Hi, Are there any benefits and detractions with the different finishes offered by the manufacturers, other than the obvious (price and looks)?
I need a Teflon finish so I can avoid lather residue. Then there is Bakelite / Nellite / Plastic to consider.... Copper / Brass / Nickel too... Ooooh! I know what we need; a periodical table of razor construction materials! Blades too! Can I get some blades made of Tungsten-Carbide? What about Depleted Uranium? Let's not forget about Obsidian Blades! KTHXBYE!
I like the warm feel of Nickel as compared to chrome, but it really doesn't matter as long as I get a good quality shave from it.
As long as it's metallic and shaves well, I don't care. I've never cared for plastic razors, which are fairly uncommon in the DE world anyway.
in terms of the shave, the finish doesn't matter. In terms of durability of the finish, there are differences. Ex: a solid stainless steel razor (IKON) will pretty much stay as is as long as you take care of it. Other razors (Merkur, Parker, vintage, etc..) will eventually have issues with plating loss. In the end you'll have a brass razor (or whatever's underneath.) I have a 1930s Gillette NEW that is almost entirely brass. It once had a gold finish. Shaves just fine, but it won't win any awards.
As A Newbie this to Me is an Obvious Unaddressed Question Hi. I thought perhaps different finishes may have lower maintenance requirements, perhaps differ in performance, or reaction to the properties of the tap water used, of course show soap scum more or less, or longevity (ie, scratchablilty, knicking with normal wear.) I have read that a good DE razor would make a great heirloom for future generations, having observed the pride some here have with inheriting their past generations' razors. I did notice that various finishes are offered, just curious as to why, and the benes of them. Thanks again for the cordial welcome!
Thanks for the input from the serious, experienced collectors Having the mindset, of a collector, from past ventures, I appreciate, the input, of what may seem an irrelevant question.
Actually I don't care as long as its a great razor, but I noticed none of the finishes of the vintage Gillettes were listed except Gold, so I had to vote "None of the Above"...In deference to those who like Gillette DE's if you had a Nickle Plate option, I bet the percentages would change when the Vintage Gillette vote came in...
It doesn't really matter because regardless, I have to hit them with the Scrubbing Bubbles on a regular basis. I chose the chrome plated, because when I buy used razors, I like to boil them and I have heard that boiling is a big no-no with gold-plated ones.
My favorite is the rhodium plating on the old Brits. I'd never even heard of this material before RAD set in. Judging from the looks of the finish on the old razors I have, it is extremely durable.
It depends on the razor. I really like the Futur in the Satin Finish but prefer most of my razors in Chrome.
I've never liked gold finishes on anything tbh. The only plastic DE razor I've seen in a very short time of shopping was the Schick Krona and the later Gillette Techs
Razor Finishes... I'm beginning to think that my face is allergic to nickel plating, because when I started to shave with a shavette I had no irritation around the area where I used to grow a Vandyke. While shaving with Micromatics, gold or chrome, I had no irritation, the same also with an old Eveready. Bought an old 1960's superspeed with the flare tip on Wednesday, shaved with it, got a DFS, but got redness the next day. Having to use Hydrocortisone again to get rid of it. Very interesting poll though. I guess polished chrome or stainless steel are good for me.
I must say my favourtie finish so far in my collection is Parker's Gunmetal finish. I have a 22R in that colour and it's pretty sharp.
I actually think it can make a difference... at least with highly polished razors. A polished razor can tend to stick to your skin on last passes - just because there is more surface area contacting I guess? That same polished razor, won't do that after it has some soap residue - at least that's been my experience.
