Might be getting either a Boker 14 or a Koraat 14.2. Curious if anyone would sway 1 way or the other and why. Thanks all!
Question on Koraat vs Boker
- Thread starter Christian1212
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I’m not a SR shaver but if never seen a post here talking about issues with a Koraat (shave readiness, warping, cosmetic blemishes) whereas on Bokers…
You comparing a Custom maker (stock blanks, family business) with the general variations from a production line of a big manufacturer.
You comparing a Custom maker (stock blanks, family business) with the general variations from a production line of a big manufacturer.
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My Koraats did not arrive yet, but I had a Boker SR that had severe quality issues. Maybe I just was unlike. Having said this Boker 14 costs about the half of a Koraat 14, at least here in Germany.
Can't speak for Boker but regarding Koraat, Ulrik is a master of his craft and you'll be getting one heck of a nice razor.
I have quite a few Böker razors. They have all been grate. For me, steel type and hardness is important. Böker uses different steels on different models. Some of the sprint runs comes in different steel types then the typical 01 tool steel, which i am not a big fan of. I am not sure what steel type the 14er is made of. I have 5 Böker razors, and only two with the same steel.
So, the model and steel type matters.
Böker razors are softer then both Dovo and Koraat (58-59 vs 62-65 ). That is the main reason why i never got a Koraat. There is no point what so ever if you can maintain your own razors to push the hardening like this, on this particular steel.
I think Dovo have found a better compromise between edge retention and hardness (60+).
Hard steel can shave grate with the right honing. However, they do give a slightly different face feel then softer steel, in my opinion. This is highly subjective.
I actually have two identical razors with the same steel. One is hardened to 65+, while the other is hardened to 58-59. For me the softer one feels different, even when they are honed on the same stones.
Just some entertainment
So, the model and steel type matters.
Böker razors are softer then both Dovo and Koraat (58-59 vs 62-65 ). That is the main reason why i never got a Koraat. There is no point what so ever if you can maintain your own razors to push the hardening like this, on this particular steel.
I think Dovo have found a better compromise between edge retention and hardness (60+).
Hard steel can shave grate with the right honing. However, they do give a slightly different face feel then softer steel, in my opinion. This is highly subjective.
I actually have two identical razors with the same steel. One is hardened to 65+, while the other is hardened to 58-59. For me the softer one feels different, even when they are honed on the same stones.
Just some entertainment
They are both German made blanks, I would go for the Boker 14 personally, if you want something a little different but better in my opinion buy a RigaRazor.
- Thread starter
- #7
Not too interested in rigarazors.
My favorite shavers are Swedish razors but love my Filarmonica, 01 razor (Portland razor co), and puma razors. Never checked steel hardness but never really struggled putting a good edge on a razor with good steel.
I like the looks of the boker slightly more, but definitely think there would be a higher chance of a weird grind thing going on vs koraat. From what I can see there is not a huge difference in price.
I also have those iwasaki Swedish kamisoris on my want list, might go with one of those while I decide which 14 to get.
My favorite shavers are Swedish razors but love my Filarmonica, 01 razor (Portland razor co), and puma razors. Never checked steel hardness but never really struggled putting a good edge on a razor with good steel.
I like the looks of the boker slightly more, but definitely think there would be a higher chance of a weird grind thing going on vs koraat. From what I can see there is not a huge difference in price.
I also have those iwasaki Swedish kamisoris on my want list, might go with one of those while I decide which 14 to get.
Im in a similar position between a dovo and a custom razor. However having worked with production lines and seeing how meticulous the quality control has to be I’m opting for the big manufacturer and not just buying their razor but the quality they are known for.
You can’t loose with either. For me it would more on the wait time. I really like Koraat but hated the wait time. The new Boker razors look very good imo, so if I were to choose one it would be the Boker.
Koraat 14.2 takes a very nice and skin friendly edge. I say that as a person with sensitive skin.
If you don't mind the price difference and wait times I think a Koraat will definitely make you happy.
A Boker might also make you happy, but might also arrive in a state that needs a bit of work to get there.
I personally would lean more towards Koraat, because I can be 100% sure that the razor will be close to perfect on arrival and I already own more than enough razors.
A Boker might also make you happy, but might also arrive in a state that needs a bit of work to get there.
I personally would lean more towards Koraat, because I can be 100% sure that the razor will be close to perfect on arrival and I already own more than enough razors.
I wouldn't get to bent out of shape about the steel on the Koraat. Mine hones easily and takes a very comfortable edge. Similar maybe to good Japanese steels. It feels like it's in the sweet spot for hardness and wear resistance to me.
The Boker is a pretty sweet looking razor though, no doubt about it. I think Nelson had one in for honing and posted here that it was very well-made.
Edit: here's the post.
www.badgerandblade.com
The Boker is a pretty sweet looking razor though, no doubt about it. I think Nelson had one in for honing and posted here that it was very well-made.
Edit: here's the post.
Talk about an impressive razor and equally impressive packaging.
www.badgerandblade.com
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- Thread starter
- #13
Shoot, you guys are just making the decision even more hard to make. 
Shoot, you guys are just making the decision even more hard to make.
The only answer then is to buy both. Problem solved lol
Get the Böker. I will buy it from you if you don't like it
Unlike others, I have both razors: 1x Böker 14er and 3x Koraat 14 2.0.
