Razor rankings

[Tirvine]

This is not a comment on any razors or a poll or a question, only an early morning musing. Most of us have not owned and tried every razor, and it is clear that we do not all look for the same qualities in a razor. We even have very different preferences regarding the aesthetics of our razors. So if you like a given set of properties in a razor, how do you go about finding the one that best fulfills what you want? Do all roads lead inevitably to longing for a Wolfman, or depending on what you like would something else be better? Is there a vintage solution that is optimal for every need, or do you need to include modern razors in all such quests? Are there Zamaks out there that perform pretty much the same as various higher end SS, Ti, and aluminum offerings? In short, if it is truly the quality of the shave you are pursuing, how wide is the range of options? I know we all score our experiences differently, but I scratch my head when I see folks using supposedly the best of the best but posting on What Did You Use Today results short of perfect 10s. If you have well developed technique, are using your favorite brush and lather, are using your favorite blade, and have that blade in a be all and end all razor like a Wolfman, should you be expected to obtain perfect shaves every time, or at least most of the time?

 

[LMcC]

I do not own anything quite so nice as a Wolfman, and I’m also not sure everyone uses the rating system the same way, but in my mind, if you have good prep, good technique, the right razor and blade, every shave should be a 9 (we’ll ignore decimals for sake of argument). For me a 10 is all those things plus an unquantifiable something that just made the shave seem a little better - maybe feeling a little more well rested, a good song stuck in your head, some other factor that pushed it over the edge. That’s just my take.

 

[RenoRichard]

With better technique and tools chosen over years, my expectations have risen as well. So, a shave I rate a 9 today is far better than a shave I would have rated a 9 many years ago. @LMcC said it extremely well- "For me a 10 is all those things plus an unquantifiable something that just made the shave seem a little better-."

 

[redrako]

After 12 years of wet shaving, I have three razors that range between $50-$75 range and a whole bunch that are significantly less costly. My most expensive razors are:

- Weber Polished Head
- RazorRock Gamechanger 0.84 SB
- Gillette Fatboy, G2 (was gift from wife, so I'm guessing on the price)

The above are all great shavers, but there are much less costly razors that give wonderful shaves.

- Gillette NEW long tooth
- Schick Krona
- Gillette Red Tip super-speed
- Maggards V3
- Maggard V3A
- Merkur 34c
- Pearl (Cadet, Jaws) Open Comb

Do I get better shaves from my Weber razor than the $10 Pearl or Schick Krona? The answer is no. Do I enjoy using my more expensive razors? Of course, just as much as I enjoy shaving with my Gillette NEW. Will I be buying any of the newer artisan razors? Probably not, but more power to those who enjoy them.

 

[Quaznoid]

I almost always achieve a 9 or 10 in my shaves. What makes a shave special for me is to achieve the epitome of closeness and comfort w a very modest kit. I’m a firm believer that “less is more” and achieving more with less is the greatest luxury.

 

[Kyle89]

I like brass razors, although I have fallen for the Muhle R89. A good vintage Tech fits my needs though. I’ve tinkered with more aggressive razors but since I got into straight razor shaving, I prefer milder DEs for more of a mindless shave (generally for travel) so I don’t have to pack a styptic.

 

[Bill_G]

I don't own a Wolfman & will NEVER spend that kind of money on any razor unless if finishes your shave with a happy ending.

Since shaving is a YMMV the only way to see what truly works best for you is to try different Razors/Blades. I wish more retailers would offer some kind of return policy. Even if it came with a monetary penalty. As a consumer I shouldn't have to sell a razor I'm not happy with on ANY forum! Blades can't be returned but Razors can be returned & sold as used! As a consumer I would have no issues buying used items & when shopping for a new razor would browse that section FIRST!

 

[Medivh]

In my limited experience, every razor is capable of delivering a nice close shave regardless of the price, but some razors can do it a bit easy and feel more comfortable and it also depends on the type of beard, skin and skill the user possesses. It's like driving a car. Any car can get you from point A to point B, but some cars feel more comfortable, enjoyable, easy to drive and more durable than others. I also don't own any high end razors and I can only take the words of those who use them, but the fact that people are selling them on BST just like they sell inexpensive razors means that it really depends on the person, rather than the razor regardless if it costs 5$, 50$ or 500$.

