Before opening the thread, I said comfort. All razors will shave, but a razor that will provide a nice comfortable shave is all I really want. Most of mine are vintage with modern handles, so of the available choices I guess I would say reliability.
Sorry, i really didn't have time to read all the responses. I'll go read them later. But the biggest reason for me will be shave quality and comfort. I've said many times, if I'd have tried a Progess first, I wouldn't have a collection of razors. But i didn't, and I have a 50+ bunch. I have nearly ignored them all since the rockwell 6s. The shave isn't my closest, but the feel of use and the comfortable dfs's it produces have me reaching for it repeatedly. I keep thinking that with better technique, I can replicate the results. So far, I can't really say im disappointed in the razor. But many others give me better shaves. Some not as comfy, but certainly closer. Wonder if rockwell will ever make a plate 7-8 to rival the fatip, r41 lovers?
Quality and comfort are my two most important and then next is versatility (adjustability). Didn't see comfort (ie smooth and irritation free) on the list.
This was a difficult choice. I chose quality of manufacture, as that encompassed the most other choices. Quality will lead to reliability, a good appearance, and history as well. The junk manufacture of 60 years ago was mostly thrown away 55 years ago. The quality products endure. This is where the perpetual myth that things were better made in days gone by comes from. If we could go back 10,000 years, there would be an old cave man, belly up to the boulder, saying "You call that flint knapping? In my day we had REAL flint knapping!"
i have one question about quality.most of my gillettes are near nos or lightly used.they have sat preserved in someones drawer or collectors cabinet for70+ years...while they are all i have for shaving and only for the last couple of years i really look after them..is there anyone here who has used ie a fatboy/slim /tech since it was available new in the stores and has used it until recently or still does and does it need a replate or is it worn out ie tto? the lions share of most vintage gillettes are gone already..
NOBODY expects the a poll with so many options! Our chief razor quality is reliability...reliability and quality...quality and reliability.... Our two weapons are quality and reliability...and ruthless efficiency.... Our *three* weapons are quality, reliability, and ruthless efficiency...and an almost fanatical devotion to the King Gillette.... Our *four*...no... *Amongst* our razors.... Amongst our razors...are such elements as quality, reliability.... I'll come in again.
Because I didn't think of it...I tend to associate comfort more with the blade then with the razor. But since maybe that's just me, I'm adding it in.
Poll choices have been updated, and you now have the option of voting for your top TWO factors. Knock yourselves out.
Stupid but this kind of compares with picking your science fiction weapon of choice. ●Trek TOS phaser (versatility) ●SW blaster (effectiveness) ●Lightsaber (efficiency) Gimme a phaser any day of the week. It can do pretty much anything the other two can, but they can't do everything a phaser can.
Since we can now pick 2 choices, Im going to have to go reliability and quality. I want the blade to fit in it straight without having to fiddle with aligning the blade and I expect the razor to last for years. Thats why, as much as I cringed at the price of it, Im glad that I bought a Timeless. Its expensive, yes but the craftsmanship of it is unquestionable and it should outlast me.
I think that some people have fears over bacteria and dieseases with vintage razors. Even though viruses cant survive outside the body for more than 24 hours, some people are just grossed out by it. Ive got vintage razors and Ive got some new ones. Both are great.