The scales on both are really similar and can’t complain about them. They are plastic, so nothing anything fancy but they are light and do the job well.
Now, where the difference is in the steel and how it is being used/worked. The Koraat is stiffer, but it hones well and shaves good. The 14 2.0 is a good working horse, use mine(s) a few times a month.
The Böker 14er steel is softer and honestly, there isn’t much difference when honing when we compare to the Koraat 14 2.0. On the other side, the steel is flexing on the Böker and while you shave, it feels more comfortable. This Böker is my ‘small pleasure’.
Factory edge from these two makers: in total, I bought 6x new Koraats and I think 6 or 7 new Bökers. While the Koraats had better factory edges than the Bökers I received, none of them were excellent. Two Bökers did not shave with the factory edge. Last two I got were definitely sharp and one of them was cutting pretty decent. I usually rehone them after one shave, going from bevel set and then jump to Jnats. From my experience, the factory bevels on Bökers have low grit deep strias which were not removed during later stages, so it would be a good idea to check for them and if necessary, spend the extra time to remove them during bevel set.
As for quality in general, I had minor issues with both, but nothing important to complain or send them back. For example, my 14er from Böker had oil in between the scales and the pin and it could not hold the blade in place. Another razor had a pin which was not too tight, so I had to tap it a few times till it was okay. On one Koraat, the pin was also not tight and could not hold the blade, while two others had minor polishing imperfections on the blade. Again, in my opinion this isn’t a big deal as it easy to fix.
Q: Would I buy the Koraat 14 2.0 again?
My answer: Yes.
Q: Would I buy the Böker 14er again?
My answer: Absolutely!
Q: If I would have to pick one, which one would it be?
My answer: really hard to choose one, hence I went for both. In my opinion, they are a bit different and love them both. Some days I prefer the harder steel, some days I prefer the softness which Böker provides. Some days I prefer a Koraat, other days a Böker. This week I might shave only with a Koraat, next week I might use only one Böker. But I am the same with others, whenever it is a TI, Swedish, Sheffield, Japanese and what not. Same with grinds, sizes, toe shapes and so on so forth. I love them all.
Whatever you choose, I hope it will make you happy and will put a smile on your face every time you use it. Cheers!
The scales on both are really similar and can’t complain about them. They are plastic, so nothing anything fancy but they are light and do the job well.
Now, where the difference is in the steel and how it is being used/worked. The Koraat is stiffer, but it hones well and shaves good. The 14 2.0 is a good working horse, use mine(s) a few times a month.
The Böker 14er steel is softer and honestly, there isn’t much difference when honing when we compare to the Koraat 14 2.0. On the other side, the steel is flexing on the Böker and while you shave, it feels more comfortable. This Böker is my ‘small pleasure’.
Factory edge from these two makers: in total, I bought 6x new Koraats and I think 6 or 7 new Bökers. While the Koraats had better factory edges than the Bökers I received, none of them were excellent. Two Bökers did not shave with the factory edge. Last two I got were definitely sharp and one of them was cutting pretty decent. I usually rehone them after one shave, going from bevel set and then jump to Jnats. From my experience, the factory bevels on Bökers have low grit deep strias which were not removed during later stages, so it would be a good idea to check for them and if necessary, spend the extra time to remove them during bevel set.
As for quality in general, I had minor issues with both, but nothing important to complain or send them back. For example, my 14er from Böker had oil in between the scales and the pin and it could not hold the blade in place. Another razor had a pin which was not too tight, so I had to tap it a few times till it was okay. On one Koraat, the pin was also not tight and could not hold the blade, while two others had minor polishing imperfections on the blade. Again, in my opinion this isn’t a big deal as it easy to fix.
Q: Would I buy the Koraat 14 2.0 again?
My answer: Yes.
Q: Would I buy the Böker 14er again?
My answer: Absolutely!
Q: If I would have to pick one, which one would it be?
My answer: really hard to choose one, hence I went for both. In my opinion, they are a bit different and love them both. Some days I prefer the harder steel, some days I prefer the softness which Böker provides. Some days I prefer a Koraat, other days a Böker. This week I might shave only with a Koraat, next week I might use only one Böker. But I am the same with others, whenever it is a TI, Swedish, Sheffield, Japanese and what not. Same with grinds, sizes, toe shapes and so on so forth. I love them all.
Whatever you choose, I hope it will make you happy and will put a smile on your face every time you use it. Cheers!
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If JPO is changing his mind, I will buy it. And bonus, shipping to the NL will be cheaper as I live relatively close to the German border.Get the Böker. I will buy it from you if you don't like it
You could go by bike to SolingenIf JPO is changing his mind, I will buy it. And bonus, shipping to the NL will be cheaper as I live relatively close to the German border.
Meanwhile I’m waiting for my already ordered 14 2.0.
I have a Böker 14 too, but a real one from the 1930th. So I’m not a help which to pick up.
Haha, Dutch style on the bike on my way to Solingen. This is definitely doable!You could go by bike to Solingen
Meanwhile I’m waiting for my already ordered 14 2.0.
I have a Böker 14 too, but a real one from the 1930th. So I’m not a help which to pick up.
Oh, I have a vintage Böker 14 as well. I would buy dozens of those!
- Thread starter
- #20
Thanks for the detailed response! Eventually I will try to have all 3 haha. Might have to just start buying from the ones I think might not be around the longest haha. Cheers all
