So, there are some names I see a lot more than others. I am sure there are probably a couple of thousand grinders who would pop up in any attempt at cataloguing vintage razor grinders, the history is so darned long, and there were so many places making and exporting razors, etc.
Nonetheless, I see a lot of discussion and inventory of some much more often. Henkels, puma, dubl duck, ERN, Filarmonica, etc. the more common vintage straights.
Of the more common razors, is there a notable quality difference? I am not -only- talking about the steel (though hardness, edge retention, ease of honing, etc, are all very important) but also about things like the care with which scales were fit up, wedged, blade centered, pins and fittings applied and peened, scale material, etc. etc. etc.
For example, I passed on a vintage 4/8 with a heavy grind the other day. It was in superb shape, very clean, no pitting, and the little bit of rust was not near the pivot nor the bevel. I was quite intrigued, but the tip kept hitting the wedge on its way by, both opening and closing. That struck me as distinctly sub optimal, and either a sign that it had been inexpertly re scales, or poorly designed to begin with.
With so many choices, are some just plain better than others? Is there a guide or way to tell? Do I have to become a historian of razor lore or take a crapshoot with unknown small makers and hope they’re one of the good ones?
Nonetheless, I see a lot of discussion and inventory of some much more often. Henkels, puma, dubl duck, ERN, Filarmonica, etc. the more common vintage straights.
Of the more common razors, is there a notable quality difference? I am not -only- talking about the steel (though hardness, edge retention, ease of honing, etc, are all very important) but also about things like the care with which scales were fit up, wedged, blade centered, pins and fittings applied and peened, scale material, etc. etc. etc.
For example, I passed on a vintage 4/8 with a heavy grind the other day. It was in superb shape, very clean, no pitting, and the little bit of rust was not near the pivot nor the bevel. I was quite intrigued, but the tip kept hitting the wedge on its way by, both opening and closing. That struck me as distinctly sub optimal, and either a sign that it had been inexpertly re scales, or poorly designed to begin with.
With so many choices, are some just plain better than others? Is there a guide or way to tell? Do I have to become a historian of razor lore or take a crapshoot with unknown small makers and hope they’re one of the good ones?