barbers that may have done 50 shaves /day,back in the day (less motion,more production,more income)
Just shaved an hr ago with this tiny little 5/8 Tanifuji (finished on a zulu) the shave was fantastic, perfect in all respects,but a little lacking in some respects, they all work,whatever turns your crank

honestly i dont care who made the blade . but i like big razors and long as it is good steel i dont mind tryin to get a hold of it .. i think the W & B's are goin nuts cause on the bay at least most of the big blades are W&B so there isnt much of a choice ..

You can have all the W&Bs, just don't touch the Pumas, you won't like them!

Originally Posted by Cangooner

That's just because all the cool kids have one.

I really only changed from a straight razor shaver to a full-on victim of RAD and therefore ebay stalker in the last year or so, so I don't really know how long this W&B frenzy has been going on, but yeah, it can be tough to find a decent deal on them. The smaller ones are much easier to find deals on, but the FBU tend to go shy high pretty quick these days. But for anyone looking for one, be patient. There are decent ones to be had out there from time to time that won't require breaking the bank.

Yeah I just watched a reaper go for $282.00. Last month it was what ? 550 to 1,000. Condition had some to do with it but frenzy costs a lot. Patience pays.

Originally Posted by Badgister

You can have all the W&Bs, just don't touch the Pumas, you won't like them!

And so what do you think the difference is really ? Just wondering because I have gotten over my new guy RAD and starting to learn the blade itself. I feel a new thread coming on :<0)