I can get a BBS with any of the razors in my collection regardless if they are vintage or modern DE or SE. For instance, my Lupo DC and GC .84 sb are more balanced in terms of efficiency and comfort compared to my British Aristocrats, Slim, Super Adjustable 109 or NEW LC (to name a few), but does that mean that the end result is different? No. I just get different feeling during the shave but the end result is pretty much the same - a nice, irritation free BBS. Obviously, we're all different and I can only speak for myself and my own observations, so - ymmv.

 

[BigJ]

Folks on B&B fall into general categories:
1. Collectors, including some searching for rare ‘pieces’ that will seldom, if ever, get used.
2. Specialists, who know what they want, and rotate among those ’gems.’
3. Folks searching for their ‘destination’ razor, that ticks all the boxes.
4. ‘High-end’ guys, who enjoy shaving with a ‘work of art.’
5. ‘Budget’ guys who want a fine shave at the most reasonable price.

Tons of room for all of these categories (and likely others that I have missed)!!

 

[Adjustingtolife]

Folks on B&B fall into general categories:
1. Collectors, including some searching for rare ‘pieces’ that will seldom, if ever, get used.
2. Specialists, who know what they want, and rotate among those ’gems.’
3. Folks searching for their ‘destination’ razor, that ticks all the boxes.
4. ‘High-end’ guys, who enjoy shaving with a ‘work of art.’
5. ‘Budget’ guys who want a fine shave at the most reasonable price.

Tons of room for all of these categories (and likely others that I have missed)!!

I fit 1, 3, 4.


- Fayiz D.

 

[Owen Bawn]

Folks on B&B fall into general categories:
1. Collectors, including some searching for rare ‘pieces’ that will seldom, if ever, get used.
2. Specialists, who know what they want, and rotate among those ’gems.’
3. Folks searching for their ‘destination’ razor, that ticks all the boxes.
4. ‘High-end’ guys, who enjoy shaving with a ‘work of art.’
5. ‘Budget’ guys who want a fine shave at the most reasonable price.

Tons of room for all of these categories (and likely others that I have missed)!!

Excellent summary... and the same man can fall into different categories based on the items. For example, he might be a #1 with regard to colognes, collecting rare, unused bottles. He might be a #2 with brushes, rotating 5 or 10 that he has settled on after long experimentation; he may be a #3 with his razor, having settled on one for the duration, and he may be a #5 when it comes to soaps, happy to use one or two budget brands.

This is a big tent!

 

[BigJ]

Excellent summary... and the same man can fall into different categories based on the items. For example, he might be a #1 with regard to colognes, collecting rare, unused bottles. He might be a #2 with brushes, rotating 5 or 10 that he has settled on after long experimentation; he may be a #3 with his razor, having settled on one for the duration, and he may be a #5 when it comes to soaps, happy to use one or two budget brands.

This is a big tent!

Yes indeed!

 

[THall]

Once your technique is down, you should be able to get BBS with any razor you decide to use. With me, two or three passes depending on the razor.

I just find that the only difference is that first pass. A less efficient razor will leave more stubble but that is about it, it will be three passes instead of two with a more efficient one.

I just gauge razor performance on smoothness and comfort at this point. My old DE89 leaves my face feeling the same as my most efficient razors in three passes.

 

[Hannah's Dad]

The beauty of this hobby is the very thing which keeps us all coming back — subjectivity. For me, shaving is an experience (not a chore) and my seemingly endless search for ‘perfection’ requires experimentation and variety. I’m much closer to the ‘perfect’ setup than I was 5 years ago when I ditched my Mach 3; but my mind (and yes, my wallet) stays open.

 

[Ravenonrock]

Different strokes, for different folks.

 

[never-stop-learning]

The beauty of this hobby is the very thing which keeps us all coming back — subjectivity. For me, shaving is an experience (not a chore) and my seemingly endless search for ‘perfection’ requires experimentation and variety. I’m much closer to the ‘perfect’ setup than I was 5 years ago when I ditched my Mach 3; but my mind (and yes, my wallet) stays open.

+1 to this! Well said, my friend!