#11
(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.

Monchoon, BadDad, wyze0ne and 8 others like this post
- Yohann
#12

Administrator
Philadelphia, PA
I basically agree with pretty much everything yohannrjm said above.

Michael P, BadDad and Freddy like this post
Tu ne cede malis, sed contra audentior ito.
#13

Member
Woodstock, VT
Yep, spot on great post.

Michael P and Freddy like this post
#14

Member
Indianapolis Indiana
As for razors made in China, you can find junk and you can find quality for an affordable price.

In most cases the difference is who is buying them and the quality control they demand from the maker of the objects.

In all cases with anything from anywhere, the higher the quality the higher the reject rate at the inspection points along the way in production.

As with everything else I own, price point is only one factor. The mentality of the vendor also sets the stage for the item in question.

Excellent razors at very modest prices can be had from many companies, Maggards for example can set you up with a great razor for about twenty bucks and also offer the option of many different heads and handles to custom fit a tool for you.

Even if snob appeal is something necessary in a purchase, this option allows one to sample different "types" without breaking the bank so you can spend even more on that One.

This is not the old days, quality razors are coming from Canada, the US and many places we didn't consider standard years ago. Ask anyone in straight razor shaving if the Japanese
razors are of the quality of those from Europe, if snob appeal is not part of the equation they will admit the quality is there.

In my case, I would probably not bother shaving if it where not for the fact that the grey shading makes me look like a homeless bum, but regardless if shaving angered me or took over my peace of mind, I would be as harry as BadDad

BadDad and Michael P like this post
When I die, I want to go like Gramps, quiet in his sleep - Not screaming like the passengers riding in his car.
#15

That Bald Guy with the Big Beard
Bishop, CA
(This post was last modified: 04-12-2017, 04:05 AM by BadDad.)
(04-11-2017, 11:42 PM)yohannrjm Wrote: 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.
Happy Very well said. The entire post s fantastic, but I especially enjoyed reading the last paragraph...

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-Chris~Head Shaver~


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