There's an active post right now around what is the best 3 piece razor. It got me thinking... I've got 14 straight razors and they're all great! I think my best straight razor at the moment is my Charles Adam "fearless". It's a 5/8 carbon steel hollow grind and made between the 1890's to 1910. I love the bone handle, the fact that it hones effortlessly to a fine edge and provides great shaves. However, I've got a lot to learn about straight razors. What does everyone think is the best straight razor, vintage or modern, out there?
It is not just the razor but the edge on the razor so how well the razor is honed can change my view of the razor. But amongst my stable the most consistently awesome all around straight razor is my Mastro Livi Grifretto.
For vintage, I really enjoy wade and butcher and old wostenholm. Dovo, thiers-issard, and Hart steel are fantastic moderns. There are several "artisan" makers as well that are terrific. This is by no means an exhaustive list. Ralf aust, filarmonica, dubl duck, and puma are also all considered top tier straights. I'm sure there are several more I am forgetting at the moment that could easily be added as well.
That's what I was considering! The ease and ability to hone the razor is definitely a factor. I have a couple that take quite some time to hone, while others hone up well in no time.
My honking skills are still just at an amateur level so I prefer a razor that is easy to maintain. It is one of the reason I prefer modern razors and new or slightly used. I am not great at overcoming issues with a blade.
I agree with @Keithmax , the edge on the blade will make of break your opinion. I have a lot of blades, many are rescue razors, that most hear wouldn't have given a thought to buying. After many of these are buffed, and made presentable(for me), a good edge is put on them and they are all used. Some of my favorites are rescue razors that have taken a great edge. A razor I used last night was an $11.50 "Respect 4" American made razor. One of the finest shaving blades I have. It was a rescue razor, that cleaned up almost like New, and took a wonderful edge. So, don't get caught up in names, or looks, if what you are searching for is a great shave.
As Mentioned Above..The Hone Job is Probably the Single Most Important Factor..I have Bought SRs from all over the World..I have Received Very Few with a Superb Shaving Edge..In Fact..One Japanese Honemeister I Got a Handful of Shave Ready SRs from Gave Me a Superb Shaving Edge that I Aspire to To..Every SR he Sent Me had a Darn Superb Edge..I Bought Swedish Steel, Solingen & Japanese Steel SRs from this Guy & they were All Superb Shavers..I Am So Glad I Came Across this Guy.. I Personally Prefer Vintage SRs to any Current Production Models I have Thus Far Honed & Shaved with..I Like a Wee Change of Pace with Various Grinds & Steel..The Constant within the Change is a Superb Hone Job..For Me Anyway.. Billy..
I like a challenge. "If at first you don't succeed, try try again". With Straights, I've found the really challenging razors help "sharpen" my honing skills the most. They make me think.
I could use this razor every day! It's maneuverable, lots of audible feedback, keeps a keen edge and it has always honed easily. I still love my other SRs, but this one is the most user friendly for me.
Just wondering if this is a rhetorical question? Can this be even be answered? Unless you mean to refer to a persons personal experience and their own stash... And not to hijack BUT (hijacking anyway) what are the opinions of modern vs. vintage razors? I have acquired four vintage razors (I haven't used them all yet) but am contemplating on getting a new modern razor...
Old, less expensive. New, expensive. For the most part, unless you look for one of the more rare vintage, that is pristine. Quality wise, name brand vintage blades are great, and reliable razors. For me, I like Vintage, for nostalgia sake, and cost. I also don't mind a little patina, that's just a little added character.
Hehehehehe Blonde Brunette or Redhead ??? Do you have a favorite Kid ?? Honestly the answer varies with the person.. @Jim99 What does the back of your tang say ???
