Stainless steel high end razors.

Just go straight for the Blackbird and don't look back. If I could only keep one razor, the Blackbird brass would be it (yeah, I know...brass isn't for everybody).

Just one thought about the Blackland anodized Ti razors...if you get a scratch, it can go through the anodized layer, most likely making the scratch show prominently.

Marko is right. You don't need to spend a lot of money to get a great shave. Technique trumps tools every time. I can get the same results with any razor, so long as I do my job properly. Back when I used carts, I always did three passes and got spectacular results - in a fraction of the time I spend with traditional tools. Yet, I find the traditional tools more fun.

If you're simply looking to collect razors, by all means, have at it. If you're looking for "the one" do yourself a favor and spend a fair amount of time getting to know each razor.

Good luck in your quest and enjoy the ride!

Technique trumps tools every time. I can get the same results with any razor, so long as I do my job properly.
Good luck in your quest and enjoy the ride!

Fact

Just go straight for the Blackbird and don't look back. If I could only keep one razor, the Blackbird brass would be it (yeah, I know...brass isn't for everybody).

Just one thought about the Blackland anodized Ti razors...if you get a scratch, it can go through the anodized layer, most likely making the scratch show prominently.

Marko is right. You don't need to spend a lot of money to get a great shave. Technique trumps tools every time. I can get the same results with any razor, so long as I do my job properly. Back when I used carts, I always did three passes and got spectacular results - in a fraction of the time I spend with traditional tools. Yet, I find the traditional tools more fun.

If you're simply looking to collect razors, by all means, have at it. If you're looking for "the one" do yourself a favor and spend a fair amount of time getting to know each razor.

Good luck in your quest and enjoy the ride!

Well I already own the perfect razor - so I could quit right now.

Of all the 60+ DE razors I've owned, the Mühle Rocca (v.4 from 2019/2020 I believe) is the best DE razor I have ever tried and therefore I own 4 versions of it, in case Mühle decided to stop making it or changed the design once again.

It gives me the best overall shave every time I use - it's not R41 aggressive but it's not tame like a R89 either.
I don't think it's a high end razor, but shaving wise and performance wise for me, this is the most high end razor of all I have tried.

So if I was just hunting the best single DE razor out there, I wouldn't have started this thread.

I actually understand the guys who buys the Henson Mild, then upgrades to the Henson Medium and call it quits. They've found their DE razor.

I can't say my intension is to be a collector of razors again - I've already been there, owned 50-60 DE razors back in 2016 and sold them all.

The reason for making this thread is more based on curiosity - is there a better DE razor out there, that will make me prefer it over my Mühle Rocca ?
The craftsmanship of high end DE razors also fascinates me.

It's also fascinating how many new artisan DE razor makers we have now compared to when I sold all my DE razors back in 2016.

I don't expect any of the High end razors out there will be able to push my Mühle Rocca away from the number 1 spot in my den, but I hope it can happen.

So in short - I'm not a typical Henson DE razor user - a shaver that just wants a razor that works.
If I was, I would have stopped after buying my fourth Mühle Rocca back in 2021.
If I was, I would never have ventured into DE razor shaving in 2011, as I already got very nice shaves using my Gillette Sensor Excel and Mach 3 back in 2011.
But I'm not going down the crazy collectors path this time - I just want a medium sized collection of DE razors this time - perhaps 20-25 solid to great DE razors, so I have a bit of variation in my den.

A fun note - I got into DE razor wet shaving in 2011 out of boredom and nothing else.
I got great shaves with my Gillette Sensor Excel 2.-blades and Mach 3 3-blade carts.
I didn't understand the guys complaining about razor burn and ingrown hair.

We're all different and have different beard stubble and skin types.
Your argument about technique trumping the tool is right, but for some the tools will react on their skin in a different manner, than it will on your skin - that's why you see so many cart users venture into DE razor shaving, yet my guess is that you still have 100's of million men, that all get decent shaves from just using a Gillette Fusion 5 and some shaving gel.

You may also consider another thing, that migh sound obvious - but it isn't.
We can't all be the Roger Federer of tennis, the Tiger Woods of golf, the Messi of footbal, the Alain Ducasse of cooking or the Mozart of classical composition - some just have better hands and touch for shaving and a more rigid less sensitive skin type than others.
I still have a lot to learn before I have perfected my DE razor shaving technique and in fact I also feel I still can add to my skills using my Fusion 5 cartridge razor.

Shaving is easy - more for some than others - it takes a certain techniqu and skill level and experience to perfect it.

