I was looking at all the different variety of DE razors out there, and I got to thinking (dangerous, I know)...why aren't there more TTO razors? I mean, I would THINK that this innovation was made to help create a bit safer way of changing blades...no? Well, if that is the case, and with metal manipulation/fabrication being much cheaper nowadays with all them "fancy automatized metal contraption robot thingies", why are there still regular screw on head type razors being made? Do you folks have a preference? I mean, other than ease of cleaning, is there really any benefit to a regular ol' head as opposed to a TTO? Can you tell I haven't really shaved with a TTO yet (but someday.....SOMEDAY...muahahaha)
The companies making safety razor today are quite small compared the Gillette back in the day. Basically there isn't the return on investment to justify the cost of the machinery needed to produce TTO razors today. When the DE was king Gillette was making millions of razors a year. Dovo/Merkur has under 100 employees and their primary business in cutlery, what do they sell? A few thousand razors a year? A 3 piece razor can easily be made with off the self machinery.
I like three piece razors. The head's flatter. The shaving angle works well for me. I also happen to like open comb razors. Open comb TTOs are few and far between. I suspect the reason for the lack of modern TTOs is an economic issue. Manufacturing TTOs has to take a bigger setup than manufacturing three piece razors. Countries where a significant portion of the populace still use DEs have in production TTOs. Places where DE razors are a hobby import TTOs, go vintage, or have small scale three piece production.
TTO's have moving parts which, I would think, adds significant complexity to their design and manufacture. Three piece designs are comparatively simple. One can get superior materials and craftsmanship in a three piece for about the same or slightly more cost than a cheap TTO. Personally, I'd take a quality 3 piece, like a Muehle/EJ, for about $30 over a cheap TTO -- especially since I only have two razors and they both get a lot of use (EJ DE87 and vintage SS). Of course, I'm speculating. I don't know for sure. Maybe the owner of iKon razors can jump in. He's the real expert.
personally I always figured getting a TTO would be some more small part to fix/maintain..IMOO..but I hear they make great lather catchers! ek.310
Maybe somebody can help me out with my new design for a razor. Neither 3-piece nor TTO...think "Pez Dispenser" for the razor Oh the fun to be had with possible head designs on THAT one
Hiya, Yeah, there's actually a big benefit to using a three piecer. Some of those shave really well, which is plenty of reason to use em. The same benefit holds true with many TTO types. Lots of those are quite capable of also providing excellent shaves. I'll use a TTO type most days, but sometimes certain 3 piece razors will call to me. I like some of each type, and it just depends on what kind of shave I want that morning. Sometimes I'll sacrifice a little comfort for a little closer shave with a razor that looks and feels nice. The blade loading and razor cleaning only takes a couple extra seconds with a 3 piece, so don't let that influence you with going a certain way. Have fun sliding down the bottomless badger hole....... Martin
