Looking at a couple of vintage razors. need some advice.

[Arkamedius]

I am looking at a couple of vintage razors and would like some of your opinions as some of you probably have these razors in your rotation or have shaved with them.

1st - (I already decided on this one and its a go) Wapi Straight Razor, I have read these are an excellent shave
2nd - F.W. Engels 5/8 Leader - With this one I have a question, I read on here *and believe me I really love this board, all this great info here by you gents is most appreciated* that the celluloid scales can start rust the razor, now I am deciding on this as I would use all these razors as shavers and I have no restoration experience. Basically would you gents use one of these as shavers vs a new carbon song razor?
3rd - Golbusmen Carbon Steel Blade - I have read that this is an excellent shaver and they are highly sought after, the question I have is are these the same type of scales (celluloid) ?

I have 3 razors in my rotation right now and they are all new razors, really I was looking at expanding my collection to some vintage razors.

Thanks for your input.

 

[HLS]

The Wapi is a bit heavy in the handle, but I like them anyway. Some others don't. As far as celluloid scales go just use the razor until you start to see evidence of cell rot, which may be never. If cell rot begins, just remove the scales and have someone put new ones on or do it yourself. It really is easy to do.

 

[jpcwon]

I love my Wapi. It shaves wonderfully and the price is right; got mine for around 50 bucks. Mine was NOS and as such had no edge, so I set the bevel from scratch. Honed up very nicely!

I can't speak to Engels as I don't own any, but a friend of mine has a Globusmen & says it's one of the best shavers he's ever used.

 

[Monsieur Blaireau]

Maybe it's my beginner technique, maybe it's because it's a Dovo, but so far my modern razor has been outshone by the vintage ones I own or have tried. Be interesting to see what you conclude.

 

[Kentos]

Any pics? Condition trumps brand 7 days a week and holidays too .

TBO other than the grind most vintage razors will shave identically given they are honed identically. If shaving with a Golbusmen makes you feel good then get one! But I don't think it will shave any better than any thing else.

That being said everyone has a few razors in their rotation that, for some reason, takes an unbelievable edge. My best western shaver is a Clauss 6/8 full hollow and a Joseph Rodgers full wedge 7/8+. My only Dovo is ho-hum.

 

[GreekGuy]

Any pics? Condition trumps brand 7 days a week and holidays too .

+1 Condition is king. The condition of the blade is far more important than whats written on the tang

 

[tomjr]

condition is right. IMO F W Engels razors are top notch as are Globusmen razors i have never used a Wapi. A proper hone on a good condition razor yields a great shave if u are up to the task.