I've cooked on a high amateur level for now a decade - I still think I'm a complete amateur at cooking, and I still want and need to learn more to perfect my skills in the kitchen. Same with shaving - I don't have perfect shaving technique, far from it, but just as with cooking I'm trying to perfect my technique every time I shave, whether I use a Fusion 5 cart or a DE razor.

The number of totally flawless perfect BBS shaves I've had in a decade can be counted on two hands or less.
The number of perfectly seared Rib Eye steaks I've made in a decade can also be counted on two hands or less.
The number of perfectly cooked Beef Bourgignon I've made in the last decade can also be counted on two hands or less.

Just go straight for the Blackbird and don't look back. If I could only keep one razor, the Blackbird brass would be it (yeah, I know...brass isn't for everybody).

Just one thought about the Blackland anodized Ti razors...if you get a scratch, it can go through the anodized layer, most likely making the scratch show prominently.

Marko is right. You don't need to spend a lot of money to get a great shave. Technique trumps tools every time. I can get the same results with any razor, so long as I do my job properly. Back when I used carts, I always did three passes and got spectacular results - in a fraction of the time I spend with traditional tools. Yet, I find the traditional tools more fun.

If you're simply looking to collect razors, by all means, have at it. If you're looking for "the one" do yourself a favor and spend a fair amount of time getting to know each razor.

Good luck in your quest and enjoy the ride!

Well I already own the perfect razor - so I could quit right now.

Of all the 60+ DE razors I've owned, the Mühle Rocca (v.4 from 2019/2020 I believe) is the best DE razor I have ever tried and therefore I own 4 versions of it, in case Mühle decided to stop making it or changed the design once again.

It gives me the best overall shave every time I use - it's not R41 aggressive but it's not tame like a R89 either.
I don't think it's a high end razor, but shaving wise and performance wise for me, this is the most high end razor of all I have tried.

So if I was just hunting the best single DE razor out there, I wouldn't have started this thread.

I actually understand the guys who buys the Henson Mild, then upgrades to the Henson Medium and call it quits. They've found their DE razor.

I can't say my intension is to be a collector of razors again - I've already been there, owned 50-60 DE razors back in 2016 and sold them all.

The reason for making this thread is more based on curiosity - is there a better DE razor out there, that will make me prefer it over my Mühle Rocca ?
The craftsmanship of high end DE razors also fascinates me.

It's also fascinating how many new artisan DE razor makers we have now compared to when I sold all my DE razors back in 2016.

I don't expect any of the High end razors out there will be able to push my Mühle Rocca away from the number 1 spot in my den, but I hope it can happen.

So in short - I'm not a typical Henson DE razor user - a shaver that just wants a razor that works.
If I was, I would have stopped after buying my fourth Mühle Rocca back in 2021.
If I was, I would never have ventured into DE razor shaving in 2011, as I already got very nice shaves using my Gillette Sensor Excel and Mach 3 back in 2011.
But I'm not going down the crazy collectors path this time - I just want a medium sized collection of DE razors this time - perhaps 20-25 solid to great DE razors, so I have a bit of variation in my den.

I see where you're coming from and understand. That's the cool thing about the hobby - you can make it out to be whatever you want. I think most of us enjoy the variety, otherwise we wouldn't be on the forums. We'd have our one razor and maybe a few brushes and soaps, then call it a day. We wouldn't be hobbyists. 

You're absolutely correct regarding the amount of artisan razors out there. I still feel we're a small niche, yet the hobby has been growing and sucking in more people as time passes.

Any (or all) of the razors you listed in the original post are fine choices. If you're able to snag a Charcoal Goods somewhere, that would be awesome, since Brian bowed out of the game. They're beautiful instruments. The rest on your list can still be ordered new, albeit some might have a little wait. 

Good luck with your search and enjoy building your collection back up! Happy shaves!

As you are seeking high quality shaving gear, Atelier DURDAN is very much worth a look. I had the very good fortune to participate in his Le Maurice pass around, available here https://damnfineshave.com/thread-le-maurice-pass-around

as well as his AC blade La Faulx razor pass around, https://damnfineshave.com/thread-atelier...passaround

Excellent craftsmanship and performance razors.

Another vote for Blutt and Karve overlander. If you want a little more high end than overlander, I find H&S efficient to be similar feel and a tad more efficient. I also love Tatara nodachi. And you might as well get in line for a Wolfman - you know you will eventually.


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Just go straight for the Blackbird and don't look back. If I could only keep one razor, the Blackbird brass would be it (yeah, I know...brass isn't for everybody).

