Premium Razors vs the rest

I am not too concern about things like this. I buy and use what I like without overthinking or rationalizing it. Life is too short :-)

Of course, this is just my own way of handling my shaving lifestyle and it doesn't apply to others. Good thread!

(And its materials, 316L stainless steel, and warranty, will ensure it will outlive me, or even my future grandchildren, better than any cheaper antique razor.)
Sometimes you really do get what you pay for...

All well and good, Len. Remember, though, that many of those "cheaper antique razors" already have 80 years and more under their belts. Not the tight tolerances of today's modern CNC carved SS razors, but shaved and are still shaving as well or nearly as well as their modern super cousins.

If saving money and getting the best possible shaves were only what this was about, everyone here would only be shaving with straight razors.

For me, I like the closeness of a straight, but the convenience of cartridge. I like equipment that will give me the least irritation, the least chance of cutting or nicking myself, something effortless and smooth... Something so safe that a child could use, yet is so close, that it feels like I just got out of a chair of a master barber... Yet, is also quick, that will do a perfect job if I'm running late for work...

I'm sorry, but not a lot of razors have those characteristics, and the only razor I know that comes close to all of those is the OneBlade. It's expensive, but it's the only razor I need. (And its materials, 316L stainless steel, and warranty, will ensure it will outlive me, or even my future grandchildren, better than any cheaper antique razor.) And needing only this one, expensive razor will actually save me much more money than those who have collections of cheaper razors. Buy the best right away, and no need to suffer or go broke with the RAD affliction.

Some other guys will tell you they get this combination of quality, quickness, convenience, safety, and closeness with a Wolfman, or Mongoose. YMMV, but most guys will tell you that they get the best of all these things, and quality, with these newer, more expensive razors. And that this quality really does come with innovation and technology. (Cause without it, we'd all still be shaving with self sharpened flint rocks.)

Sometimes you really do get what you pay for...

I agree with this.

if I want an expensive shaving gear item, I try to sell off other shaving gear to help fund the purchase. this is my own personal reasoning.

right now I'm looking to possibly get the new injector coming out by get supply & the new alumigoose when it's released...hopefully. I'd love a OneBlade myself (I like the idea of a pivoting head with a stiff SE blade), but it's a bit too expensive for me right now.

My > $100 Wolfman has perfect blade alignment and gives me a BBS shave. So does my <$10 Gillette Tech.

Lots of razors can give a BBS shave, but some get you there easier and with less trouble than others...

Lots of razors can give a BBS shave, but some get you there easier and with less trouble than others...

I don't know if that's in reference to my post, but I will add that other than angle, I don't do anything differently when switching from one razor to another. WTG, ATG, done, no matter which razor I use.

Honestly, I have more buyers remorse over BRUSHES than I do razors. I, "Only have," about 20 DEs/SEs. I don't really want anymore because I have enough variety to enjoy what I have. I am looking for an aristocrat though.

My > $100 Wolfman has perfect blade alignment and gives me a BBS shave. So does my <$10 Gillette Tech.

I have the same experience with most of my razors. My first ever DE purchase was the Edwin Jagger DE89 which I still have, and I have had perfect blade alignment with it every time. The same holds true for my Ikon 101 and Feather AS-D2. The only razor I ever had to align the blade on was the first generation of Maggard's DE closed comb which I don't use as a result. Some people don't mind aligning the blade on a razor but I do mind, because I feel that is a major design flaw if a razor head does not hold the blade securely and in perfect alignment each time it is loaded, and especially when considering my $30 EJ does so perfectly. Now then, my favorite razor is the AS-D2, but not because it provides a better shave than the EJ or 101. I get great shaves with all three of those razors. The only reason the 101 isn't my daily razor anymore is because I don't like the open comb side. The reason I prefer the AS-D2 over the others is because I like the fit and finish, the weight and balance, and the narrow cutting angle tolerance which I feel ensures I get consistent shaves and never have to worry much about cutting myself.

With a machined stainless razor, I think you are pay for precision and for longevity. A properly machined razor will last a lifetime or more, if properly cared for. Zinc alloy razors probably won't be they can. The old brass Gillette are great but usually need a new coating after a while.

I shave with $10 razors and $300 razors and usually end up with a happy great shave... if you can't justify the price of a machined razor, simply don't buy it, or if you already taken the plunge, sell it.

I shave with $10 razors and $300 razors and usually end up with a happy great shave... if you can't justify the price of a machined razor, simply don't buy it, or if you already taken the plunge, sell it.

And that, amici, is what it's all about. Suit yourself and yourself only; but for pete's sake get clean shaven, you look a mess!