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(This post was last modified: 04-12-2017, 12:23 AM by yohannrjm.)
Well, I'll make an attempt to address some of what the OP mentioned in his posts in this thread.
1) What people in these forums are looking for:
Different people are here for different reasons. Most started 'traditional wetshaving' after having issues with what Gillette, Schick etc. currently offer. Some people try a couple of DE's, find something that works well for them and they stick with that. Other people keep searching for a better shave, or just something different. They keep trying new razors to see if the shave improves, or because they like the materials or design of the razor.
2) Does the metal make a big difference?
I've actually always found this to be pretty funny. I know there are reasons to prefer one material over others, but as you point out - Zamac (??) razors have lasted decades. Most of these razors will outlast their users,....maybe by several generations. The thin brass razors of yesteryear are still with us, and will be for many decades. Yes, a solid SS razor will last longer. but it doesn't really matter to me once I've passed on. Some of us may have razors that get passed down to future generations, but chances are that they will sit unused in an attic for decades before being thrown away.
Still, this is important to some people. Maybe they just like the way certain premium razors feel. That's great, but I'm happy that cheaper razors are available for those of us who just want a good shave.
3) Are the small-batch artisan razors worth the money and wait?
To some people, they are.
If you have the money and the time to try and get your hands on all these razors it could add interest to this hobby. I'm glad that some very talented people are trying to make compelling razors that are well-crafted. I won't spend the money on most of these. I've tried $300+ safety razors. I don't have them now because they didn't offer me the shave I wanted. I love the design of the PIls, for example, but I don't keep razors around for their design. I keep them around because of the way they shave. I don't have any $300 safety razors anymore.
However, other people find some of these razors to be perfect for them. Again, that's great!
4) Should 'Made in China' turn us off?
This is something everyone has to answer for themselves. To me a razor is something that shaves. If it does a good job, I don't really came where it came from. As you point out, even in the past razors that were 'Made in America' were not necessarily actually made here.
5) Vintage razors vs. new?
As people have said here, you can get excellent vintage razors, in superb condition, for very little money. I have pretty much pristine GEM SE razors, and I didn't pay more than $10 for any of them. They are easily among the best razors I've used. I've also found several DE's in great shape for not too much money. Sometimes you get lucky.
Not all vintage razors are worth the money, and not all new razors are as well.
I like vintage stuff. Not because it's better - more because I find vintage stuff cool.
To me, the shave is always paramount. I use razors that give me great shaves, regardless of price, age, country of origin, or material they're made of. Yes, if the shaves are equivalent, I'll choose a razor that appeals to me - in my case the appeal may be more due to age than anything else. Other people may gravitate to the metal, heft or design. The good thing about this hobby is that since it has gained in popularity, people have more and more choices available to them. Choice is always good.
1) What people in these forums are looking for:
Different people are here for different reasons. Most started 'traditional wetshaving' after having issues with what Gillette, Schick etc. currently offer. Some people try a couple of DE's, find something that works well for them and they stick with that. Other people keep searching for a better shave, or just something different. They keep trying new razors to see if the shave improves, or because they like the materials or design of the razor.
2) Does the metal make a big difference?
I've actually always found this to be pretty funny. I know there are reasons to prefer one material over others, but as you point out - Zamac (??) razors have lasted decades. Most of these razors will outlast their users,....maybe by several generations. The thin brass razors of yesteryear are still with us, and will be for many decades. Yes, a solid SS razor will last longer. but it doesn't really matter to me once I've passed on. Some of us may have razors that get passed down to future generations, but chances are that they will sit unused in an attic for decades before being thrown away.
Still, this is important to some people. Maybe they just like the way certain premium razors feel. That's great, but I'm happy that cheaper razors are available for those of us who just want a good shave.
3) Are the small-batch artisan razors worth the money and wait?
To some people, they are.
If you have the money and the time to try and get your hands on all these razors it could add interest to this hobby. I'm glad that some very talented people are trying to make compelling razors that are well-crafted. I won't spend the money on most of these. I've tried $300+ safety razors. I don't have them now because they didn't offer me the shave I wanted. I love the design of the PIls, for example, but I don't keep razors around for their design. I keep them around because of the way they shave. I don't have any $300 safety razors anymore.
However, other people find some of these razors to be perfect for them. Again, that's great!
4) Should 'Made in China' turn us off?
This is something everyone has to answer for themselves. To me a razor is something that shaves. If it does a good job, I don't really came where it came from. As you point out, even in the past razors that were 'Made in America' were not necessarily actually made here.
5) Vintage razors vs. new?
As people have said here, you can get excellent vintage razors, in superb condition, for very little money. I have pretty much pristine GEM SE razors, and I didn't pay more than $10 for any of them. They are easily among the best razors I've used. I've also found several DE's in great shape for not too much money. Sometimes you get lucky.
Not all vintage razors are worth the money, and not all new razors are as well.
I like vintage stuff. Not because it's better - more because I find vintage stuff cool.
To me, the shave is always paramount. I use razors that give me great shaves, regardless of price, age, country of origin, or material they're made of. Yes, if the shaves are equivalent, I'll choose a razor that appeals to me - in my case the appeal may be more due to age than anything else. Other people may gravitate to the metal, heft or design. The good thing about this hobby is that since it has gained in popularity, people have more and more choices available to them. Choice is always good.
- Yohann
Very well said. The entire post s fantastic, but I especially enjoyed reading the last paragraph...