Part 1
I have been looking to get a new razor for a month or two and thank you to everyone who replied to my posts and to private messages... without your experience etc I don't think I would have pulled the trigger as I just didn't want to make an expensive error.
Through the process I looked at US distributors who you all trusted however found going straight to the manufacture/maker to be a cheaper option plus the maker would make more in the deal than a distributor.
I wanted to support a US maker so I was looking at Portland Razor Company, Brain Brown Works and Jerry Stark. I liked the designs of these makers but just could pull the trigger on a Portland Razor as I am use to a Extra Hollow and their standard is a Quarter Hollow. As I shave around a beard and wanted to stay 6/8 or higher their Kraken or Strix is next in line I think. They were one of the top in email responses and giving insight in chooses etc. Brain Brown discontinues their semi-custom process and randomly puts out razors and being so busy my emails got lost so I sadly took one of his razors off the list. Jerry Stark is all custom so without any type of model to build off from I was a bit over whelmed trying to figure out things.
After looking at the US makers I decided to look at the Germany makers. I looked at Wacker and Aust. Wacker was just as responsive are PRC and they were a pleasure to talk to. Aust was third in response but not far off, I didn't go for an Aust as I couldn't get over the horn scale color and shape. I will probably get one of his down the road as well as everyone likes them.
That left Wacker, I ended up ordering the Wacker Chevalier and it was shipped 3 days ago so can't wait to use it. Wacker say's their razors are shave ready but everyone says its not so I an a bit worried about that as I don't know the skill of honing yet and no one is local (northern VA). My choose was based on a few things, customer service, value, reputation and looks. I wanted a French point and everything else about the blade looks beautiful, its only 6/8 and I was originally looking for 7/8 or 8/8 but that just means I am forced getting more razors down the road lol.
In the process I wish I had a local place I could "try" different razors to see what size and points were like. I would have loved to try a 7/8 or 8/8 French point and how it would be shaving around my beard (control etc). Also to get to try a Portland to see if I like the grind or a Aust vs Wacker to see the difference would be helpful and even a fun experience.
I will follow up once I get and then shave with the Wacker.
I have been looking to get a new razor for a month or two and thank you to everyone who replied to my posts and to private messages... without your experience etc I don't think I would have pulled the trigger as I just didn't want to make an expensive error.
Through the process I looked at US distributors who you all trusted however found going straight to the manufacture/maker to be a cheaper option plus the maker would make more in the deal than a distributor.
I wanted to support a US maker so I was looking at Portland Razor Company, Brain Brown Works and Jerry Stark. I liked the designs of these makers but just could pull the trigger on a Portland Razor as I am use to a Extra Hollow and their standard is a Quarter Hollow. As I shave around a beard and wanted to stay 6/8 or higher their Kraken or Strix is next in line I think. They were one of the top in email responses and giving insight in chooses etc. Brain Brown discontinues their semi-custom process and randomly puts out razors and being so busy my emails got lost so I sadly took one of his razors off the list. Jerry Stark is all custom so without any type of model to build off from I was a bit over whelmed trying to figure out things.
After looking at the US makers I decided to look at the Germany makers. I looked at Wacker and Aust. Wacker was just as responsive are PRC and they were a pleasure to talk to. Aust was third in response but not far off, I didn't go for an Aust as I couldn't get over the horn scale color and shape. I will probably get one of his down the road as well as everyone likes them.
That left Wacker, I ended up ordering the Wacker Chevalier and it was shipped 3 days ago so can't wait to use it. Wacker say's their razors are shave ready but everyone says its not so I an a bit worried about that as I don't know the skill of honing yet and no one is local (northern VA). My choose was based on a few things, customer service, value, reputation and looks. I wanted a French point and everything else about the blade looks beautiful, its only 6/8 and I was originally looking for 7/8 or 8/8 but that just means I am forced getting more razors down the road lol.
In the process I wish I had a local place I could "try" different razors to see what size and points were like. I would have loved to try a 7/8 or 8/8 French point and how it would be shaving around my beard (control etc). Also to get to try a Portland to see if I like the grind or a Aust vs Wacker to see the difference would be helpful and even a fun experience.
I will follow up once I get and then shave with the Wacker.
