What manufacturer makes the perfect straight razor?

Valid question!

Considering the topic, this belongs here.

This is why. I've purchased a shave ready from a reputable honer. I have a benchmark for comparison. If you know the razor is ready, then any issues will be your technique.

 

+1 ^^^. I have a handful of them, that every time I use one I think maybe it is the perfect straight. They range from brand new to about 150 years old, full hollow to wedge ground.

Like Keith said, what mood are you in today?

 

Like others recommended both @gssixgun and @HolyRollah will deliver a beautiful razor with a great edge. If you want to test the waters google Whipped Dog and go for one of his sight unseen razors and a poor mans strop. If you fancy new a Dovo from The Superior Shave is good, I bought a couple razors and all had great edges. You can also watch the BST thread.

 

"The Chase is Better than the Catch" Motorhead

 

I don't use straights, but I will answer this, perfect is subjective.

 

I have many straights, many brands, many sizes, many different grinds, many different eras. When I first started I was seeking the perfect razor, and thought I would find the perfect razor, but several of those and sell the rest. I have had a lot of different razors. The honing is as important as the blade itself, for certain. I have preferred brand, but a range of preferred grinds. What I have come up with for the heart of my rotation is 6/8 to 8/8 widths in 1/4 to extra hollow, the lions share is JA Henckels. One of the truly great things about Henckels is they made them for over 250 years and there are thousands of them out there, and a lot of them in mint condition,and because of the shear volume in the market, the price reflects that. They are a top shelf brand, but you still need to dial in your size and grind. Going to a meet often gets you a lot of exposure, hands on to what is out there. Henckels 17 in carbon steel is probably my most commonly used razor. It is a half hollow 7/8 blade.

 

It's gone to be different for each of us.We have different preferences. I find it depends on my mood on which size,grind and maker I select.The only thing most folks will always agree on is you need quality steel to start with.For example I like the chareristics of FW Engels Argo Steel.Very hard and keeps a sharp edge.I like this type of steel expecially when going against the grain.In the end Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

 

You really could not go wrong with a Boker King Cutter. Apart from expensive customs this is a great razor.

 

My perfect straight razor is always the next one I get.

 

Is a Feather DX or SS or similar considered a straight razor as such? If one is interested in trying, a Feather or KAI has an ability to take very sharp "shave ready" blades and need no honing or stropping.....ever. There are some that strop their Feather DX blades for extra mileage, but even with no strop, these are quite nice. I have many straight razors from old to brand new. I've practiced honing, and stopping and I have never found a way to get my straights as sharp as the thin DE blades or the Feather Pro Artist Club blades. It is a way to look at shaving with the same methodology as straights without the collection of numerous straight razors in your drawer looking for "Mr. Right... or Mrs. Right".

Is it ok to post about it here?

 

Filarmonica's have a great reputation. I have not used one, but hear a lot of great things about them. Too bad the don't still make them. You can find new old stock, but they get pretty expensive.
picture from internet

 

The perfect one is the one you have in your hand.

 

The perfect one is the Art razor @mrchick is going to PIF to me

 

What, did it get lost in the mail?

 

Yer killin me