Just one thought about the Blackland anodized Ti razors...if you get a scratch, it can go through the anodized layer, most likely making the scratch show prominently.

Marko is right. You don't need to spend a lot of money to get a great shave. Technique trumps tools every time. I can get the same results with any razor, so long as I do my job properly. Back when I used carts, I always did three passes and got spectacular results - in a fraction of the time I spend with traditional tools. Yet, I find the traditional tools more fun.

If you're simply looking to collect razors, by all means, have at it. If you're looking for "the one" do yourself a favor and spend a fair amount of time getting to know each razor.

Good luck in your quest and enjoy the ride!

Well I already own the perfect razor - so I could quit right now.

Of all the 60+ DE razors I've owned, the Mühle Rocca (v.4 from 2019/2020 I believe) is the best DE razor I have ever tried and therefore I own 4 versions of it, in case Mühle decided to stop making it or changed the design once again.

It gives me the best overall shave every time I use - it's not R41 aggressive but it's not tame like a R89 either.
I don't think it's a high end razor, but shaving wise and performance wise for me, this is the most high end razor of all I have tried.

So if I was just hunting the best single DE razor out there, I wouldn't have started this thread.

I actually understand the guys who buys the Henson Mild, then upgrades to the Henson Medium and call it quits. They've found their DE razor.

I can't say my intension is to be a collector of razors again - I've already been there, owned 50-60 DE razors back in 2016 and sold them all.

The reason for making this thread is more based on curiosity - is there a better DE razor out there, that will make me prefer it over my Mühle Rocca ?
The craftsmanship of high end DE razors also fascinates me.

It's also fascinating how many new artisan DE razor makers we have now compared to when I sold all my DE razors back in 2016.

I don't expect any of the High end razors out there will be able to push my Mühle Rocca away from the number 1 spot in my den, but I hope it can happen.

So in short - I'm not a typical Henson DE razor user - a shaver that just wants a razor that works.
If I was, I would have stopped after buying my fourth Mühle Rocca back in 2021.
If I was, I would never have ventured into DE razor shaving in 2011, as I already got very nice shaves using my Gillette Sensor Excel and Mach 3 back in 2011.
But I'm not going down the crazy collectors path this time - I just want a medium sized collection of DE razors this time - perhaps 20-25 solid to great DE razors, so I have a bit of variation in my den.

I see where you're coming from and understand. That's the cool thing about the hobby - you can make it out to be whatever you want. I think most of us enjoy the variety, otherwise we wouldn't be on the forums. We'd have our one razor and maybe a few brushes and soaps, then call it a day. We wouldn't be hobbyists. 

You're absolutely correct regarding the amount of artisan razors out there. I still feel we're a small niche, yet the hobby has been growing and sucking in more people as time passes.

Any (or all) of the razors you listed in the original post are fine choices. If you're able to snag a Charcoal Goods somewhere, that would be awesome, since Brian bowed out of the game. They're beautiful instruments. The rest on your list can still be ordered new, albeit some might have a little wait. 

Good luck with your search and enjoy building your collection back up! Happy shaves!

Happy Shaves to you, Sir.

I may exaggerate a bit by saying I only have had less than 10 flawless perfect BBS shaves in 10 years, but it's not far from the truth.
It's because I don't hunt the perfect flaless BBS shave, because it takes extra time to obtain it, and there's small margin between the perfect BBS shave and a shave that gives you a hint of irritation, so the balance is very fine between not getting alle the stubble cut away and getting too much stubble removed and in the process scraping the skin too much.

Last week i had some extra time on my hands - I started the afternoon by preparing dinner - and I started making my own demi glace for a sauce, that just had to simmer away on the stovetop all afternnon.
I opened a couple of cold bears (edit iPhone auto perfect spelling: BEERS) and decided to shave my 5 days stubble away and in the process would try to get that flawless perfect BBS shave without the hint of slight skin irritation. 
Took my Plisson Fusion 5 handle and mounted a new Fusion 5 cart on it.
Took my Edwin Jagger 316 DE razor and installed a new Gillette Platinum blade in it.
Took my favourite Thäter 2-band brush (28 mm bulb with a custom XL handle)
Decided to use an old Barrister & Mann white label Chesire shaving soap.

Began the shave in a nice relaxed manner, no stress.

Took a zip of the cold beer and began my shave.
1 hour later (I'm also a head shaver) I was done.
Arguably one of the best shaves of my life.
No skin irritation and I literally could not feel the slightest stubble on my face nor my head.
Normally a BBS for me I will always be able to feel a bit of slight stubble, but this time it was so smooth, that everything was totally gone.
I applied a big dose of Floids Blue, followed by Trumpers skin food and a facial moisturizer and I was done with the best shave I can remember I've had.
Emptied the now tepid beer and my wife touched my skin and it literally felt like a babies butt she said

I own and really enjoy using the razors you have mentioned in your collection, i.e rockwell, Rocca, 3one6. I also have a few other higher end razors that give me a similar result, I have tried many many more that just did not suit me.

Taking into account what I have read in some of your other posts, you don‘t want an adjustable and are not interested in 2nd hand razors. You can drop Charcoal goods from the list as well as 2 of my favourites, i.e Rex Konsul and ATT SSRH.

A few razors I am confident you will love:
- Blackland Blackbird (every hobbyist MUST try this at some stage. My favourite material is brass)
- Haircut and Shave Ti efficient (wow)
- Blutt (from Switzerland. Nothing under the most efficient of the options please)
- Wolfman WR1 0.61 SB (the „standard“ gap and, regardless of what anyone says, efficient enough for any beard. Wait about 3 months but hey, you have time)
- Maybe a Karve with D and E SB plates

From Rocnel I only had the adjustable. A heavy beast of a razor. I hear the Elite is quite good but no idea about ordering, availability etc.

Timeless .95 SB another option and my tip for delivery to an EU address: order from Maggards

Another nice one readily available in the EU is the design 94. I prefer the others in my list above though.

Have fun

Thanks a lot for your reply. 

It’s replies like that I’m looking for. 

As you say I’m not into adjustable razors at all nor second hand razors. 

I owned a complete 3 razor pack of Above The Tie, but unfortunately sold all my DE razors back in 2016. 

I’ll give the Rex Envoy a chance too later this summer if I can find a good deal on a new one in Europe.

Do you happen to know what happened to the Tradere brand ? I see a Tradere razor on the Blackland site, but I owned two Tradere SS razors back in 2015/2016, but sold them a long all my other DE razors in 2016.

I also owned the Mongoose SE, what a great SE razor it was.
I was an idiot selling all my DE/SE razors in 2016, you live and learn.

To answer your question about Tradere. He just stopped making razors. I‘m not sure about the why but I guess he just lost interest. 2nd hand Tradere razors got very expensive until it was announced that Blackland would be producing a Tradere replica (with the help and consent of the original creator). A nice razor, but better shaves can be had with some of the more modern razors.

WRT the Blackbird. Take steel or brass to begin with. It offers more momentum for getting that stubble. I seem to be in the minority, but the Ti was not for me. The first pass was always a bit tuggy. Now I know you‘ll be using it from the 2nd pass onwards so maybe not an issue for you.

BTW, don‘t bother looking for a new one in Europe. Shane stopped selling to retailers and only sells directly via the Blackland website.

I just wanted to add that I loved reading your posts on TSN and it‘s nice to see you participate with such enthusiasm here

You also have the Rex Ambassador and Konsul razors.

Unfortunately I'm not interested in adjustable razors at all, so I believe my only option from Rex is the Envoy in either standard length or XL handle size.

I only use my DE razors for my final pass and touch ups (unless I'm shaving daily, which I very rarely do)
I prefer to use my Fusion 5 (with a more luxurious handle than standard Gillette handles) for the first pass.

So that's why an adjustbale razor is not for me - I already shave with two different razors per shave.

Depending on my mood, the condition of my skin and how much BBS I'm hunting that particular day, I will then choose a suitable DE razor from my small but growing collection (I think I'm at 15-16 DE razors at the moment)

I also happen to prefer the simplicity of fixed DE razors.

The reason I started using DE razors was mostly out of boredom - I got great shaves with my Gillette carts, but found them a bit boring to use day in and day out.
So I added a couple of DE razors to my collection back in 2011 and within 3-4 years I owned 50-60 different DE razors, but sold them again in 2016 unfortunately (I regret that now)

Have a great evening.

I don't know if I'd considered the Envoy high end more like mid level because of the price being under $200 for one. Guess it depends how you define high end here. With that said they are a well made razor but too mild to my liking.

Maybe not high end but you have some Chinese razors specifically Yaqi ones that are making designs to compete with artisan razors at much lower price points.

You have the all 316 stainless steel Yaqi Bohemia that is a modern take on the classic French Bohin razor.
raw finish
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805270144907.html

color finish
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256804910377821.html
They sell it for under $100 USD if you buy direct.